Adding Interior Color

13 simple solutions to refresh your rooms with color

Written by Lee Ann Murphy • Photographed by Eric Roth

Adding a splash of color is a simple way to get a new look without spending major bucks. Read on for ideas to enliven your interior spaces.

1. Add A hint of tint.
Stenciling can satisfy your craving for color and add personality to your home. Try a shade or two darker than the wall color (dark blue stencil on a light blue wall) or go bold and use a contrasting color that makes the pattern pop.

2. Show off.
Make glass-fronted cabinets a stage for colorful glassware and ceramics. Massing items gives greater impact.

3. Create background.
Choose a bold patterned wallpaper or vibrant shade of paint to take the inside of a bookshelf from dull to dramatic. Not only will it add color, it will make items on display stand out.

4. Play it safe.
A coat of paint instantly refreshes any room. If you’re afraid of overwhelming a space, try painting just one wall a bright, bold hue and the rest a softer shade. Or paint the ceiling—anything but white. Eventually you can try painting a whole room a gutsy color.

5. Style with tile..
A mosaic backsplash in the kitchen or bath adds a hit of color. For a bigger statement, tile a whole wall a bright shade.

6. Turn to textiles.
New slipcovers are a great way to add a jolt of color—and they can be changed seasonally. Another option is to swap out ho-hum drapery for something vibrant. Even easier: Pump up the volume quickly and affordably with colorful new throw pillows, bath towels or bedding.

7. Go off the wall.
Hang framed vintage travel posters, children’s artwork or jazzy prints and make a color statement without a major monetary commitment.

8. Take the stairs.
Paint the risers for a surprise hit of color. Choose a shade that won’t show scuff marks and use scrubbable paint.

9. Lighten up.
Art glass pendants add drama and color and provide great task lighting, too.

10. Get down.
Instead of a standard floor, lay a classic checkerboard or stripe pattern in colors you love. If your wood floor is showing its age, paint it in a bold shade or with a colorful design.

11. Pick The right rug.
Area rugs can add instant color. Make a long, narrow hallway say, “Follow me,” with a cheery, striped runner. A bright throw rug in front of your kitchen sink can stand out on your tile floor (and make it more comfy while you work). If you get tired of a rug in one room, switch it for one in another part of the house for an instant, cost-free change.

12. Divide and conquer.
Install a chair rail around the room, then apply different colors above and below. Vivid apple green on top and white below gives a fresh, crisp look.

13. Recycle.
Turn old furniture into new “wow” pieces with a fresh coat of paint in an unexpected hue. Try painting the drawer fronts one color and the body another. Revamping stuff destined for the land fill not only saves the planet, but saves you money, too.

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