How The Dappled Wood Uses Color to Brighten Winter Style

Winter brings a blend of celebration, reflection, and creative renewal. It’s a time when many look for simple yet meaningful ways to brighten their days and express themselves with clarity. As the days grow shorter and the cold sets in, the desire for comfort and color becomes stronger. The Dappled Wood, a Baltimore-based jewelry studio founded by artist and former tech professional Brittany Arnett, offers a color-forward approach to winter style, beautifully fusing expressive palettes with nature-inspired design.

Known for her lightweight statement earrings crafted with emotional intention, Brittany has garnered a loyal following across the country. The brand has sold more than 2,500 pieces nationwide, with a particular emphasis on the emotional connection between the wearer and their jewelry. Each piece from The Dappled Wood offers not just a unique aesthetic, but a piece of personal expression, designed to make its wearer feel seen, grounded, and empowered.

This winter, as people look for ways to infuse their wardrobes with color, The Dappled Wood’s Flora earrings have emerged as a favorite. Shaped like sculptural flowers, these earrings pair beautifully with soft sweaters, neutral coats, and even festive winter outfits. Their vivid petals add a spark of color to otherwise muted tones, bringing joy and creativity to everyday looks.

“Color affects how we move through the world,” Brittany explains. “During winter, people want pieces that lift their mood and help them feel grounded. The Flora designs do that very naturally because they feel alive, even in the quietest months.”

Color Theory as a Guide for Winter Mood

Brittany’s work is deeply rooted in color theory and the emotional impact that different colors can have. She carefully curates her pieces to reflect how various hues influence mood and energy. For instance, jewel-toned Flora earrings offer grounding warmth, perfect for the colder months when people crave comfort. Soft pastel Floras bring a sense of calm and clarity, making them ideal for those who need a peaceful yet elegant accessory. And for those in search of a burst of energy on the darkest of days, bright, bold flowers in colors like coral or yellow create a playful, uplifting vibe.

Customers often choose Flora designs intentionally, selecting colors that reflect their emotional needs or personal intentions. A deep plum floral might be chosen to invoke a sense of confidence, while a soft lavender bloom offers a sense of ease and serenity. A vivid coral or yellow petal brings joy and light, offering an energetic counterbalance to the quiet beauty of winter.

Each piece becomes more than just a decorative accessory; it serves as a wearable reminder of identity, intention, and the ways in which color can positively influence our mindset. Brittany's designs empower the wearer to reflect their emotional state through something as simple, yet as powerful, as the colors they choose to wear.

A Creative Community That Values Meaning

The Dappled Wood has cultivated a close knit community of collectors who are drawn not only to the visual beauty of Brittany’s work, but also to the meaning woven into each piece. That growing connection has gained wider recognition, with Brittany’s creative journey and emotionally driven designs featured by AP News and regional publications like VoyageBaltimore. Throughout Maryland, where the brand is rooted, customers often share how wearing Flora earrings brings them joy, especially when compliments spark conversations and confidence. Whether adding personality to a workday outfit, standing out at a holiday gathering, or creating small daily rituals of color and self expression, these earrings have become far more than simple accessories.

“Jewelry can be a simple reminder of who you are,” Brittany says. “That is the heart of what I create.”

The Flora Collection, along with Brittany’s evolving faux stone designs, continues to inspire customers who seek jewelry that feels personal, joyful, and emotionally supportive. With each collection, she offers her community the opportunity to explore different aspects of themselves through color and form, providing them with more than just beautiful jewelry but tools for self-expression.

The Dappled Wood Earns "Best Statement Earrings in Baltimore" Award for 2025

The Dappled Wood has been recognized as the recipient of the Best Statement Earrings in Baltimore award for 2025 by the Evergreen Awards. This honor highlights the brand's exceptional ability to blend artistry, color theory, and emotional resonance into each piece. Known for its sustainable practices, lightweight designs, and meaningful connections with customers, The Dappled Wood stands out in the jewelry industry for its dedication to quality and personal expression. The brand's unique commitment to celebrating individuality through vibrant, nature-inspired designs has made it a favorite among customers.

Representation at the Center

As a woman of color artist, Brittany approaches her work with a deep awareness of identity and representation. Her designs honor individuality and actively bring visibility to diverse creative voices. In an industry that often overlooks the perspectives of underrepresented artists, Brittany’s unique approach strengthens the emotional connection she builds with her community. This sense of inclusion and visibility enhances the meaning behind each collection and further fuels the personal connection customers feel when wearing her designs.

The emotional depth and cultural awareness that Brittany brings to her designs also resonates with customers on a broader scale. Her work fosters a sense of belonging, encouraging people from all walks of life to find beauty in diversity and self-expression through color.

Looking Ahead

As winter continues into a new year, Brittany is already looking ahead to the next phase of her creative journey. She plans to explore new palettes and forms inspired by nature’s quiet textures, drawing from the stillness and beauty of the natural world that surrounds her. Her focus remains clear: to create jewelry that brings joy, supports personal intention, and reminds people that power through color thrives in every season.

Whether exploring new color combinations or evolving her design styles, Brittany’s commitment to creating meaningful, emotionally resonant pieces will continue to guide The Dappled Wood. For those who seek jewelry that makes a statement not just about fashion but about who they are, Brittany's creations are a beautiful way to carry intention and joy into the new year.

To explore the Flora Collection and other current designs, visit The Dappled Wood online or follow along on Instagram and Facebook for updates on new pieces and upcoming collections.