Are You Afraid of Bold Color?

 

 

Do you long for a vibrant and colorfully hued home?  Are you reluctant to commit to color for fear of the “circus effect”?

 

Or is it just me?

 

I looove color, but with the exception of my dining room, ALL of the walls in my home are neutral.

 

I want to date color, I just don’t want to MARRY it.

 

There are countless ways to add small doses of color to your rooms without overwhelming your decor, or requiring your family to wear sunglasses in the house.

 

Check out this colorful dining nook.  The background is totally neutral, with curtains, pillows and flowers adding big impact.  Now, I’m not sayin’ that you can’t paint your walls purple, if that’s what you love, but if you’ve got a commitment problem, just stick with the accessories.

 

The lime green bed in this room packs considerable PUNCH, especially against the white walls.  Remember, if you buy your furniture at flea markets and thrift stores, repainting is an easy option only limited by the selection in the spray paint aisle.

I think that this room represents the perfect use of pattern.  There are three prints, all in the same color palette, and in the same intensity.  They work together perfectly and are easy on the eyes, despite the orange and green color scheme.  Again, with a neutral background, this dining area would be cheap and easy to change.

I looove this look, because although neutral in palette, there is PLENTY of interest, pattern and contrast.  Those curtains are FABULOUS, and I love the black table and sideboard mixed with the lighter pieces. 

Now I’m confused.  Do I want neutral with punches of vibrant color?  Or neutral with contrast in texture and pattern?

I pick all of the above.  I think.

To read more ideas for adding color to your home, read this article from bhg.com, my source for these pictures.