When the weather warms, people naturally feel an uplift in their spirits, too. We want to move away from dark colors and heavy clothing. A great way to give your home that same sort of lift in mood is to bring in bolder and brighter color. Some people are nervous about using color in their home because they feel that they may not love it once it’s in the room. So here are my best tips for adding color without worry!

1. Start Small

A great way to introduce a new color or more colors to a space is to start with smaller items, like pillows, accessories, art, or even flowers. Experiment with colors that you really like, but you want to “try on” to see if they work. The great thing about starting with these items is that they are easy to change out, including for a new season or a holiday.

2. Use a Color You Love

If you love a color, there’s a very good chance that you’ll be thrilled with even more of it in your home. Everyone knows I love all shades and hues of pink, so layering it into a room is definitely going to make me happy. In the room I designed above, you can see how that layered approach - using just one or two colors - can make an impact without being too busy or bold.

3. Make a Test Case

Try a color experiment in a test room - like a small powder room, a laundry room, or a bonus room. It’s less nerve-wracking to test a bolder color selection in one of these spaces because you either don’t see it all the time or it isn’t a public space that guests will see. In the powder room above, I used a strong color and pattern in the wallpaper and it definitely leaves a big impression. I love the look, but guess what? I’m already redesigning this room. It’s easy to just select another great wallpaper or paint color!

4. Go All In

Do you love blue? Then why not just go for it?! In the office space above, I selected a paint color I knew my client would love and we literally drenched the walls and shelving in the stunning shade. Think you aren’t bold enough to try it? Think again. Designers are there to push our clients into trying new things, but you can make this step on your own, too. If you love the color, it definitely makes it easier, as I said above. But also, remember that it’s just paint! It isn’t that expensive or difficult to paint over it if you make a mistake.

The key to all of these tips is just to have the confidence to try something new. We all need more joy and color in our lives, so plan your next bold move! If you need help with your home’s design, reach out to my team.

All the best,

Kara