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Accents of color


What Are Accent Colors?

By

Maria Sabella

Maria Sabella

Maria Sabella is an E-Design consultant and has spent the last six years working in the interior design and staging industries, as well as writing digital content focused on home-related topics.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Published on 03/01/22

September15 / Getty Images

If you're in the process of redecorating a room, thinking about accent colors and creating a color scheme is a great starting point. Color influences not just what a space looks like but what it feels like, too, so considering the atmosphere you want to evoke is key.

What Is an Accent Color?

Accent colors are supplementary colors that typically contrast or complement the primary colors used in a room. Accent colors are used for emphasis, to enhance a color scheme, or to liven up or add drama to an otherwise monochromatic space.

Perhaps when you hear the term accent color, you think of a room with white walls and one dark blue wall. An accent color is not necessarily just a wall color that's different than the rest of the walls in the room, though. The one blue wall certainly fits in the category of an accent color, but there is a lot more to it. Accent colors can exist in the form of wall colors but also in the form of accessories such as throw pillows or artwork and furniture. They can be carried through furniture pieces and decor items, as well as an accent wall, to establish a continuous theme and harmonious aesthetic throughout a room.

If you want to add some visual interest to an otherwise plain room, using accent colors will help you achieve that. The general rule for accent colors is 60-30-10, meaning that 60 percent of the room should be your main color, 30 percent should be your accent color, and 10 percent should be your secondary accent color. If in doubt, stick to this rule, and you'll be able to achieve a balanced look.

The 10 Best Paints for Interior Walls for 2023

Why Accent Colors Matter

Accent colors are a great way to create continuity and balance throughout a room. When done right, they will make a space feel harmonious and put-together and bring in contrast that adds definition and dimension. When overdone, however, a room can end up losing its sophistication and start to look a little kitschy.

Here is the key to doing it right: Use an accent color sparingly enough that it doesn't feel overpowering, use it in varying shades, don't just use it on the walls but add it in throughout your decor, and mix it in with two or three other colors to balance it out, so that the space doesn't start to feel like a checkerboard.

How to Find Accent Colors

When trying to find accent colors for your home, start with one room. Look at the room and its architectural structure, think about the way that you use it—whether it's a formal or informal space, for example—what furniture and decor items you want to place in it, the mood that you want to create, and what colors you are naturally drawn to.

Answering these questions is a good starting point for thinking about accent colors and a color scheme in general. Begin to pull together a color scheme of a couple different colors that you like and that complement each other, then select ones that you want to use as your main color and accent colors. If you're not sure about what colors will look good together, no worries!

There are plenty of tools you can use to help you out, from paint brand brochures that show curated color collections and fan decks that allow you to look at colors and various shades together to complementary colors on the color wheel and magazines showing spaces that appeal to you and you'd like to emulate. You can also read on for some tried-and-true favorites when it comes to color combinations and accent colors.

Popular Color Combinations

There are literally thousands of beautiful color combinations that you could use, but here are some examples of popular ones to inspire you, depending on the style and feel you want to create.

Earthy

Coastal

Classic

Traditional

Serene

Sophisticated

Ultra-Modern

Energetic

Fun

Eclectic

Rooms That Prove the 60-30-10 Color Rule Is Worth Following

Accent color ideas – how to use them and why they are important |

(Image credit: Zoffany)

When decorating any room in your home, you might feel like there's something missing and that could well be an accent color. This technique of adding in an unexpected shade in small areas of the room is one of the quickest ways to add drama to a space, while creating a harmonious scheme.

However, you might well wonder why you should even include accent colors in your room color ideas, let alone how to use them to their potential.

We've curated 12 of the best ways to use accent colors in your room, from highlighting architectural features to zoning a space.

What is an accent color?

An accent color is essentially a shade used in comparatively small quantities in a space, to add impact and interest.

Depending on the outcome you wish to arrive at, these colors can be complementary or contrasting the the main tone of the room, but either way they are there to add emphasis to the overall colour, not detract from it.

Judy Smith, Crown Colour Consultant explains: 'There are two things your must consider when choosing an accent paint color. Firstly what style do you want? Is it modern or traditional, fun or more considered? Secondly what is the atmosphere? Clean and spacious, deep and moody, bright and breezy? Whatever your preference the choice of paint really can help fashion both style and atmosphere. '

(Image credit: Claybrook)

The complementary shades used in the scheme above highlight how one might use similar tones to create interest.

'Using shade 1974 beneath Hay Bale anchors the space, with Peach Juice on the shelf acting as an eye-catching break to the two blocks of colour," describes Rob Whitaker, Creative Director, Claybrook

Accent color ideas

Try these accent color ideas to add extra detailing and interest to a space. 

1. Highlight paneling

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

If you live in a home with interesting architectural features, this is a great area to begin when considering how to incorporate accent colors.

While you could 'fill in' the panels with a block color, it can pay to approach things more tentatively: 'Being adventurous with color is hugely rewarding and you need only start with a few flashes of your favourite strong color,' advises color expert Annie Sloan .

'I tend to base a scheme on the neutrals I want to use, identify what tones they include and then use splashes of a color opposite for maximum drama and interest. For example, if I’m using a cool-toned grey I’d use pops of a hot color – maybe a coral orange. It’s a very effective way to make a room vastly more lively and rewarding to look at, and you only need small amounts of you accent color.'

2. Take color across different surfaces

(Image credit: Emma Lewis)

Accent colors don't always have to be constrained to a very small spot. Another way of using a striking color is by taking this across various smaller surfaces, without encroaching on the walls themselves.

This scheme makes a focal point of the deep duck egg, used on the bathroom unit, window frame and molding. While the wallpaper actually takes up the majority of the space in the room, between the continuity of the accent paint and the reflection, the accent creates a lot of impact while only taking up a relatively small amount of space.

3. Use accent colors to zone a room

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

One of the most most classic ways to use an accent color is to paint an accent wall.

For a more traditional and luxurious look, painting a single wall behind a bed or sofa creates a focal point in the room and draws your eyes into a specific area, also allowing the furniture to pop.

'Colour is not only visually pleasing but a powerful tool for transforming spaces,' comments Farrow & Ball Color Curator Joa Studholme. 'In this instance it has been be used to create a more intimate space in a large airy room - a cosy corner to relax in when the natural light fades.'

4. Draw attention to architectural spaces

(Image credit: Zoffany)

A classic, yet subtle, way of embracing accent color is by looking to smaller architectural features of the home.

Try painting skirting boards, dado rails and picture rails in a juxtaposing color, which will make the fixture stand out without overwhelming the room.

5. Contrast with a crisp white

(Image credit: Sanderson)

Accent color doesn't have to mean 'color' in the traditional sense.

Break up blocks of bold color, like these walls in Indigo Blue by Sanderson, by painting alcoves in neutrals or, even better, a crisp white. The contrast will feel refreshing and keep the room alive.

6. Make a functional area fun

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

From kitchen art ideas to colorful offices, with so many of working from home, and kids in and out of home schooling, it's time to look to brightening up our work spaces.

A child's study space or home office is the perfect location to play with a bright accent color without doing up the rest of the room – here's it's used as an accent wall. Crown Color Consultant, Judy Smith, agrees: 'A section of the wall painted in a kid's or teenage bedroom in a bright shade will give the room a fun element with minimal effort while still opening up the space,' - great for bedroom accent wall paint ideas.

Bright colors are also meant to stimulate the mind, so maybe more work will even get done as a result!

See more home office ideas to brighten up your work space.

7. Add glamor

(Image credit: Tom Leighton)

Metallics are so appealing, but it can be scary when you start using them to decorate your home. Crown Color Consultant, Judy Smith, believes this is a great way to start playing with accent colors.

'If you want a more dramatic look try pairing vivid and dark colours with metallic accents and finishes to give the space a glamorous look while keeping it balanced with hints of texture, shine and brightness.'

8. Decorate often overlooked spaces

(Image credit: Jake Curtis)

Features like skylights are rarely considered an option for decorating or adding color, but it's just a missed opportunity.

Have fun with you space, and start using accent colors. In a skylight, consider that the idea is for light to enter in, so stick to warming colors such as pinks and yellows, and away from cool blues, greens and grays.

9. Make a feature of storage space

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Because of the small size, accent colors are ideal for brightening up the most unexpected spots in the home.

'One of my favourite tips is to paint something neutral on the outside and then add a flash of vibrant colour on the inside; it’ll make you smile every time you open a drawer or a wardrobe," says Annie Sloan. "Colour brings joy so be bold with it!'

10. Use neutrals to make bold colors pop

(Image credit: Edward Bulmer)

A clean stripe of neutral painted dado rail will freshen up any room. This elegant wall color, Aquatic by Edward Bulmer, is enlivened by the addition of the brand's Spanish White shade.

'Painting the whole dado in off-white stems from the days when oil paint was chosen and lead white gave the most opacity to the paint, so was a cost effective way to achieve a solid finish,' adds Edward Bulmer.

Pictured: Antiques and styling provided by Lorfords Antiques

11. Create a faux dado rail

(Image credit: Dulux)

Even new builds without dado or picture rails can have fun with stripes of color, simply create your own sections on the wall using an accent color.

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux , comments: 'You don’t need a lot of bright color to make a big impact in a room, in fact, just like a great pair of shoes, designer tie or contrasting nail varnish it’s that dash of flash that gets all the admiring attention.'

12. Add impact to furniture

(Image credit: Alexander James)

Why should walls have all the fun?

Add interest to tired furniture by having fun with stencils, or free painting with accent shades. It's also the perfect solutaion to enliven a rented property.

'People are painting furniture in really interesting ways at the moment,' notes Annie Sloan. 'Painting using blocks of color and leaving some parts of the piece unpainted is a great trend.'

How do I use accent colors?

The interior design rule for painting a room comes down to proportions. You should aim for 60% of the space in a dominant color, 30% in a secondary color, and then 10% left for an accent color. As for where to use the latter? The home is your oyster! Everything from architraves and window frames to radiators and doors can add something special with an accent color.

Why are accent colors so important?

Accent colors add personality and joy to a space, and even the smallest dash of brightness can make a vast difference. As Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux says: 'Decorating should be fun and it pays to throw caution to the wind by being playful with color, especially in rooms where you spend lots of time.'

Thea Babington-Stitt is a Content Editor at Future. She has been an interiors journalist for nearly 10 years and has held positions at LivingEtc, Country Homes & Interiors and Homes & Gardens. Currently, she is writing for Ideal Home and Style At Home's websites and magazines.

Bright accents in the interior - 15 examples of the use of color from designers

How to decorate

Deciding to decorate an apartment in bright colors is not easy. It seems that over time the shade will get bored or become too intrusive, so it is better to carefully integrate your favorite tones into the interior in the form of accents - in furniture, textiles or even decoration. In this article, we show 15 examples of excellent work with color.

Bright accents in the dining room

The owners of the apartment are sun worshipers, so the architects of Atelier Prototipi not only allowed light to penetrate into all corners, but also made their own “sun” in the kitchen in the form of a yellow set. Nevertheless, it is not accented here - the soft pastel shade of the facades is in harmony with the light tones of the walls, but the chairs with blue upholstery clearly play in contrast.

Accents do not have to be the same color. There are several of them in the Makava studio project, and it is all the more interesting to look at it. But it is important that shades harmonized with each other or were used reasonably. In this kitchen, for example, it is no coincidence that the canvas “Lady on the Rainbow” by the artist Ivo Petrov hangs. The same colors are found on it, so the picture perfectly collects the image together.

Makava studio project. Photo: Sergey Krasyuk.

Not only colors can be an accent, but also geometric prints , as in Marina Kutuzova's project. The apron first of all catches the eye, and only then the eye walks along the turquoise walls and mustard chairs. nine0003

Project by Marina Kutuzova. Photo: Sergey Ananiev. Stylist: Natalia Onufreychuk.

Not only light colors can be used as backgrounds, but also deep dark shades. The interior of Elena Gorenstein is made in calm and eye-pleasing colors, and even the accent here is not too bright - this is a large raspberry dining table, which the designer came up with herself.

Project by Elena Gorenstein. Photo: Sergey Ananiev.

Kitchens

If the accent is large, then it may well be one. Light green set here is a style-forming element that sets the mood of the whole apartment. nine0003

Nadezhda Chabannaya's project. Photo: Zhenya Avramenko.

And in Kira Chuveleva's project it is difficult to figure out what is the background and what is the accent. Here, even the ceiling, which is not immediately evident, is painted pink. The eye constantly walks around the interior, so the task of accents is completed with five plus.

Bedrooms

As a rule, not many dare to take risks with color in the bedroom, so they choose calm, light colors that help to relax. But the designer Vlada Cherepanova nevertheless “played a trick” and started up a bright yellow stripe on the wall, which perfectly echoes the textiles. Please note: the print is located at the head, which means it will not be distracting while relaxing. nine0003

From painting to boiserie: 35 wall designs

Another example of a hidden accent. In the project of Maria Stepanova, it is on the ceiling. The bright orange color mimics sunlight, and waking up in such a bedroom is a pleasure.

How to decorate a colored ceiling: 8 interesting options

Project by Maria Stepanova. Photo: Sergey Krasyuk.

Living rooms with bright accents

The living room is always an experimental testing ground. Therefore, there are many options for using accents. Let's start with art. nine0003

Art

If you are a collector or serious about choosing art, then perhaps you should give art objects a dominant position in the interior. And pick up furniture and decoration in accordance with the gallery rules. That is, use a light background, good light and graphic elements of decor.

Project by Daria Mayer. Photo: Sergey Krasyuk. Stylist: Daria Soboleva. Producer: Lidia Zamkova

Project by Olga Sushko. Photo: Sergey Krasyuk. nine0003

The colors of the picture may overlap with other elements of the apartment. In the project of Ekaterina Begicheva, for example, orange is found even in another room in textiles and a lamp. And in the living room, shelving shelves are made in this shade - such a seemingly insignificant detail makes the interior interesting.

Project by Ekaterina Begicheva. Photo: Eugene Kulibaba.

Textile

Bright textile is good because it can be easily replaced at any time. Curtains, for example, play a key role here, which means they will drastically change the mood of the interior when the owner decides to hang a more relaxed option. nine0003

Project by Milena Yanichkina. Photo: Mikhail Loskutov. Style: Yes We May.

Furniture

The same principle works with furniture as with art. Create a noble backdrop, and bright armchairs and chairs will turn into art objects that catch the eye.

Project by Daria Vasilkova. Photo: Sergey Krasyuk. Stylist: Daria Soboleva.

Entrance halls with colored niches

The first impression of the interior is in the entrance hall. Therefore, you should not immediately shock guests with color, you can use a technique with bright niches. They create a sense of depth and visually enlarge a small space, which is especially true for typical apartments. nine0003

Project by Natalia Zavorotishcheva. Photo: Eugene Kulibaba.

Project by Daria Vasilkova. Photo: Sergey Krasyuk. Stylist: Daria Soboleva.

Photo: archive of the press service

How to create bright accents in the interior?

We create stylish accents in the interior

The ability to use bright and original details allows you to create a stylish space in which you want to stay for a long time, which you want to admire. Often we do not know where to start, or we use too many decorative elements and colors, this overloads the interior and breaks the unified style. Correctly choosing and placing accents in the interior is a whole art. And today we will touch it, having considered the most interesting features and accents that can be safely used in the interior. nine0003

Color accents in the interior

Let's start with the most important thing: color in the interior. After all, before creating bright spots in the room, you need to decide on a common palette. The color accent in the interior is the decor, which is contrastingly different from the main range of the room. For example, for a bedroom in white tones, a blue bedside rug and blue curtains will become an accent, and for a rich green children's room, a white chair upholstery and a blanket can become an accent. nine0003

Such bright spots make the interior more pleasant and "alive". At the same time, if there are a lot of such accents, then the room will become motley, and the effect of the accent will disappear, because all its charm lies in moderate use.

The accent should be unique and not repeated, so just a few details of the accent color are enough. Otherwise, the color will “wash out” and become auxiliary.

In this interior, warm yellow, as an accent color, dilutes the cold scale of the walls, creates a feeling of warmth and comfort. Imagine what the same interior would look like if the bright yellow tint completely disappeared from it! Now you understand what a huge role minor, at first glance, accent details have. nine0003

Here are some more good and interesting examples.

Another important rule when combining colors in the interior and arranging color accents: do not confuse an accent color with an additional one. It should be just a different color, and not a shade of the main one.

Now let's explain more clearly. For example, you have a room in beige tones. To create an accent, you need to choose a green or purple color, it will be an accent color. And if you choose light brown, it will just be a slightly darker shade, so brown in a beige room can only be complementary. nine0003

Here the main color is light beige, complemented by dark brown chairs and floors, and the accent color is blue.

In this case, shades of blue are used very effectively as accent colors, while the main color is white and the secondary color is light beige.

Now it will be easier for you to choose the color scheme for the room. You can just remember one simple rule that will help you not to make the interior monotonous and boring, but at the same time not to overdo it with an abundance of different shades. nine0003

The interior uses 3 colors approximately in the following proportion:

60% - main color;

30% - additional (secondary) color or shades of the main color;

10% accent color.

See how beautifully you can combine shades in the interior!

Where to place bright accents?

Accents are designed not only to diversify the colors of the room, but also to give the space a personality and mood. They will tell you about your hobbies and hobbies, create a special atmosphere, inspire and delight you, impress your guests. Therefore, it is up to you to choose which items and decorative elements can become the leading ones in the interior ensemble of your home, and we can offer some tips and ideas in this regard. nine0003

A noticeable and stylish contrast in the interior is very easy to create with a bright accent wall. It is made in a contrasting color, which should be darker in relation to the main color of the walls. Use simple wall painting, wallpapering, decorative textured materials such as stone or Venetian plaster - let your imagination run wild!

Paintings for the interior

Repainting the wall may seem like a cardinal decision to you, especially if you have not been at the repair stage for a long time and are not yet ready for global changes. There is another way to draw attention to a particular wall and create an accent. Of course they are paintings! nine0003

Interior paintings have long been considered a sign of taste and luxury, and only the aristocratic strata of society could afford them. To this day, paintings are an integral part of a stylish and beautiful interior, and thanks to modern technologies that significantly reduce the cost of products, everyone can please themselves with a painting on canvas in their room.

One large or several small decorative paintings in the same theme or range will create a mood and transform the interior of the room. Complement them with a few more items in matching shades, and your accent ensemble is ready. Very simple and stylish! The picture will not only create a color contrast, but also stylistically emphasize your interior, whether it is a colonial style, loft, classic or modern minimalism. nine0003

Looks luxurious, don't you agree?

If you want to update your interior right now, check out Decoretto's collection of interior paintings. Paintings on high-quality German canvas have a beautiful textured surface that is resistant to light and dirt. You can choose and buy paintings on canvas of any size in the style of classical painting, abstraction, still life, landscapes, graphics, animal paintings or children's paintings. Having ordered a painting on canvas in Decoretto, you will receive your order within 4 days. It is incredibly pleasant and easy to create your dream home together with Decoretto! nine0003

Textiles in the interior

Many designers say that textiles should be chosen at the same stage of the renovation, when you choose the color of the walls and floors, and certainly no later than the choice of furniture, so the importance of textiles in the interior is difficult to overestimate . It is with its help that you can easily create any color accent. But even if you have completed the repair a long time ago, but want changes, then updating the textiles will lead to a significant transformation of the entire interior. nine0003

Does the room look monotonous to you? Bright bedspreads, blankets, pillows, curtains, rich-colored carpets will fill it with comfort, brightness, and make it more positive. And for a room with dark floors, walls or furniture in which you do not have enough light, pastel-colored textiles are suitable: light light curtains, lampshades for warm-colored lamps. White textiles will give the room freshness, harmony and spirituality, soften the motley interior.

In a word, contrasting combinations most often look impressive and expensive, so this is a win-win option! nine0003

Do not forget that home textiles include not only pillows, carpets, upholstery or curtains: these include towels, tablecloths, hot pot holders, napkins, and a bathroom curtain. All this can be used in the kitchen, in the bathroom, placed in a conspicuous place and combined with other interior elements. Attention to detail is very important when creating accent spots!

What else can become an accent?

As you already understood, in order to add bright colors and contrast to the interior, it is not at all necessary to make repairs or change the color of the walls. Textiles, decorative wall decorations such as paintings, and the right color combination of all these elements will be quite enough. What other interior items can take on the role of accents and complement the ensemble? It can be anything you like: from soft toys to colorful book bindings. For example, if you like taking care of plants, then you can create accents in green tones, which are especially effective in bright Scandinavian-style interiors, as well as in loft or minimalist styles. nine0003

In the children's room, soft toys or colorful containers and boxes for them will become accents.

And as an accent for the living room, we suggest using an ordinary coffee table, which we decided to tell you about in more detail. Do you think that such an insignificant item in your living room or bedroom does not deserve attention at all? But professional interior designers and decorators are sure that a coffee or coffee table can be the highlight of the room! nine0003

First, decide what should decorate your table? Remember, there should be few items so that the surface is not cluttered. And ideally, they should match the color scheme of the accents that you have already planned to place in the room. Let it be things that you really like, give pleasant memories and inspiration.

Thinking of decorating the sofa in the living room with dark beige textiles? Then let there be a vase, decorative balls and plates of the corresponding color on your table. nine0003

And your favorite books and magazines can be arranged in neat piles, it is desirable that the covers are bright and colorful and matched by color.

See how harmoniously the book spines are combined with colorful pillows!

A "live" element or object, be it a small plant in a pot, a vase of fresh flowers, a few cones or an ikebana made of twigs, will significantly refresh the surface of the coffee table.

Don't know what to add to the composition? Add a vase, glass, ceramic, or metal dish to hold decorative balls, beads, stones, or fruit. nine0003

Use the tray as the base of the composition to bring everything together and you will have a finished look and the ability to quickly remove items if necessary. It can be an ordinary kitchen tray, a wicker basket, or a ceramic dish.

Remember the 3 color rule: use two neutral light shades and one dark one to accent your table.

Try layering and playing with the height. Let books and magazines lie in piles, and small decorative objects will be placed on top of them. Don't forget to put something high next to it, for example, a candle or a figurine, then the composition will be dynamic and harmonious.

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