Home Design: 5 Creative Uses of Color

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Introducing new colors to your home can be a daunting experience. There are so many color choices available, it’s tough to narrow down the options. You also have to consider how different colors will work together and how new colors will interact with your existing décor.

A safe strategy is to maintain a neutral color palette and add touches of color with accessories to brighten the space. If you’re ready to take the plunge and introduce more color to your home, there are a few rules to help you do it right. Here are five creative ways to use color in your home without overpowering the space.

Use Color to Create Flow

A favorite designer’s secret is to use strategic placement of color to create flow throughout a house. To achieve this effect, start with a consistent paint color that runs across the main living spaces of your home. To avoid instantly breaking up a space, a good rule of thumb is to avoid having different colored walls within one sightline. Once you have a uniform backdrop, use accent colors to help draw the eye from room to room.

Limit your accent colors to two or three coordinating colors that can be used across the main spaces of your home. Select colors of similar brightness or use varying shades of the same hue to achieve a cohesive look. Introducing color through easily changeable items such as pillows, area rugs, and curtains means you can easily update your decor without a major investment.

Add Unexpected Pops of Color

If you aren’t ready to commit to a whole wall or room full of color, look for unexpected ways to incorporate a bit of color instead. Try painting the back of bookshelves to brighten an office or family room. And whether you opt for a pattern or solid hue, painted stair risers will add a surprising splash of color to an entry or hallway.

Make a statement by using a bold and colorful pattern on a chair or ottoman in an otherwise neutral space. Or, introduce bright colors in the kitchen with brightly colored appliances. From retro pastel hues to sleek and modern metallic shades, you can now find kitchen appliances in almost any color.

Take Your Color to New Highs (and Lows)

Look beyond the walls and furniture for places to add color to your home. Painted ceilings have become the new accent walls. Try dark ceilings to create a dramatic effect or to help make a room with really high ceilings feel cozier. If you prefer light and subtle, a sky-blue ceiling feels natural and makes a room seem more open.

Painted floors offer another striking way to add color to a room. Rather than refinish old hardwood floors, why not paint them a gorgeous shade? If you love a custom look, use a stencil to paint faux-tiles on the floor. You’ll get the look of beautiful tile floors at a fraction of the cost.

Brighten a Room with Colorful Lighting

The days of metallic fixtures with plain white shades are behind us. Today’s new light fixtures show a surprising array of bright colors. From pendants to wall sconces to table lamps, you can find brightly hued lighting for any room in the house.

You can also just add new LED smart bulbs to your current light fixtures to add color. Many smart bulbs now offer a full spectrum of colored light options. You can change the color to complement your décor scheme, your holiday decorating, or your favorite team with just the touch of a button.

Update your Curb Appeal with Color

Curb appeal is everything when you’re selling a house. But why not pay attention to your front yard even if you’re not selling? Freshening up the color to the exterior of your home will help it stand out from the neighbors and make your home seem more inviting.

Most exterior color schemes include a field color, a trim color, and an accent color for doors and shutters. The accent color is where you get to have some fun. Select a color that complements your home’s exterior and use it on the front door, garage door, and shutters if you have them. If possible, continue the color in your landscaping for even more impact.

Any one of these five creative ways to add color will help brighten your home décor. If you’re feeling a little daring, try using a combination of ideas like colored appliances along with a new shade for your front door. In the end, even a small color change can have a big impact.

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