It’s the not-so-secret secret to creating memorable rooms that draw you in and invite you to stay. Many of our clients hesitate to use color, so we recommend starting small. Create a foundation with larger upholstery pieces, such as sofas and sectionals, and wood furniture in neutral finishes. Then introduce color – with rugs, artwork, pillows, throws, and accents. This way, when trends change or you want to mix things up, it’s simple to bring in some new hues. Here are a few easy ways to use color to enhance your home:

FLUFF IT UP
Pillows work color magic in any room. They add pop like nothing else, so be bold with prints, patterns, and embellishments – but don’t overdo it. Too many colors (and too many pillows in general) defeat the purpose of creating visual interest in a soft and simple way.

HIT THE WALL
We often suggest painting an accent wall as an easy, cost-effective way to create a focal point. We usually recommend a color a few shades darker than the rest of the walls. A plus: Red, yellow, or orange can turn up the heat in a room, while cooler colors like blue, green, or purple can open up smaller spaces.

GET THE HANG OF IT
To be clear, we don’t recommend choosing a piece of art solely because it picks up a color in a room. A work of art that hangs in your home should be in sync with your furnishings and make you happy. That said, a colorful print or painting can work wonders. If you love it – and it happens to complement your palette in a pleasing way – all the better!

LOOK DOWN
A bold rug (solid or patterned) may be an obvious way to infuse a space with color, but some people don’t like too much drama underfoot. A simple trick: Place neutral furnishings on and around your statement-making rug – the contrast will delight you.

COZY UP
There’s nothing like the ease and portability of placing a colorful throw on an ottoman, on the edge of a chaise, or over the back of a sofa. Layer a few in different shades or textures for fun with numbers and extra pop.

If you’d like more colorful design ideas, our designers can help. Stop by our local Design Center in Pineville,
call 704-341-7512, or visit us at ethanallen.com.