Lisa wrote a sweet letter, and asked: …I love your style and I love the way that you infuse color. I see too many wood working projects that are all brown, and too many farmhouses that are all white. A little paint is okay on wood projects every now and then. A little color is okay on a white sofa. I see your blog and I know I am not the only one who feels this way. You strike a nice balance and I am ready to add some color to my home. Any suggestions on where to start?…
First things first: Way to go, Lisa! We’re so excited for you, because life is too short to shy away from color. There’s too much of a stigma around it, where people seem to take it to the absolute extreme with neutral on top of taupe on top of white on top of neutral. Which is fine, if that’s your style. If it’s not, and you’re using it as your default because you’re afraid, we’re here today to say you should dive in!
Guess what? Our house wasn’t always bright and colorful. I started out decorating, in my young homeowner years, as I thought I was “supposed” to do it. Which way back when, was a 2002 take on all things dark glossy furniture, a-la Bombay. Fortunately, there are great a ways to do it without looking like Rainbow Bright married Lisa Frank… and their baby threw up on your house.
Here are a few places we recommend getting started with easy ways to bring color into your home:
1. Bring color to your walls
You knew this was coming. No shocker here. We think that when you’ve moved beyond the furniture in painting a few pieces here and there, {note: balance it with wood tones} it’s a great way to bring color to your walls.
We love the idea of custom items for your wall whether it’s something you created, or if you’re not feeling up to the task, purchasing an easy piece and framing it out on your own.
And while we’re on the subject of art: shameless plug – be sure to check out our art, here. Because we have a lot of really fun options that are full of color.
You can also start by framing out something sentimental... {see Jamin’s childhood cape in our kiddo’s rooms}
This may be one of our favorite pieces, for obvious reasons.
And something in the realm of DIY: this awesome/easy peasy menu board!
And don’t miss our collection of freebies, here!
Because free art. And fun ways to add color.
We’re adding more as we go, so stay tuned!
2. Bring color to your table
It may sound silly, but colorful tablescapes can be so much fun.
If you’re not sure where to start… We love to layer the melamine plates from Target with some classic whites, and TADA!
Or fabric scraps and napkins for some amazing color in unexpected ways. You never know what you can do until you pull everything out, and start to have a lot of fun!
We have a post full of our favorite tips, here, where we share some of our very favorite ideas.
Plus, be sure to check out our spring tablescape here for more color + more tips – we love to cheat and believe they don’t have to be complicated.
Think vintage goblins in jewel-like color or vintage plates added in with new ones. Even fun sodas and straws can add an unexpected element… Our kids love it when we dress up the table – it feels special to them.
And while we’re at it on the topic of color and place settings… be sure to check out these super easy diy coasters, here.
The perfect weekend project with friends!
3. Bring color to your pillows and fabrics
If you’ve been reading for a while, you probably knew I was going there. I think this is where I probably began, with the easiest of them all.
Start basic with your pillows, and you can grow from there with coordinating rugs and throws, curtains and beyond.
For starters, here’s 5 easy diy pillows to make… And it’s super simple to add so much character in simple ways.
Be sure to consider your options with fun fabrics, too. {Shameless plug alert – but this is another one of our favorite things!}
Think through the idea of contrast, with organic and geometric, light and dark, warm and cool, large and small.
When you start to hone in on what makes elements different for your home, and highlighting those, you’ll find that you love the way they play together.
We hope that this gives you great, simple places to start… from inspiration to diy ideas and even free printables. We love bringing color into our home and we can’t wait to see what you do! These were some good places to start, and you can find more tips + tricks, here!
We know these were just starting points, but we’d love to hear from you: What are some ways you love to bring color into your home?
Have an inspired day!
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Holly says
Love these ideas! I too am trying to inject more colour into my home – without it looking crazy. I would love to frame a sentimental piece of clothing & will definitely be trying it. Thanks for the great tips.
Holly from The Art of Being Holly xo
April J Harris says
Implementing one of two (or more) of your ideas could really help perk up someone who is feeling their house is too neutral. Personally, I think a bit of colour is a wonderful thing! Pinning and sharing on the Hearth and Soul Facebook page. Thank you for bringing this inspiring post to the Hearth and Soul Link Party.
Sandy says
I used to just have gray, wood, and white since I found your blog it inspired me to add color to our house. I’ve started by buying a few of your art work pieces!!! I had planned to go buy new colored chairs to go with wood table. But now wondering what if I just bought a runner or place mats….but is that not realistic to always have the table dressed ? Maybe I still need buy the colored chairs.
julie says
These are very nice tips.
Zaleina says
I play it too safe with color at home. Your use of color is inspiring me to re-look at my rooms! It’s so fresh and breezy and whimsical.
Cheryl says
Love your blog and all that color!! You are very talented!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Cheryl! You are too sweet.