You’ve probably heard and seen it before that using neutral tones in home design is the way to elevate your home and to make a space more sophisticated, timeless, and versatile. Using neutral tones is a big design staple. And don’t get me wrong, neutral tones are beautiful, have a place, and CAN certainly elevate your home. Every person and home is different. However, what I want to explore today is the power color can bring to your home and why you shouldn’t be afraid to pop the question, what color should we make our bathroom?
People are drawn to neutral tones in their home for a variety of reasons, and these choices can be influenced by both aesthetic and psychological factors. Neutral tones are seen as timeless, versatile, harmonious, adaptable, and can reduce decision fatigue which makes them attractive for home design. What if I told you that adding color doesn't mean sacrificing your homes traditional and elegant style? In fact, when done thoughtfully, color can enhance these qualities, adding depth and personality to your space. Without further ado lets begin exploring how you can thoughtfully and simply add some color into your home for a more dynamic and sophisticated look!
Taking the Leap
Adding a pop of color into home design can be an exciting and transformative design choice, but it's not uncommon for people to feel a sense of apprehension or nervousness about taking the plunge. You might feel nervous because you aren't sure how to pull off adding color the right way to your home. You might have concerns about how color could make certain parts of your home seem darker or less 'put together.' You may simply enjoy lighter color palettes in general or you might worry that color might force you to choose between trendiness vs. traditional design. If you resonated with any of those concerns it is completely understandable and I will hopefully address many if not all of your concerns pertaining to adding color.
- No two spaces are alike.
Well... maybe two spaces can be alike but hopefully you know what I mean ;) Some rooms will have more natural lighting in your home while others may have less. Every space will have a different setting and it's important to note that before making a color choice in that area. A splash of color for a wall or a colorful art piece won't necessarily be the best choice in every part of your home. A pop of color does really well as a supporting feature in, for example, a bathroom, office, or a specific wall in your home, which means using it at the right place and time is important. If you are feeling stressed about adding color in a certain area, feel free to back up a bit and consider that area might be best left more neutral or that space might require more subtle uses of color.
- Adding color doesn't always mean bright colors.
Adding color to home design doesn't have to mean embracing bold shades like hot pink and lime green (though you certainly can if you are up for it!); it can be a tasteful journey through a spectrum of hues that perfectly suit your style. You can select a palette that suits your vision for your home, but don't be afraid to venture outside of neutral tones when creating your color palette!
A few popular colors in home design are:
- Navy Blue
- Sage Green
- Emerald Green
- Burgundy
- Plum
- Indigo
- Cobalt Blue
- Earthy Brown
Any of these can act as really great supporting colors for an accent wall, drapes, tiles, and more!
- Start small.
When it comes to adding color to your home, especially if you're a bit color-shy or uncertain about the impact, starting small is a wise and practical approach. Introducing color in small doses allows you to gradually adjust to the change. It gives your eyes and senses time to acclimate to the new visual elements in your space. A low-commitment way to experiment with color is to try something and let it sit for a few weeks. When you walk past it you might get new ideas or might start feeling you're ready to go through with the full project. If you find that a particular color doesn't resonate with you as expected, it's easier and less costly to make changes when you've started small.
Plants are nature's artwork, and they can serve as a stunning and vibrant pop of color in home design. Plants are more than just decor; they bring life, vibrancy, and a connection to nature into your living spaces. Their color-changing, living artistry allows you to adapt and refresh your home's design effortlessly. Whether you opt for lush foliage, flowering plants, or succulent arrangements, these green companions breathe new life and color into your home while promoting a sense of tranquility and well-being.
- Adding 'color' to your home can also mean woods and leather.
Exploring different wood types for your home can indeed provide a delightful pop of color and character to your living spaces. Each wood type boasts its distinct hue and grain pattern, which can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your interior design. For instance, rich and reddish mahogany exudes warmth and sophistication, while pale, blonde woods like maple or birch introduce an airy and modern feel. Dark, espresso-toned woods, such as walnut, bring depth and a touch of drama to a room. Wood-type alone can significantly change the style and color palette of your home allowing you to play with design styles such as mid century modern, rustic, industrial, coastal, etc. Restoration Hardware is a great example of this. They use wood as a color palette in most of their designs.
Leather, often associated with classic and timeless decor, can also serve as a striking pop of color in home design. Leather accessories like throw pillows, cushions, or even leather-bound books can add small but impactful pops of color. These accents can be easily swapped or rotated to refresh the color scheme seasonally. Leather is a very versatile and luxurious material that can elevate your home's design aesthetic.
- Don't know where to start?
If you don’t know where to start, you can use a design inspo tool like pinterest, instagram, the Architectural Digest magazine, Restoration hardware magazines, home design and renovation magazines, home improvement shows, or look up your favorite home designers to see what they say on the topic. It can easily get overwhelming when you see so many designs so it's always a good idea to work within limits of the space, size, and structure that you are designing.
In Conclusion,
Remember that adding color to your home can be as bold or subtle as you desire. Whether you opt for an accent wall, colorful accessories, or an entire room makeover, you have the power to infuse energy, warmth, and personality into your living spaces. Don't be afraid to experiment with color; it's a versatile tool that can enrich your home's aesthetics and make it a more vibrant and inspiring place to live. See our resources section below for more information and inspiration on adding color to your home!
If choosing a pop of color is right for you, we’d love to see how it turned out! Tag us on instagram @laurenmichelledesign.
Bye for now!
Resources:
Architectural Digest: Decorating with Color
Architectural Digest: 25 Room Color Ideas from the AD Archive
West Elm: How to Decorate with Color