ROSY AND COSY

8 Ways to Add Color to Your Home

Many claim that going for neutral colors is a safe and timeless way to go about decorating a new home. It also seems as though minimalistic and monochromati design trends which this scheme supports won't be going anywhere anytime soon. However, just because tame interiors are in vogue doesn't mean you can't add a splash of colors in your home!

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If you’re scared of going too bold, here are subtle but fun ways of incorporating pops of color into any space.

1. Paint

Give your plain cream or white wall a lift by giving it a new coat of paint. If you’re just starting with colors, choose a plain vibrant color first and then see if you can add some patterns later on. You can replay the colors in the furniture or linens across the rest of the space to complete the scheme.

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2. Wallpaper or Mural

If paint seems like a huge commitment, you can opt for a wallpaper or a mural. A wallpaper, especially the vinyl stickable kind, is ideal because you can change it quickly when you grow tired of it.

A mural might require you to hire an artist to paint over the wall or you can do it yourself if you’re starting a hobby in art, but the effort will be worth it as it can easily be a conversation starter for guests.

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3. Furniture

Furniture, aside from it being functional, gives character to homes. But did you know that furniture can also be a great way to brighten up your living spaces? Furniture is usually bought or customized as a set (usually in the same color and material). To break the monotony, you can consider adding a bright accent chair or a set of vibrant nesting stools. Sometimes, a coffee table that doubles as an art piece can also add a bit of zing to an otherwise plain set up in a common area.

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4. Lighting

Lighting can be used to illuminate colors added in your home. Sometimes, the temperature of the light itself adds color to the home.Consider cool white lighting in darker interiors. A warmer lighting will work best in white interiors. Be sure that you are making the most of your natural light as well. Cleaning windows can be a simple yet effective way of letting that precious natural light in. Likewise, installing interesting lighting fixtures in special locations can be a great way to make a room pop. For instance, colored or blinking lights will be perfect for a game or movie room. Go for a soft powder blue for a laid back vibe, or choose a bold red for a more energizing feel.

You can also bring dimension to a smaller room such as a study area or library, through a colorful pendant. Not only are colorful pendants easy to change (keeping the color commitment flexible), they're also subtle while still making a big impact.

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5. Mosaic Tiles

Whether used in a single color or in patterns that vary from simple to highly intricate, mosaic tiles can add interest to your floors. “Mosaic tiles can bring so much interest to any design and up the intensity of a space, whether used as a backsplash or on thefloors,” says Maureen Stevens, an interior designer who splits her time between Austin, TX and New Orleans, LA. “They can also bring a lot of texture through lively patterns that are otherwise unachievable with non-mosaic tiles.” Mosaic tiles can actually be used everywhere from floors to backsplashes to shower walls to outdoor areas.

Photo by Alice Butenko via Pinterest

6. Rugs

Wooden, concrete, or ceramic floors may not always pull the room together. In many cases, incorporatIng a rug with a colorful pattern or detail adds some interest underfoot. An area rug with a colored component can also help hide dirt and debris and is a good way to ease into more colorful décor. Longer runners can also add color to unexpected places and add dimension to just about any hallway or corner.

Photo by Kara Nathan Oakley via Unsplash

7. Florals

A colorful floral arrangement or a well curated set of indoor plants will not only add an organic

element to your home, but it will add a vibrant hue as well. As plants are ever changing (they can be small or big, with different colored leaves or flowers depending on the season), you can move them around different locations where you feel most comfortable adding a dose of color and life.

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8. Accessories

Using small objects and buying them in different colors is a great way to make a color statement. Sift through your kitchen cupboards and living room shelves, and you’ll probably see a pattern emerge in

the color and textures of your accessories. Try grouping similar styles together to make pretty and colorful vignettes from pieces you already have. If you haven’t seen a pattern, why not start a collection

Consider colored vases as an example. You could set aside a shelf or a table to arrange interesting vessels (bottles, vases, planters) in your dining or living area. Leave a little room to add to the vignette over time, and stick to the same color family for a coordinated look.

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WORDS

Lei Panganiban-Duanan