4 Ways to Use Bold Color in Your Home

Kara Cox Interiors

One of the things I’m asked about the most is color - which color is right for a certain room, how to make a color statement, and where to use bold color. Most people are nervous about using color in their homes, especially the hues on the bolder end of the spectrum. They often are worried about making a mistake, even with a color they really love. So I have 4 ideas that help people feel more comfortable with those bold choices for their home, starting with small touches and working their way up to seriously daring ideas. Give these a try if you’re a little nervous, too!

Kara Cox Interiors

1. Accessorize It

If you are nervous about color, start by taking baby steps. Bring in bold selections for your pillows, throws, lamps, or accessories. That way, if you want to change the color later, you don’t have to make a big investment to switch it all out. Use complementary colors to the more neutral tones in the room. So if your space uses a lot of pastel blue, try touches of bright orange or red. Or bring in hot pink hues to liven up a soft sage room.

Kara Cox Interiors

2. Use Your Art

Art is another great way to bring color into a room. But always select the art based on what you love, not just for the color effect. This can be a more dramatic step than the one above because seriously bold art will definitely be a focal point. Don’t let that scare you, though! If it’s a painting or a print that you love, you’ll love the effect it has on your room, too. Most galleries will allow you to try a piece in your home before you buy it, too, so experiment with a new look.

Kara Cox Interiors

3. Go Small

Select a small space in your home - like a powder room, a guest room, or an entry - and try a daring color. In the entry niche above, I used a black wallpaper to create a “wow” moment, highlighted with a lot of pattern and the floating table. These smaller spaces are perfect for experimenting with color because they are usually the less-used places in your home, and because they’re easy to change if you’re unhappy with the final look. Choose that space and go bold!

Kara Cox Interiors

4. Be Fearless!

If you’re really ready to be adventurous, drench a room in fabulous color. The key here is to select a color that you already love, one that you will be happy to live with in a bold room. In the room above, we pulled the gorgeous blue from a color in the painting. It really complements the art, and it was a color that my client loves, so it was a win-win. When you do go all-in on a dramatic hue like this one, be sure to counterbalance it with quieter tones that work well with the focal color.

How bold would you go with color in your home? If you want to take the leap but need a guiding hand, reach out to me and my team!

All the best,

Kara