If you’re needing some color inspiration, Better Homes & Gardens just announced their Color Palette of the Year. It consists of rain forest green, warm blush, shape-shifting coral, sophisticated gray, fresh berry and oceanic blue.
I think it’s a beautiful, really happy palette, but I’m guessing that some of these colors would be a stretch for a lot of homeowners to introduce into their home—especially if you tend to ride the safer beige train. Intrigued, but not sure how to use a bold, new color with what you have? I put together a few simple ways to introduce a little bit of big color into your home:
Incorporate colorful textiles. Pillows are an obvious choice, but I also like the idea of using colorful blankets for layering because they pack a bigger punch. A really easy way to try out new colors without committing to the cost of reupholstery or new furniture. (By the way, I think this site has some fun possibilities.)
Paint a bold color inside of something—an unused fireplace, the back of a bookcase or china cabinet, an often-opened pantry.
Have your kids’ paint some fun abstract art. Give them a color palette and let them go to work!
Change out your lampshades for an instant punch of color. (Or, you might try painting them like I did here.)
Experiment with flowers. Even though they add a small amount of color, I think fresh flowers are a good way to see if bold color is for your home or not. (It’s okay to start small, after all.)
Find more color ideas on BHG’s Color Adventure Pinterest board.
Just saw this color palette on the Carolyn Roehm Blog.
She did a gorgeous room in greens and shades of pink.
http://carolyneroehm.com/2015/01/23/at-long-last-the-chinoiserie-room-is-ready-to-receive/
Great tips for trying out ANY new color. I’ve been toying with the idea of adding coral to my bedroom. I have a sweater in a similar shade to what I’d like to try, so I wrapped it around a throw pillow and left it on my bed for a while. It turns out that particular shade wasn’t a winner, but it helped point me to a more saturated version. Baby steps!
Great ideas, Emily! I was happy to see the BHG color palette, as my daughters’ rooms (that I started working on last year) incorporate coral, berry, and gray. Sometimes it can be frustrating to come up with an original design plan, only to have the colors or fabrics chosen become the new trend or “it” colors. On the other hand, it sure does help when they become more widely available in the mass market & I don’t have to customize it all ;)
Great ideas and pretty images!
I’m all about pillows, flowers, and art. Easy to change out and rotate colors!
gorgeous colors, and great tips! I love the lampshade idea, and the abstract art idea…perfect for this weekend when we start going stir-crazy from being cooped up inside.
Great post! I love bold colour in the home as is obvious from the rugs and wallpaper I sell. For those less adventurous with colour, wallpapering a small alcove eg. a small area behind some shelves in a bright colour/graphic pattern could be an idea as well.