If you want to decorate with color but aren't sure how to get started check out the following articles. All contain information about decorating with specific colors – how to use them and what other colors they work with. Then erase your fear and get started. There's no reason why we can't all inject a little more color into our home and lives!
YELLOW-Cheerful and versatile, yellow is a popular choice for interiors.
Despite its popularity, yellow has a reputation for being a bit difficult. It's easily influenced by what's around it and it can change dramatically with the amount of light that comes into the room. It can appear warm or cool; bright or dark; civilized or outlandish; all depending on what it's paired with and the type and amount of light that enters the space. For example, when paired with red, yellow takes on a reddish hue. When paired with green it takes on a citron-ish hue. No matter how much time you spend pouring over paint chips, you never really know how yellow will look until the room is complete.
If you want to decorate with yellow you just have to go for it. Just try to follow a few rules.
Tips for Decorating with Yellow
- If you're nervous about decorating with this tricky color, start small. Some accent pillows, a footstool, or a few decorative accents like vases are a great way to start without making a big investment.
- Pale and muted yellows are easier to use than bright hues, which can become overwhelming. Use soft tones for walls and large pieces of furniture and save the stronger shades for accent pieces.
- Since it's a primary color, yellow can be paired with just about any other color. Try mixing it with pink, turquoise, green, or even purple and orange. Even the most unlikely pairs can work if you use the right amount and intensity.
- Don't be afraid to mix several shades of yellow in the same room. Just be sure to ground it with something else. Black is always a good choice. It will connect all the shades together and give the eye a place to rest.
- Because yellow is a strong color, you might not want to have too many large scale pieces done in it. It can become overwhelming so it's well-suited to side chairs and accent pillows than it is large sofas.
- When it comes to bright hues, a little yellow goes a long way. Always balance it with another color.
- A yellow and white room tempered with bits of black is guaranteed to be cheerful.
- If you want to paint the wall in a strong yellow, try to balance it with neutral furnishings. Paint the trim white to give it a crisp look.
Decorating with yellow may be difficult, but the rewards are worth it. When done properly a yellow room can be bright, cheerful, dramatic, and debonair.
ORANGE-There's no better way to add a vibrant burst of energy to your interior space than with orange, but decorating with orange isn't always easy. Check out these tips and suggestions for decorating with this bold and sunny color.
Bright Orange
Bright orange can be tricky to use but it's very effective when done right.
- Sprinkle bright orange accessories throughout a room. In a living room use lamps, throw pillows, vases and picture frames; in an office use bright orange desk accessories; in a kitchen try using bright orange mixing bowls, mugs and other dishes.
- Bright orange can be very effective when used in fabrics. A single side chair, window treatment, or small upholstered piece such as a footstool can make a great focal point when done in a bold orange fabric (patterned fabrics such as stripes and geometric prints are particularly effective). Be wary of covering really large pieces such as sofas in bright orange because you can tire of it quickly. Recovering a sofa or buying a new one can be costly.
- If you really love it and want to make a bold statement try painting the walls. Just be sure to temper them by using simple and calming furniture. Avoid using a lot of other colors because the effect can be jarring. Instead stick with something soothing such as white or a very soft blue.
- For a fresh and eye-catching room combine bright orange with turquoise.
Dark Orange
Dark orange is a bit easier to use than bright orange and can help to create a warm and dramatic space.
- Dark orange looks great in dining rooms. It looks terrific when paired with dark wood dining room furniture and can help to create a very dramatic mood.
- Combine dark orange with creams and earthy tones in living rooms, dining rooms, offices, and family rooms.
- Dark orange is inherently cozy which makes it a great choice in colder environments and in the fall and winter months. If you live in a hot and sunny climate try to use it sparingly with just a few accent pieces.
Soft orange is a little more forgiving than the other shades, but all of the same rules still apply. Be sure to balance it with other soft colors. Robin's egg blue, sage green and white make nice companion colors.
Note: Due to its high amount of energy, orange isn't the best color to use in a bedroom. It tends to be too bright and doesn't contribute to a restful environment. If you really want to use it try to stick with a soft, almost dreamy orange. It's the most relaxing shade. If you want to use bright orange in a bedroom try to limit it to an accessory or two such as a lamp, some throw pillows or a piece of art.
TURQUOISE- Few colors are as playful as turquoise. Depending on how you use it, turquoise decor can be bold, whimsical, dreamy, or lively. It can be used in traditional and classic rooms or contemporary, modern spaces. The key when decorating with turquoise is to use it in a way that works for your space and your personality.
Mix Turquoise Decor with Other Colors
Because it has both warm and cool undertones, turquoise can work with just about every other color. Click on the links for some great photo examples from design blog House of Turquoise.
- Mix turquoise with other cool colors for a soft and pretty look. Lavenders, pinks and soft greens can contribute to a dreamy setting when mixed with turquoise.
- Turquoise can be made more masculine by being pared with darker colors such as charcoal, hunter green or chocolate brown.
- For a fun and bold look that is neither too feminine nor too masculine try pairing turquoise decor with red or orange.
- Enjoy the feeling of spring all year long by decorating a room in turquoise and lime green. Mixing it with yellow is another great way to create a sunny, fresh feeling all year long.
- Darker versions of the color mix beautifully with gold. For a dramatic setting use a shade of turquoise with green undertones and mix it with gold accessories.
- For a bold look that can either be modern or classic pair turquoise decor with black and white.
- Turquoise is a great backdrop for many other colors so if you're ready for a big commitment try painting the walls. If painting a whole room is a bit scary for you try painting a single accent wall.
- If you like the color but don't want to overwhelm the space or make a big commitment, try dotting a few turquoise accents around the room. A few throw pillows, well-placed vases or picture frames can be enough. The key is to use a few and use them in different spots in the room to create a layered effect.
- If you want to decorate an entire room in turquoise try not to bring in large amounts of pattern. Big areas such as sofas, window treatments and walls should be solid. Use patterns in smaller doses such as in pieces of art, accent pillows, and small, upholstered pieces such as footstools. That said, if you really want to make a statement you can use a large amount of pattern (say with patterned wallpaper for example) then ground it with solid furniture.
- Turquoise is reminiscent of water and therefore lends itself nicely to bathrooms. Using turquoise tile on the floors and walls can be fun but if you don't want to go that far try using towels and bathroom accessories.Light, clean and airy, white can open up even the smallest of space
- WHITE-When a room is decorated completely in white it calls attention to the unique shapes, textures, and characteristics of all of the items within. But decorating with white isn't necessarily easy. There are certain rules that need to be followed to keep an all-white room from looking dull and flat.
The Rules for Decorating with White
To keep the room from looking flat, use a variety of textures and patterns to create depth. - Be sure to interrupt broad expanses of white with the occasional bit of black. Adding a touch of black (or dark brown) will ground an all white space and give the eye a place to rest. Picture frames, light fixtures, or the odd decorative accent will do the trick. Be sure to use a few throughout the room to create balance.
- Use mirrors to open up the space and reflect light. Take into account what will be reflected when you place it. If possible, place a mirror across from a window to take advantage of the natural light and outdoor view.
- Glass and crystal accessories are welcome additions to an all-white room. They're visually light but can add shape and depth to the room.
- On mantels (or anywhere you create vignettes such as sideboards or bookcases) layer accessories beginning with the tallest pieces in the back and working your way forward. Layer mirrors or artwork in white frames (or black frames with a lot of white matting), white vases, and white flowers for a vignette with depth and visual interest. Also use small items like candlesticks, decorative boxes or any other items you love.
- Layer couches and chairs with blankets, throws and pillows in different shades and textures.
- Use wood in a white room to add a natural element. Whether it's furniture frames, floors, ceiling beams or accessories, the warmth of the wood will temper the cool starkness of all the white.
White Walls
Plain white walls can be boring so dress them up with artwork, mirrors and architectural details, or make them more decorative with wallpaper or paint.
- Wallpaper - White-on-white wallpapers are easy to find and very elegant. Damask and floral patterns will add sophistication.
- Paint - Try painting a pattern such as vertical or horizontal stripes using two different shades of white. For something more glamorous try using a stencil (damask is a very elegant option) to create an elegant and personalized design. Use a matte paint for the background and a glossy paint for the stenciled portion. The result is subtle yet sophisticated. If the walls are wood you can also try whitewashing them for a shabby chic look.
- Architectural Details - Interest can also be added to walls by adding architectural details such as decorative moldings. A plate rail is a popular option but you can also create different, more intricate looks using molding. A series of large squares for example is simple and elegant. It's a great way to create depth without interrupting the flow of the white when painted the same shade as the walls.
Here are some ideas for decorating with pink.
Soft Pink
- Soft pinks are light and feminine and work beautifully with whites and creams. A living room full of cream furniture with pink décor accents such as drapes and pink patterned pillows is pretty without being too girly. Add a large gilt mirror to up the elegance factor.
- Blush is a lovely color for a bedroom. Mix it with gray and silver for an elegant look. Use silks, satins and velvets to up the luxe factor.
- For a fresh, spring look mix soft pink decor with fresh greens. This look is particularly pretty in living rooms and dining rooms. Imagine green and cream striped walls, a dark wood table, a gold chandelier and pink upholstered seats. Lovely!
Bright Pink
- Bold pinks such as fuchsia and raspberry have a modern sensibility. Try adding a hot pink piece of furniture or include a fuchsia accent wall in a modern white room.
- Bright pinks look great when mixed with stainless steel and chrome. Keep this in mind when decorating kitchens and bathrooms. For instance, a hot pink bathmat and/or towels look great in a modern bathroom with stainless steel fixtures.
- A bright pink settee in a dark entryway is a stunning focal point.
- When decorating a room for a teenager try mixing hot pink with orange or purple. It's pretty bold, but it's also very current and trendy.
- Using a bold pink in an office can help keep you energized when trying to work. An accent wall painted bright pink can do the trick.
Pink Color Combinations
Though some are surprised by it, pink works with almost every other color. The best ones to use just depend on your style and personal preference. Colors include:
- Gray
- White
- Cream
- Gold
- Silver
- Black
- Brown
- Green
- Soft Blue
- Burgundy
- Cranberry
The thing to remember about decorating with pink – any pink – is to break it up with different colors to achieve balance. The best colors will always depend on the intensity of the pink you use and the look you want to achieve. But don't be afraid. Pink is a great color to decorate with, and it's not just for women!
GREEN-There are few colors as fresh and rejuvenating as green. Green is the color of rebirth, renewal, and growth. It's soothing, energetic and peaceful. For all these reasons and more, decorating with green remains popular with designers, decorators and homeowners.
Green comes in a wide variety of shades and tones from watery hues to bright limes to deep emeralds. What's great is that because green is essentially a neutral, every shade and tone works with just about every other color. This is one of the many reasons why decorating with green is such a breeze.
Green Color Combinations
Green works with almost every other color in existence. Here are a few examples:
- Green and White: Fresh, light and easy on the eyes. Be sure to incorporate a lot of patterns to keep this color scheme fun and vibrant.
- Green and Brown: Grounding and reminiscent of nature. Pairing different shades of green with brown is warm and tends to create a cozy atmosphere.
- Green and Pink: One of the most classic color combinations. Keep your greens soft if you're pairing them with pink. Add gold accents to give it a glam look.
- Green and Red: It's not just for Christmas anymore. Look at the color wheel and you'll see that this is a great combo. Just avoid adding too many sparkly accents or it might look like Christmas all year round.
- Green and Black: Hip and bold. Deep greens paired with black hints at luxury and sophistication.
- Green and Yellow: Youthful and vibrant. Lemon and lime have always worked well together. Just be sure to add some white to break it up.
- Green and Blue: If they're good enough for nature they're certainly good enough for home décor. Blue and green work together well in both deep and soft tones alike.
Decorating with Green
Green can be used anywhere.
- If you want to cover a large expanse of space consider a green area rug or green walls.
- Green furniture always looks good. Consider a green and white trellis fabric on chairs or a painted green chest of drawers.
- If you're not sure where or how to use it, try incorporating some green accessories. A few well-placed vases, throw pillows or even lamps and mirrors can give your home the burst of freshness it needs.
- When in doubt, some plants and green flowers can give you that little touch of green you need. Just be wary of using too many plants. While a few are desirable, don't overdo it and make your home feel like it's being overtaken.
The main thing to remember about green is that it's versatile. If you're wondering if it will work in your space and with your existing furnishings, the answer is probably yes.
RED-Due to it's dramatic glamour and bold energy, decorating with red takes a certain amount of courage and confidence. But when done correctly, rooms decorated with red can be warm, inviting, and sophisticated.
Choosing the Right Red
When deciding which red to use consider the architecture of your home and the mood you want to create.
- Modern styles tend to look best with bright, primary reds.
- Traditional and Victorian looks generally benefit from deeper and more burgundy tones.
- Country styles look great when they incorporate softer, chalkier reds.
Decorating with Red – Where and How to Use It
Red can be used anywhere in a home in a number of different ways.
- Red is known to stimulate the appetite as well as conversation making it ideal for dining room walls. Consider a deep, rich red paired with dark wood furniture for a sophisticated and historic look.
- Because of its passionate nature red can be a great color for romantic bedrooms. That said, it's best not to use a bright, primary red in the bedroom because the tones are very energetic and won't be as restful as you might want.
- Even a small amount of red can add a burst of energy to a room, so if you're a little shy try adding something small like a vase, throw pillow or picture frame, or even a bouquet of red flowers.
- Red works great as an accent color, particularly in a simple black and white color scheme.
- A traditional oriental or Persian rug with a good amount of red in it is a classic way to bring red into a room without it being overwhelming.
- Red and white toile is charming and adds a feminine and historic element to a space.
Red Color Combinations
Red looks great when paired with a variety of other colors. Some of the more popular colors to pair with red include:
- White
- Yellow
- Blue
- Black
- Orange
- Pink
- Violet
- Green
- Gold
Remember when you're decorating with red that it's a vibrant and powerful color. It's a statement color and should be treated as such. Be confident and have fun with it.
BLACK- When it comes to interior decorating black has gotten a bad rap. People tend to think decorating with black is dark and depressing. But this isn't the case. The reality is that at least a little bit of black is essential in every room. It's dramatic, stylish, and provides a grounding effect that is necessary in every interior. Just like a coating of mascara on the eyelashes, black enhances the colors and shapes around it.
The Versatility of Black
Black can be used in any room, in any style. Whether it's a sleek and modern couch or geometric patterned rug, or an elegant and feminine headboard or scrollwork table, black can be masculine, feminine, serious, fun, severe, or romantic. It's all about how you use it.
Black as an Accent
It's important that every room have just a little bit of black. It has a grounding effect that gives the eye a place to rest. When you have too many light and airy colors with nothing to ground them they can almost appear to be floating. It can be confusing to the eye.
You don't need to have a lot of black, just enough to tie things together. A few black picture frames on a wall, a black coffee table, black trim on the walls, or even something as simple as a little ribbon detail on a lampshade or pillow is enough. Even better? Do all of these things. Repetition is always a good idea in decorating so use these little touches throughout a room to create a unified look.
What's really great about using black as an accent is that it can tie a whole lot of pieces together that otherwise don't mesh. For example, you can put a series of photos or pieces of art together that are different styles and colors, and make them work by putting them all in black frames. Even though they're different they instantly become a unit.
Black as a Dominant Color
Although black is dark, a room that has black as its dominant color doesn't have to be.
Rules for Decorating with Black
- If you're decorating with black and white be sure to use a mixture of large, small, and medium scale patterns along with solid black and solid white to create visual interest and depth.
- If black is your dominant color (the wall color for example) add some architectural details like crown molding, a picture rail or wainscoting to keep it from looking flat.
- Use an accent color in a black room to punch it up and keep it from being too stark. Anything goes. Add a bold pink or orange for excitement, baby blue or green for softness, or try gold or silver for glamorous sophistication (mirrored furniture and crystal accents are also great for that "Hollywood glam" look).
- Think of a black room as you would a little black dress. It's a great foundation but you need accessories to give it life. Plan your room as you would an outfit.
