Easy Ways to Embrace Color In and Outdoors

Adding color to your home doesn’t have to involve a major renovation. All you really need are a few simple updates to infuse vibrant style into every space. Here are some easy, practical ideas to help you embrace color both indoors and out:

Use Paint to Define Spaces

Most people settle on a full accent wall when experimenting with paint. It’s a tried-and-true way to add a pop of color, but you can actually use paint in more creative ways to highlight specific features or define areas within a room. This method is also budget-friendly since you’ll typically only need a paint sample jar to get the final results (or at most, a pint).

One way to define a specific part of your room is to use paint as a backdrop for a piece of artwork. Painting an arch or square on the wall where you’ll hang your frame calls attention to the piece while bringing life to otherwise plain walls.

Cozy nook with an armchair, painted arch wall, and textured rug

Add a textured rug in subtle colors to anchor a cozy corner and make it feel complete.

You can also work in reverse by choosing a color from the rug to use on the wall. A crisp shape like this triangle naturally draws the eyes upward from the ground to the art. This trick also helps the space feel taller and more dynamic.

Pair Colorful Pillows and Rugs

Rugs and pillows are the easiest combo to breathe life into a room. Start with a colorful rug to ground the space, then layer in some pillows in complementary shades. Try this pairing on a patio or balcony to create a cheerful extension to your indoor space.

Paint the walls of your patio or porch in a bright color to take things up a notch. This simple upgrade adds an extra layer of personality that turns a plain patio into a lively extension of your home.

Colorful patio featuring a tropical rug, flowers, and plants

Add Vibrant Plants and Flowers

There are plenty of reasons to have plants and flowers inside and out, but one of the easiest is to add a natural touch of color. Lush greenery and vibrant blooms easily take an already colorful space to another level. Even a lacquered planter in a bold primary shade can make a room feel warmer and more welcoming.

Corner view of a patio with a colorful tropical rug, plants, and a chair

Quick Tips to Start Adding Color

  • Always test first. Even if you’re only painting a portion of a wall, try swatches first. You can even try a rug before you buy. Just take a picture of the room and upload it into our room visualizer to get a better sense of how it’ll fit in the space.
  • Focus on simple color combinations. If you’re new to pattern or color mixing, focus on 1-2 shades from a key piece within the room, like a rug or sofa.
  • Think vertically. Don’t limit your design to the ground area. Colorful art, painted shelves, or bright planters give the room more dimension.

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