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Living room accent color ideas


25 best living room color schemes |

(Image credit: Future)

Choosing the right living room color ideas is one of most important decisions you can make for your space. Getting the color choice spot on is vital, because this is the room where we spend most of our time. These inspiring living room color schemes and ideas are guaranteed to add vibrancy to your interiors.

Choosing which colors to decorate your living room ideas with can be daunting – partly because there are so many options available. But knowing which color combinations are guaranteed to look beautiful together and being able to select the best hues are not mysterious secret arts – they are simple skills that we can all learn in just a few steps.

Start off room color ideas by building a complementary palette of timeless tones and classic shades, then add accent hues to create bold effects on a mood board. Think of it like cooking, with colors representing ingredients and flavors. 

Collate images, swatches, fabric and photographs to paint a picture of your desired scheme. This allows you to marry finishes together to ensure all your living room paint ideas work as one.

Living room color ideas – the best color schemes for your lounge

Becoming your own color consultant is easier than you think, once you’ve mastered the basics of the color wheel – a tool professional interior designers use to put together stunning schemes that never fail to impress. 

It’s time to brush up your skills, get creative with color and transform your living room with the help of our collection of inspiring living room color ideas.

1. Go for a variety of soothing green tones

(Image credit: Future )

Is there any color more suited to 2022 than green? At at time where our happiness and health have seemed more important than ever, it's only right that we'd want to surround ourselves in shades that symbolize growth and renewal. What's more, it has been named one of the best colors to paint a living room by color experts.

Green living room ideas promise to renew your connection to nature, and the color green is said to evoke feelings of serenity, vibrancy and good fortune.  When decorating with green, you'll find the color available in a whole host of shades, it’s easy to find decor and living room color ideas that will suit your look and give your scheme a seasonal lift.

2. Instil calm with a neutral color scheme

(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)

'I love the calmness that you create when you have a neutral living room palette in a room,' says interior designer Tamsin Johnson . But this choice definitely doesn’t have to mean boring: you can create an interesting and exciting space by layering different tones, such as off-whites and beige, then introducing a range of caramels and even accents of black.'

'Natural textures, whether they are stone or wood or linen, can help to anchor a beige living room color scheme. It means that the overall look doesn’t feel too contrived or uptight or overly designed. They bring a laid-back quality that always works well.'

3. Build up a layered color palette

(Image credit: Tim Salisbury)

When you typically consider using paint to create impact in a room, the first thought tends to be drenching the walls in a bright hue. While this is a tried and tested way of creating a statement, there are more delicate ways to achieve just as much of an impact. 

In this yellow living room from interior designer Anna Spiro , a high-gloss white paint on the walls bounces around light, making the surfaces nearly appear liquid with shine. Architectural details have been picked out in a beautiful deep yellow, adding not only color but an excellent grounding element. Furniture and accessories in similar but not quite matching tones create a warming spectrum of sunshine across the space.

3. Mix up colors

(Image credit: Jonathan Bond Photography)

For a living room that sings with joy try colorful living room ideas full of clashing combinations. This is a space for both socializing and retreat, so you want shades that both enliven and comfort you. 

‘Pink and green is one of my favorite color combinations – they play really well off each other and it’s a great way to cheer up a room,’ says Lucy Barlow, founder, Barlow & Barlow .  

Balance is key, especially as many people are still working from home. Integrating more neutral tones to offset your bold hues can help bring calm when you need to focus, but then you can turn around and be energized when it’s time to switch off for the day and allow the room to return to its primary function.

5. Amplify with intense hues

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

Tone-on-tone is an easy, effective way to add impact to your pink living room. This scheme, based around the standout Capri Pink by Annie Sloan on the walls, demonstrates how layering with one color creates a bold, bright and unexpected decorative look.

6. Go for full color in a small space

(Image credit: David Butler)

Use sophisticated color schemes to add interest and intrigue to dark living rooms. ‘I like painting a small living room layout in a dark color to make them feel cozy,’ says interior designer Amelia McNeil , who designed this cozy corner. ‘I even painted the window and architrave in the same blue so that the Phillip Jeffries wallpaper could be the main focus.

7. Embrace the warmth of red

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

Contemplating red living room ideas? While the color might sound like a dramatic choice, it’s actually a hue that’s easy to live with. Its warmth, the ability to make the room feel cocooning, and its appearance under artificial light makes it a wonderful choice for many living spaces. 

One of the leading reasons why you might prefer a red living room is because of the color’s heat, and in cold climate areas, it can create a sought-after atmosphere, perfect for cozy living room ideas.  

8. Enliven a neutral scheme with pops of primaries

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

For a sophisticated room full of fun and energy, create a living room color scheme that hinges on the decorating with primary colors – but bear in mind that even in small doses, such as in the neutral scheme above, they can have real impact. 

Feeling braver? Bold blue walls instantly add a cosseting effect to a space, making the room feel more inviting yet spacious.  

Look to design movements of other eras, such as Bauhaus, from which you could choose from primary colors such as blue and mustard yellow, or lavender purple and tomato orange.

The colors need to be bold but not bright, so choose hues that are pared back to give them a more authentic tone.

9. Warm up a cool spaces with hot shades

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

In a cool living room or one that you want to feel incredibly warm and welcoming, red is a great choice.

'Red is more and more popular lately and is a very stimulating shade. In this palette, it also represents the moment during exercising when you are at the top of your game,' according to trend forecasters, TrendBook . 

This living room color idea was inspired by the already evident success of orange and bright red. It is the extroverted color for the season, and when paired with gray – the color of sustainability – it represents the full cycle of a routine. 'This color is the quiet one and represents the end of the journey, the warming down after an exercise,' say TrendBook.

10. Pick punchy pastels for a family room

(Image credit: Geraldine Tan )

Pale shades of rose are becoming firmly established as the new neutral of choice in the most stylish of schemes. Yet it is in combination with bolder pastels – as in this family living room by Little Big Bell influencer, Geraldine Tan – that its delicate allure really comes to the fore. 

Geraldine predicts that more muted pastels such as the shade below will be popular moving forwards, and at H&G, we love to mix pastels with soft green, muted gray, black and accents of gold to give them a sophisticated edge.

'Neutral pink is best in living rooms; it’s surprising yet subdued,' says Annie Sloan. Pairing with deep burnt reds it will create a sophisticated tonal palette with a lot of warmth; alternatively, bright oranges and turquoises with neutral pinks give more of a tropical, jungle intensity. 

'There’s a reason we see this color combination all over our Instagram feeds. It’s highly emotive, it shows confidence in color, and a certain joie de vivre,' says Annie.

11. Match soft pastels with earthy tones

(Image credit: Future/Emma Lee)

Inject a playful summer vibe into your living room color ideas scheme. Use a palette of raspberry and citron to create a fresh, stylish look. Washed linens and the eye-catching open design of the rattan sofa brings a relaxing mood to this inviting space – inspired by bohemian living room ideas – which is enhanced by unlined curtains that gently filter the sunlight.

This confident mix of rose shades evokes a sense of luxury, femininity and sass. Pink has grown up, trading its sweet reputation for a more muted, sophisticated and earthy look. 

‘There is an exciting duality to grown-up pink – it’s soft and delicate, yet strong and composed,’ says Paula Taylor, color and trend specialist at Graham & Brown . 

It’s best to avoid clean whites with this pink, as they may wash out the space. Stick to warmer neutrals, such as tones of gray that will add depth, or dial up the drama with touches or charcoal, emerald green or black.

12. Pick on-trend powdery pastels

(Image credit: Crown Paints)

Chalky tones have always been an attractive choice for interiors, giving rise to delicate, light rooms that are easy to live in. Create relaxed, grown-up schemes by pairing these hues with bold accent colors, or opt for impact with one sugary shade, like in the minimalist living room above, decorated in Cocoon by Crown Paints . 

Decorating with pastel shades needn’t mean going entirely pale. Create an accent wall in a darker color, such as a deep blue, to balance lighter tones. To add depth, introduce subtle textures with wool upholstery, drapes and rugs in patterned weaves.

13. Create a traditional feel with berry shades

(Image credit: Future/Dan Duchars)

Aubergine, heather and indigo have a lasting appeal that makes them decorating favorites, but used on their own, they can feel a little cold. Warm them up instantly with earthy tones or a hit of flame orange – it works really well with colors that have a blue base, like purple or teal. 

Purple is all about power and passion. Its strong and versatile hues are associated with creativity, individualism and inventiveness. When choosing purple, always select a color several shades lighter than the one you are aiming for, as they are more powerful when applied. 

Lavender reflects light really well, even in the depths of winter, making it a clever choice when planning small living room ideas. Living rooms always look smart bathed in or accented by purple and pink, which creates serene and interesting living spaces, appearing quiet or bold depending on the setting. 

14. Warm up neutral schemes with earthy shades

(Image credit: Future/Mark Bolton)

Sandy shades are very usable living room color ideas and work well as part of an earthy palette, coupled with terracottas or warm cinnamon, or even splashes of bright teal and zesty orange.  

They can stand alone, providing a calm, neutral backdrop onto which you can layer accent colors like sunflower. Or use harmonious tones of sandstone, beige or taupe for multi-layered beige living room ideas that bring in other off-white or neutral tones.

15. Pick a neutral color scheme for a laid back look

(Image credit: Rikki Snyder)

Reinvigorate your living room with a fresh and soothing color palette of limestone, lichen and sage. Choose a subtle shade of limestone for walls, then layer different but tonal shades of creams or greens on furnishings to create a restful scheme. 

A patterned couch will add a punchy highlight to neutral living room ideas; layer it with cushions depicting foliage and forest scenery. 

Finally, bring the garden indoors: mix plants and cacti with fresh spring blooms and accessorize with striking botanical prints, faux coral and crystal geodes for a scheme that is at one with nature.

16. Pick an earthy yellow for a bright but elegant finish

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)

Yellow’s reputation as a fresh and lively sunny color means it is often overlooked for living room color ideas, but paler shades can work nicely and become especially inviting when used in harmonizing or contrasting tones.  

Yellow’s complementary shade on the color wheel is blue, and if both are used in a muted combination, like cornflower yellow and pale blue-gray, it will look stunning.

Use tones of muted yellow in your living room to provide a clever mix of brightness and warmth. Mix warm ochre with egg-yolk shades for a yellow living room that will lift your mood. 

Yellow inspires optimism, creating a summery feel; team it with charcoal and black for modern look that follows the latest living room trends. This color is also fantastic when mixed with crisp white or warm wood furniture, and the spectrum of sunny shades look great with an additional contrast color such as gray or duck egg blue.

17. Use a cool combination of black and white

(Image credit: Future/Michael Sinclair)

Striking, cool, and confident, black and white is always a winning combination and will make a dramatic statement in a living room. Create a perfect balance of the two neutrals, by using equal amounts of each. It will give a bright and fresh look for the day, together with a dramatic and tailored look for night – especially when paired with living room lighting ideas that feature both directional and ambient lighting.

Introduce pattern and character with a statement rug or cushions and some sophisticated framed artwork, and keep the rest of your furniture and accessories plain and more color blocked.

Recreate the refined elegance of grand Parisian apartments by decorating with soft muted grays, whites and black living room shades. 

Paneled walls painted soft gray provide a sophisticated backdrop for this scheme, which artfully balances black and white upholstered furniture. Blocks of pattern, in the form of tailored cushions and artwork, add interest and personality to the modern look.

18. Go for a timeless gray living room color scheme

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Gray living room ideas are enduringly popular, and it's easy to see why – this neutral shade suits most spaces, although it is important to choose the right tone.

'Gray isn't a tricky living room color to get right,' says H&G's Editor in Chief Lucy Searle. 'However, it is important to pick a gray that suits your room's natural daylight. 

'A cool, North- or East-facing room will really benefit from a gray – however light or dark – with a hint of yellow pigment; a South- or West-facing space can take a cooler shade that has a hint of blue – although I would always advise a warmer shade for a living room, which is intended to feel inviting.'

19. Create a coastal appeal with red, white and blue

(Image credit: Future/Emma Lee)

Create a blue scheme with tones taken straight from a sea view. The easiest way to create a space with a coastal feel is by adding cool shades of ocean blues. 

Whether it’s with paint, fabrics or your choice of living room furniture ideas, choose a living room color that both reflects the tones of the sea and the sky so that it isn’t too bright or too pale. The room won’t feel cold if you team it up with sandy beiges and cream colors.

20. Pick a classic blue and white living room color scheme

(Image credit: Future/Jake Curtis)

Decorate with a palette of blue and white. This combination is often described as the new monochrome, and it is easy to see why. From indigo to navy and cobalt, blue hues sit particularly well together, so offer great scope for pattern mixing. 

In this white living room, cushions with small-scale motifs are successfully combined with robust striped blinds and bold indigo geometric on the screen. 

Beloved by ancient Chinese dynasties, the Moors and the Greeks, this enduring color combination takes a fresh, modern feel with the latest indigo textiles, shibori patterns and denim tones.

Are your living room color ideas dependent on warmth? You can still use blue and white if you're after cozy living room ideas – keeping blues warm is a matter of applying a shade with warm tones in it and teaming it with rich sandy shades that echo the seashore, or else crisp whites, cool grays and palest yellows.  

White is the perfect foil for this color as it copies the skyline. Pale clear blue often looks fabulous combined with oak or chestnut furniture, which serves to keep the atmosphere warm. These colors and combinations work best in spaces that benefit from generous natural light.

21. Bring the outdoors in with fresh green and naturals

(Image credit: Rapture & Wright)

Use arboretum-inspired motifs, hothouse plant life and foliage for a fresh green living room look this season. Working geometric motifs into the scheme gives the finished look a modern edge. It’s time to welcome all things green and pleasant into the home.

'Sage green works wonderfully in a living room, or somewhere south-facing where the nuances of the color will be visible in the bright light,' advises color and paint expert Annie Sloan . 

'Pairing sage green with a vivid orange will give more energy to a space; contrasting complementary colors emphasizes the qualities of each and creates a bold statement look.  

'I’d use a strong black, too, to give a solidly masculine mid-century modern living room scheme. It’s calming because it’s strong and looks very put together.'

22. Go for a dramatic inky shade

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Combine saturated shades of cobalt, malachite and verdigris with botanical motifs to bring natural depth and earthiness to dark living spaces. 

Pale cane furniture provides a lighter note in a scheme featuring luxurious textures, such as velvet and silk, in rich moody shades – or choose deep woody tones, as in the room above, with antique pieces that only enhance the drama.

23. Opt for a Cape Cod-worthy color scheme

(Image credit: Chris Everard)

This classic pairing has enduring appeal and is a sure-fire way to create a fresh and elegant scheme. The use of two blue tones, one on the walls and a paler hue on the ceiling, combined with white woodwork, draws your eye upwards, creating the feeling of being surrounded by clear skies, great for living room ceiling ideas.

24. Introduce an earthy tobacco shade

(Image credit: Nicola Harding)

‘Tobacco yellow is often used with greys and neutrals; I love the idea of going the other way and allowing it to be a backdrop for much brighter saturated tones,' says Genevieve Bennett, head of design interiors, Liberty . 

'We have used this shade as a fantastic backdrop color for the vibrant fresh jewel-like greens. This muted yet rich color allows the jade greens to sing, which a brighter yellow would clash with. It has a surprising, fresh and contemporary feel which is suited to modern living rooms.’ 

25. Use a timeless blue-green to best effect

(Image credit: Ben Stevens)

‘If nervous about using a bold hue, painting woodwork adds a color shot without overwhelming,’ advises designer Kate Guinness , who used turquoise accents in this chic boot room.

‘This is a guaranteed crowd-pleasing color with lots of positive associations,' says Annie Sloan , color and paint expert. 'It embodies both the recessive quality of blue and the calming quality of green, making it very easy to work with. I’d be inclined to dress it with heavily textured accents to give a cozier finish, but a 1960s palette of turquoise and orange also works fabulously with mid-century modern silhouettes, glass decor and metallic fittings.’  

What is the best color scheme for a living room?

'The best color scheme for a living room will always be a color that you simply love and want to look at all day, every day,' says Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands . 

'It is one of the rooms in your house that you’re likely to spend the most time in, so deciding the final scheme shouldn’t be rushed. 

'Research living room pictures for inspiration, then paint large sample areas that will catch different light throughout the day and live with it for a few days or weeks before going ahead and painting the whole room. 

'That way you can be sure that no matter what you go for, be it dark and moody, bright and light, or calm and sophisticated, you’ll be making the right decision for your space.  

'As a general guide, rooms with a cool North-facing light benefit from warmer colors, but rooms with warm South-facing light can take most colors.'

What are good living room color combinations?

Good living room color combinations can be achieved in various ways.

‘Combining color is a perfect and affordable way to create an impressive design statement, achieved by applying a modest amount of color for maximum impact. It’s an easy trend to assimilate but does require bravery. 

'We all experience color differently from one another and each will have an energy that appeals. Work with your instincts. Assert your whims, and look at the clothes in your wardrobe for color inspiration,' advises interior designer Andrea Maflin .

How do you combine colors in a living room?

For anyone designing a living room, it's tempting to play it safe when it comes to injecting color. However, interiors that experiment with bold tones are often the most striking. The key is to do your research, testing contrasting palettes out before decorating, and using color and fabric with confidence.

Color can have a profound effect on mood, and a bright scheme can uplift the senses as well as adding depth to your interiors. Unexpected color combinations, such as blues and reds or oranges and pinks, can work well, but try to provide relief with some neutral touches, like white woodwork, or introducing pattern to break up the look and add texture.

Before decorating walls, try painting the inside of a shoebox with your preferred hue. That way, you’ll see how the light falls into the corners too, which will give a truer representation of how the color will look in a room. 

If you prefer to keep walls more neutral, a large living room rug is a great way to inject vibrancy, complemented by colorful accessories such as cushions and fabrics, whether a single throw or a brightly upholstered ottoman.

Consult a color wheel to find daring hues that will work well together. Remember that color changes with its surroundings. The tone is never quite the same depending on the surface material you choose. 

The right paint finish will also transform the final look. Matt and eggshell produce a soft sheen, and gloss and oil are both shiny finishes that reflect light. Test paints first using sample pots to see how they will look before you decorate. Inspiration can be found in the latest trends.

What colors make a living room feel bigger?

When decorating small spaces, the colors that make areas feel larger are pale shades that reflect light. However, making a small living room feel bigger is slightly more nuanced than color scheming alone. 

Lean towards off-white shades when working with neutrals, over stark whites: off-whites will deliver more character than a pure white, distracting the eye from the size and more towards to the color.

'Another trick is to carry the wall color onto all of your woodwork, avoiding all the horizontal framing and creating the illusion of more space,' advises brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball , Patrick O’ Donnell.

'Finally, be aware of your ceiling color – most people default to a generic white, but if you choose an off-white that shares similar tones to your wall color, you will become less aware of where your wall height stops and the ceiling starts,' he says. This is also a great tip for apartment living room ideas that sometimes have lower ceilings.

'Traditionally, wisdom has been that rooms in bright tones of white or off-whites will give the best feeling space,' says Dominic Myland.  

'However we’re increasingly seeing customers take much bolder steps with bright colors, such as yellow, which, when paired with contrasting trims, mouldings and ceilings in lighter colors, will trick the eye into thinking the walls are spaced further apart to make the room feel bigger.' You can even use paint to play with proportions when planning long living room ideas.

'White and neutral shades are always the go-to color as they make a room look bigger, airier, and more open,' explains David Harris, design director at Andrew Martin . 

'However, for small space living, you can be more daring. Don’t be afraid of dark and rich colors, like coffee or dark gray, or try teal or even orange for a braver burst of color. These hues bring richness, intimacy and extra depth whilst allowing you to show personality and flair. 

'Layering deep rich colors with artwork also adds fantastic texture and interest.' Be sure to incorporate small living room lighting ideas into your scheme too, to make the most of your chosen color schemes.

What are the new colors for living rooms?

Yellow is set to make a comeback for 2022. It’s the shade of confidence and joy, so after the global turbulence of the past year it comes as little surprise that yellow is decorating’s color du jour. Yellow room ideas inspire optimism, creating a summery feel; team it with charcoal and black from a modern look in the living. ‘Current trends show a real shift towards brighter colors with a clean-cut finish – and are a great way to feel happier at home,’ says Sue Kim, senior color designer at Valspar. 

Gentle pastel tones have also been making a big appearance in the fashion world, so it makes sense that they are a burgeoning interior design trend. What you see on the catwalk ends up on the cushions, as the old saying goes.

However, all the trends and color experts we have spoken to predict that this desire for comfort will evolve into a more optimistic excitement, which will translate into brighter, bolder color choices being introduced into our homes, with living room color schemes no exception.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

54 Living Room Color Combinations

1

Citron and Blue-Black

Thomas Loof

Decorator Garrow Kedigian pulled color inspiration from The Carlyle's timeless decor for his own apartment in the iconic New York building. The bright yellow walls pay homage to the lobby's velvet sofas while the black moldings echo the iron doors and the window mullions.

2

Persimmon and Taupe

DAVID TSAY

Instead of looking to the walls, designer Fran Keenan decided to introduce color into this Los Angeles family room by hanging persimmon curtains. The light-taupe upholstery and bronze-brown carpet (Fibreworks) make the room feel gracious and relaxed.

3

Pale Apricot and Blood Orange

Melanie Acevedo

In Summer Thorton's Chicago townhouse, an oversized orange sofa brings out the warm undertones of the apricot living room. Woven bouillon fringe (Samuel & Sons) adds a flirty touch to the velvet mohair seating.

4

Beach Pink and Soft Blues

Eric Piasecki

The floral linen by Blithfield covering the comfy sofas and tufted armchairs inspired the soft pink and barely-there blue palette in this Block Island living room. Designer Miles Redd sprinkled oak spindle armchairs cushioned in white terry and woven rattan drum tables throughout to amplify the home's beachy feeling.

5

Reimagined Red, White, and Blue

Mark Roskams

To counter this Upper West Side pied-à-terre's spacious rooms, designer Anthony Barrata played with arresting colors and dramatic furnishings. An American painting by Tomory Dodge and an oversize custom floor lamp take advantage of the capacious height. Plaster and marble objects, including an over-the-top amphora lamp, echo the color and classical tone of the original ceiling moldings. The cherry-red velvet is by Pierre Frey.

6

Park Green and Cream

Thomas Loof

Taken by her famed neighborhood's green, decorator Cece Barfield Thompson ushered verdant color and nature-inspired patterns into her family's New York City living room. The white walls, tonal carpet, and punchy green curtains give the Louis XVI chairs a modern presence. An oil painting by London artist Daisy Cook hangs over a nine-foot Schneller sofa upholstered in stain-resistant fabric (Perennials).

7

Taxicab Yellow and Pastels

Douglas Friedman

Sweet pastel tones, taxicab yellow walls, and cobalt Chinese lamps give the living room of Todd Romano's San Antonio home a dose of vibrancy. On the walls are two prized artworks from Romano's vast collection: an Andy Warhol silkscreen print of Liz Taylor and a flamboyant Todd & Fitch work.

8

Teal and Red

Mark Roskams

Decorator Anthony Barrata played up high-drama Americana with an emphasis on textiles and folk art in this historic New York apartment. The study is dressed in a Lee Jofa tartan pattern recolored specifically for this room. The armchair upholstery is inspired by an early American weaving; the leather chair is antique English.

9

Gold and Green

Annie Schlechter

Raw oak rafters mix with white-painted panels and crossbeams, and golden walls (Standish White by Benjamin Moore) in this Carrier and Company-designed New York family room, making it an energetic place for parents and kids to hang out. The sofa is upholstered in a moss green fabric by Kravet.

10

Modern Earth Tones

Brie Williams

Designer Ceara Donnelley used an Art Deco–inspired wallpaper (Iksel) to headline a warm, earthen palette in the sitting room right off the kitchen of her 18th-century Charleston home. The Dmitriy & Co. sofa is covered in a Schumacher fabric.

11

Juicy Apricot and Kiwi

Thomas Loof

For this Naples, Florida home, designer Summer Thornton ushered in delightful color and buzzy prints to create an energizing family hub. Apricot walls are amplified by verdant fabrics and botanical prints. The gauzy block-printed drapery (Muriel Brandolini) filters sunlight into the great room.

12

Sunshine Yellow and Muted Peach

Julia Lynn

Designer Angie Hranowsky gives each room of this late-20th-century Tudor in Austin its own distinct personality with the help of buoyant color. For the lively living room, energizing shades of yellow on the wall (Golden Straw, Pratt & Lambert) flirt with the soft peach tones of the sofa (Pierre Frey).

13

Metallic Neutrals

Mali Azima

Ravishing neutrals and brilliant metallics dominate the sprawling, light-filled salon of this Atlanta home by designer Melanie Turner. Historic styles mix to create an elevated look from conical Murano glass chandeliers and Louis XVI–style commodes to the chevron-pattern custom carpet (Patterson Flynn Martin). The custom retro-inspired sofa is by Björk Studio.

14

Blue Velvets and Oak

Annie Schlechter

Blue velvets, lilac prints, and touches of red liven up the original oak panelings in this New York living room by Carrier and Company. The Bridgewater-style sofa is covered in a Mohair fabric by Maharam. The walnut veneer drawings are by Neal Perbix.

15

Apple Green and Raspberry

Annie Schlechter

In this New York living room designed by Chiqui Woolworth, vivid dragon-print draperies (Jim Thompson) and glossy apple green walls cloak the living room in a carousal of color. The artwork over the mantel, Contemplation, is by Anne Rose, the owner’s mother.

16

Timeless Blue and White

Stephen Karlisch

17

Aubergine and Olive

Francesco Lagnese

At a Montana condo designed by Palmer Weiss, a Pierre Frey floral linen called Mortefontaine inspired a scheme for the living room of nutty aubergine, soft brown, navy, and olive tones to play off walls of shiplap paneling. Leopard carpet acts as a neutral and stands up to snowy boots. A Paul Marra chandelier “feels like an old bobbin bed, but with a modern attitude,” says Weiss. The 19th-century portrait of Pocahontas is by Victor Nehlig.

18

Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby

Douglas Friedman

For a client's home in Connecticut, designer Miles Redd found these George II–style painted mirrors at auction “for a steal. They are totally Mario Buatta and really anchor the living room.” Emerald silk walls (Kravet), lapis-blue taffeta curtains and bullion fringe, and ruby red accents illuminate the room to radiant effect. Hand-blocked chintz upholstery fabric, Clarence House

19

Coming Up Roses

DYLAN THOMAS

20

Midas Touch

William Abranowicz

Who said luxury can't be laidback? At this seaside houose in the Hamptons, designer Alex Papchristidis created a scheme for the entire home comprising whites, creams, silvers, and golds for a luxe look that feels appropriately casual for the beach. In the living room, a pair of custom cantilevered sofas are upholstered in white velvet (Cowtan & Tout). Ceiling lights and sconces, Hervé Van der Straeten. Drapery fabric, Fabricut

21

Caramel and Indigo

Douglas Friedman

This Naples, Florida, living room designed by Celerie Kemble defies all the tropes of coastal style with its moodier palette of caramel and indigo while still retaining hints of the tropics, like a natural wall covering crafted of dried water hyacinth (Phillip Jeffries). Art series, Henri Matisse

22

Cinnabar and Neutrals

Nelson Hancock

In this Connecticut living room featuring cashmere-upholstered walls, designer Markham Roberts brought the room to life with fabrics steeped in history. A cartouches printed linen (Rose Cummings) and a Kashmir wool paisley (Clarence House) adorn contemporary pieces like a custom sofa and slipper chair. Mandala artwork, Julia Condon

23

Blue, Tobacco and Coral

Melanie Acevedo

In Danielle Rollins' Atlanta living room, a curated rainbow of blue, tobacco, coral, and off-white unites an explosion of patterns. Sofas in a Prelle silk velvet, DeAngelis; curtains in a Cowtan & Tout fabric; wallcovering, Pierre Frey; artwork over sofa, Kelly O’Neal.

24

Cantaloupe and Coral

WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ / ART + COMMERCE

In this Upper East Side townhouse, Jeffrey Bilhuber used a pair of slipper chairs to a create artful mirror image seating area and ground the living room color scheme—soft cantaloupes and peaches plus cheerful accents in coral—with an earthy neutral.

25

Black-and-White Flair

Simon Upton

Shades of ebony and creamy white keep the attention of this Atlanta living room by Amy Morris, which showcases the Tudor-style home's original architecture and craftsmanship. Cool linens (Jim Thompson Fabrics) covering the armchairs paired with elemental ebony tables (Baker Furniture) add to the room's tailored look.

26

Verdant Views

Annie Schlechter

This Millbrook living room by Lynne Stair of McMillen, Inc., is a dazzling emerald showcase. An ethereal de Gournay wallpaper enveloping the space is punctuated by green draperies (Manufacture Prelle) and a Murano glass chandelier. The mahogany library table formerly belonged to the Marquess of Downshire, a British politician who served as secretary of state for the colonies in the mid-1700s.

27

Dapper Greens and Reds

Annie Schlecter

In his role as Colonial Williamsburg's Designer in Residence, Anthony Baratta brought modern energy and vivacious color into this revolutionary-era home. To accentuate the tall ceilings of the living room, Baratta painted the trim a dapper gray-green (Goodwin Green by Benjamin Moore) and hung a Chesapeake Bay shipyard sign over the doorway to a broom closet, reimagined as a spirited red bar.

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Indigo Relaxing

Douglas Friedman

Stucco arches painted in a sweet pink color play down the architecture's imposing qualities and dial up the charm and comfort in this outdoor living room by Celerie Kemble. Indigo fabrics covering the slipper chairs (Penny Morrison) and dark teak furnishings ensure the room's link to the outdoors is organic and authentic.

29

Parisian Pastels

Christoph Theurer

Sweet candy tones transform this 18th-century Paris living room into a fresh stage for modernist artwork. Designer Jean-Louis Deniot filled the space with colorful midcentury and contemporary furnishings, such as the curvy sofa covered in a flecked bouclé (Raf Simons) and pink porcelain side tables (Djim Berger), which stand out against the gray-painted boiserie.

30

Accented in Emerald

David Tsay

Los Angeles–based designer Peter Dunham combed through flea markets and auction houses across the world to find the antique fabrics and colorful pieces to fill this Newport Beach living room. Emerald tones in the vintage chintz on Syrie Maugham armchairs and Flemish tapestry on the round ottoman informed the calming color palette of the space. The verdant drapery and shade fabric (Tassinari & Chatel) pops against creamy walls.

31

Mediterranean Splashes

HELENIO BARBETTA

Blue and green glassware and furnishings echo the sparkling Mediterranean outside in Milanese landscape designer Marco Bay's Portofino farmhouse. Handmade terra-cotta floors and tiles crafted in Tangier, Morocco, nod to the rosy tones of the landscape and fruits hanging from the trees in the home's garden.

32

Island Spirit

MELANIE ACEVEDO

In the living room of this Bahamian getaway, designer Miles Redd needed to find a way to ensure the sunny yellow shades and watery tones worked together rather than competed for attention. His solution was to use art as a color equalizer.

"Not only does art help a room feel complete, it can make soft colors feel less wan and stronger colors appear more mellow," says Redd. The painting "So To Speak" by Doug Argue hangs over a sofa in a Osbourne and Little fabric. The yellow linen fabric seen on the ottoman and lamp shades is from Pierre Frey.

33

The Turquoise Coast

Thomas Loof

Sharp shades of turquoise and red make a powerful statement in the living room of this Hamptons home designed by Katie Ridder. Playing off the colors of the graphic, hand-painted Iksel wallpaper, Chinese red pillows and a Jim Thompson sofa fabric headline the room’s vibrant palette. A bold chrysanthemum print by Bennison Fabrics covers the club chair and ottoman.

34

Pretty in Pastel

Annie Schlechter

Soft yellow accents playfully mingle with green and blue hues throughout designer Meg Braff’s Long Island living room. A floral print by Lee Jofa covers the pair of club chairs and complements the green-patterned Bernard Thorp drapery fabric. Braff’s vintage goatskin-lacquered coffee table by Karl Springer boasts an exotic finish, which is emblematic of Springer’s 20th-century style.

35

A Maximalist's Jewel Box

Björn Wallander

Vivid jewel tones shine in the sitting room of this Sig Bergamin–designed Miami apartment with the help of sand-colored textiles. Among the nearly two dozen patterned fabrics Bergamin used in this room, a fabric by Braquenié serves as the trim on a George Smith sofa. The solid tan-colored sofa fabric comes from Peter Fasano. The ottoman is covered in a Lee Jofa fabric and the bolster tassels are from Samuel & Sons.

36

Sunny Disposition

Amy Neunsinger

Cheerful yellow walls and neutral yet lively patterns set a whimsical tone within this midcentury living room designed by Mark D. Sikes. Exuberant walls in Farrow & Ball’s Citron and a geometric rug from Patterson Flynn Martin make this room that talk of the house. An ikat fabric by Pierre Frey covers the armchair by Hickory Chair Furniture Co. The floral drapery and tufted sofa upholstery is by Lee Jofa.

37

Rust Reinvented

Annie Schlechter

A soft rust velvet sofa pops against blue and white textiles throughout the casual and ultrastylish family room of Meg Braff. James Mont-style horseshoe chairs, upholstered in a ticking Malabar cotton, channel the curvy, low slung forms of the Ming dynasty. A rattan chandelier from Currey & Company hangs at the center of the media room with Katie Ridder wallcovering decorating the walls.

38

A Robin's Nest

Thomas Loof

In this New Jersey home designed by Miles Redd, subtle pink florals are amplified by lacquered robin’s egg blue walls in the living room. An exaggerated pelmet disguises a low window and draws the eye upward with the help of treatment fabric by Fisherman’s Fabric. The custom tufted sofa is in a Brunschwig & Fils silk velvet. The wall color is Bird’s Egg by Benjamin Moore.

39

Lights of Gold

NICKOLAS SARGENT

Designer Cindy Rinfret uses gold leaf lighting by Currey & Company and ultramarine furnishings to play off the entry’s domed, Moroccan-influenced architecture within the Kips Bay Show House. The 1970s Jansen palm tree acts as a tasteful nod to the living room’s Palm Beach setting. The patterned grass cloth wallpaper and panels were designed in collaboration with Nicolette Mayer. The drapery fabric is by The Shade Store.

40

Shell Tones

FRANCESCO LAGNESE

Echoing the soft tones of a seashell collection, pinks and creams make for a romantic setting in this Palm Beach living room designed by Susan Zises Green. Claremont fabrics cover the custom sofa and both pairs of armchairs with pillows in Fortuny fabrics. A pair of Daniel Barney lamps top side tables by John Rosselli Antiques. A framed artwork by Belgian artist Diane Petry hangs above the sofa.

41

Notes of Dior

Melanie Acevedo

Taking a few tricks from Christian Dior’s decorating legacy, historian Maureen Footer pairs far-flung artifacts with contrasting lime green and red tones in her fanciful New York apartment. The living room’s custom sofa is in a Bergamo fabric with Urban Archaeology sconces hanging above. A Bryan Burkey artwork sits between two windows dressed with Brunschwig & Fils damask shades.

42

Splashes of Green

FRANCESCO LAGNESE

Youthful energy bursts from this Palm Beach living room with the help of apple-green seating. Designer Bunny Williams covers antique Italian chairs in a bright Zimmer+Rohde fabric. Bradmore armchairs in a Quadrille print surround a Bernd Goeckler cocktail table. The custom curved sofas are from Liz O’Brien.

43

Lacquered Lifestyle

Simon Upton

Overlooking New York’s Central Park, this Hampshire House apartment designed by Tammy Connor boasts classic cosmopolitan style with a punch of blue lacquer, accented with mossy green and brick red. The tilting oculus of the family room brings natural light in the adjacent stairwell. The John Saladino X bench in a Kyle Bunting hide perfectly matches the George Smith armchair. The Ferrell Mittman sofa is in a Peter Dunham Textile stripe, and the custom rug is from Beauvais Carpets.

44

A Balancing Act

Kevin Spearman Design Group

Dark furnishings and a creamy white palette gracefully work together, creating a surprisingly soothing living room in this Tel Aviv home. Designer Kevin Spearman covered Rose Tarlow armchairs in a Loro Piana fabric. The sofas are from Dmitry & Co., and the rug is by Beauvais Carpets.

45

Stripes of Blue and White

J. Savage Gibson

A classic seaside palette and warm-weather textures make for the perfect getaway in this Phoebe Howard–designed Palm Beach living room. An Abaca rug by Patterson Flynn Martin ties the room together, while Richard Serra artwork acts as the room’s main focus. Howard covers the McGuire armchairs and daybed in a blue-and-white Bennison fabric. The custom sofas feature a C&C Milano stripe, and the curtains are in a Raoul Textiles print.

46

Purple Reign

Max Kim-Bee

Designer Colette van den Thillart incorporates varying shades of purple and cream to accent the delightful curves in the living room of her Toronto home. A Marvic Textiles crewel dresses a 19th-century Italian chair. The roman shades are Nicky Haslam for Turnell & Gigon, and the Italian glass lamps are custom.

47

Green with Envy

Thomas Loof

Black-and-white patterns have never looked so vibrant in the verdant green living room of this Washington, D.C., home designed by Alessandra Branca. The room’s sofa and chairs are from the designer’s Casa Branca collection, and the chairs are covered in a Schumacher fabric that pop against the lacquered green walls. The 1940s lacquer cocktail table is from Maison Jansen and artwork is by Ellsworth Kelly.

48

Into the Woods

Simon Upton

Crisp lines and natural materials enable rich textures to shine throughout the Atlanta home of architects Bobby McAlpine and Blake Weeks. Stark white furniture and warm wood-paneled walls work together to create a dramatic contrast in the sitting room. A Paul Ferrante lamp sits on an antique French altar-boy seat. The sofa and screens are by McAlpine Home for Holland MacRae. The cocktail table is from John Saladino.

49

Velvet Dreams

Thomas Loof

In Diana Ross’s former apartment on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, riots of color make a powerful statement against glossy lacquered walls and mirror insets. Designer Jeffery Bilhuber incorporates saturated shades of plum, French blue and olive green throughout the living room to add a contemporary spin in the historic apartment. A Caio Fonseca artwork hangs above a custom sofa covered in blue Cassaro fabric, which is flanked by brass cocktail and side tables from Michael Dawkins Home. The rug is from Holland & Sherry.

50

Plaid Chic

Eric Piasecki

Designer Anthony Baratta embraces the impactful power of plaids in the black, white, and red living room of this Utah mountain home. Ralph Lauren Home checks decorate the custom chairs and ottoman while a custom-painted Kevin Cross trunk accents the home’s warm palette. The walls are in White Dove with ceilings in Yarmouth Blue, both by Benjamin Moore. The custom mantel is by Thomas W. Newman.

51

Metallic Motifs

Francesco Lagnese

Deep purple upholstery stands out against luminous metallic walls in a quaint Upper East side apartment designed by Nick Olsen. Missoni chevron-covered spoon-back chairs frame a John Salibello cocktail table. The curtains in a Manuel Canovas satin silk reflect the sleek Roger Arlington wallcovering. The custom sofa and armchairs are in a Holland & Sherry velvet, and the rug is from Eskayel.

52

Sunshine Yellow

Melanie Acevedo

Vivacious yellow walls and an emerald Décor de Paris velvet sofa flourish in the living of this Miles Redd–designed Manhattan apartment. The colorful Sultanabad rug inspired the room's rich palette. Redd covered the pillows in a Clarence House leopard silk velvet. The 1930s French coffee table is from Todd Alexander Romano.

53

Lush Living

Max Kim-Bee

Designer Ashley Whittaker infuses earthy greens and browns and outdoorsy imagery into the family room of this Upper East Side townhouse. A piece of art by Carol Greenan Bouyoucos and a Les Indiennes wall fabric serve as the room’s focal points. The custom sofa is in a Brunschwig & Fils wool and flanked by custom lamps with shades in Rogers & Goffigon stripe. The custom ottoman is covered in a Schumacher fabric.

54

A Rustic Revamp

Joshua McHugh

In this lively New York living room designed by Nick Olsen, rustic wood beams and painted floors perfectly frame vivaciously upholstered furniture in shades of green, blue, yellow, and red. A Bennison Fabrics crewelwork covers a Ann-Morris armchair and ottoman. The walls are painted in White Dove by Benjamin Moore.

Sarah DiMarco Sarah DiMarco is the Assistant Editor at VERANDA, covering all things art, design, and travel, and she also manages social media for the brand. 

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.

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.

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 non-repetitive, so just a few accent color details are enough. Otherwise, the color will “wash out” and become auxiliary.

In this interior, warm yellow, as an accent color, dilutes the cold range of 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.

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.

Here the base 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.

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.

A noticeable and stylish contrast in the interior is very easy to create with the help of 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!

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.

Looks luxurious, don't you agree?

If you want to update your interior right now, then check out the Decoretto interior painting collection. 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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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 "living" 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 fruits.

Use the tray as the base of the arrangement to bring everything together for a finished look and the ability to quickly remove items when needed. 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 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.

Feel free to fantasize and do not forget to update your table: you can add an unusual memento from a trip, a vintage camera, a jewelry box, a shell from the sea coast and other things that are dear to you.

Don't be afraid to experiment with contrasting combinations and bright accents! After all, creating the interior of your dreams is much easier than you could imagine!

Bright accents in the interior: how to make it beautiful and not flashy

White walls and discreet minimalism are indisputable trends in interior design. But living in such "sterility" may seem boring to someone. We figure out how to make the house lively, interesting and bright, but at the same time not to overdo it with colors and not make the dwelling look outrageous.

Dosage

Many designers - not only interiors, but also, for example, clothes - use the "60-30-10 rule". It says that it is best to combine colors in the following proportions:

If there are significantly more accents, the space will become too flashy, and the eyes will quickly get tired of the abundance of colors. Often, one large bright spot, backed up by small details, is enough to make the room play in a new way.

Color choice

So that you won't regret painting your bedroom wall red a week after the renovation, you should carefully choose the colors to transform your home. A special science can help in this - the psychology of color.

In short: the colors around us affect our psyche. What paints you choose for your interior largely depends on how you generally feel when you are at home. If we generalize the theory, warm colors - red or yellow - cause us a feeling of joy and a surge of energy. And cold shades - green or blue - soothe the nervous system. If you want to understand the issue in more detail, here is our material on the psychology of color.

And, of course, it is you who will live in your house, so be sure to listen to yourself and rely on your own feelings and preferences! It makes no sense to hope that a soft blue interior will instantly make you the calmest person in the world if you hate this color since childhood.

Color combinations

The color wheel is your best friend when it comes to color combinations. If we simplify as much as possible, then the colors located next to each other (similar) and opposite each other (complementary) look good together. The most popular combinations consist of three colors and are called triads.

What exactly can be "painted"

Walls

If you like to make repairs and don't have the courage, you can immediately buy rollers! One of the most popular ways to add some vibrant color to your home is by painting the walls or hanging colored wallpaper. Moreover, it is not at all necessary to repaint the entire room. It is enough to choose one or two walls that will become accent, and the rest of the surfaces can be left neutral.

For walls, it is better to choose more dense, restrained, muted shades - they are also called noble. For example, dark blue, emerald or burgundy. Or you can do the opposite and focus on pastel, delicate shades - also a great option for a color accent. The wall is an object large enough in area, so if you make it too flashy - for example, bright red - then your eyes will begin to beg for mercy in a couple of days.

Furniture

Imagine the most discreet and minimalist living room in beige tones. Represented? And now a red sofa and a red armchair burst into it! A spark, a storm... Well, you get the idea.

Furniture can be a successful bright spot and add life and emotion to a living space. Just one large item is enough - for example, a colored sofa - so that the laconic atmosphere remains laconic, but at the same time radically changed.

Textiles

Many people underestimate the importance of textiles in the interior and think about it as a last resort: repairs have been done, furniture has been assembled, things have been moved to the apartment, now you can choose pillows... We advise you to think about it as early as possible.

What color pillows would you like to have on your sofa? What kind of curtains would you like to open in the morning? What rug would you like to walk barefoot on? These details create real comfort, and they can also become successful color accents in your interior.

It is with the help of textiles that adding color to life and interior is the easiest way: no need to repaint the walls or spend a lot of money on new furniture (and before that you also have to get rid of the old one). And if you get tired of the chosen color, it is easy to replace it with a new one.

Light

If you are planning to add bright elements to the interior, it is better to stock up on the right bulbs in advance so as not to distort the carefully chosen colors and shades. The main thing is to remember about the color temperature. Warm lamps (2700K) will make the room visually more yellow than it is. And cold lights (4500K and above) will add blues and may even whiten some colors.

Lighting itself can also add bright colors to the interior. Neon, customizable LED lighting, and smart bulbs are also great choices because they can be used situationally. Turned on - you can have a stylish party in the apartment. Turned off - eyes and brain rest from bright colors.

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