Last year, one of my most read posts was Be Bold With Upholstery, which is great as some of you may have been inspired to leave behind the safe grey/oatmeal/beige sofa choice in favour of something more spectacular. So to start off this new year, I thought I’d write another colourful post, this time looking at how a little bit of unexpected colour can not only make a space more gorgeous, but also more fun, because we love a happy home here at First Sense! And if you are a little colour shy, I hope this post will give you some ideas on how you can add some beautiful colour to your home.
In my first son’s room, I made a feature of the long wardrobe handles by painting them in a neon red which contrasts with everything around it and makes a cheap wardrobe look interesting. Can you imagine this space if I’d used small ubiquitous handles or left the long handles in the brushed chrome finish they came in? Any view with the wardrobe would’ve looked far too plain.
I love the red pocket door of this washroom. That shot of colour really lifts this otherwise neutral space, don’t you think? Image: The Desire Files
If painting a whole door in a bright colour feels too much, how about adding a cheeky pop of colour by painting just the edge of the door like this? I’d love to try something similar in my home, perhaps on the kids’ bedroom doors or the bathroom door. A bit of paint really can change the vibe of a space! Image: Apartment Therapy
Speaking of how a little paint can make a big difference, the pink in the alcoves here looks so pretty, and knocks any sombreness right out of this grey room. Design by Jeffrey Alan Marks, image via House Beautiful
Bold art can do so much for a room! Gerald Laing’s pop art prints really warm up this grey living room. Image: Livingetc
Some may have chosen black chairs for this simply decorated dining space, but doesn’t it look so much more striking with these gorgeous blue chairs? Image: SJB
The turquoise chair and pink lamp bring a big dose of personality to this home office corner. Image: Osborne & Little
For those who love Pantone’s colour of the year, the purple upholstered bench in this bright and airy dining area is fantastic, and the art ties in with it beautifully. If purple is not for you, I can see this idea working for lots of other colours too. Image: Maree Homer
I really love the punch of colour that the ottoman brings to this living room. It’s gorgeous and makes my eyes light up! If you’re keen to add a bold colour to a space but aren’t sure which colour to pick, look for clues in rugs, art or other accessories nearby to help your colour palette feel coherent and not totally random. Image: Ali Budd Interiors
This bedroom is already so gorgeous and so chic, then come these ridiculously pretty pink velvet stools that make me never want to stop looking at this room! Image: Ali Budd Interiors
Adding a contrasting trim to the leading edge of curtains is such a lovely way to add colour and interest to a room. Image: Architectural Digest
Another great lesson in how to pimp plain curtains: the bright pompom tassle trim is easy to sew on, looks gorgeous and livens up this white space. Image: House of Fifty
There are so many other ways to liven up a room with a bit of colour: a bright lampshade, rug, cushions, planters or vases, painted furniture, etc. Would you consider any of these ideas for your home?
Painting the rim of the door is a GENIUS idea – I just might have to do this. Such a great way to incorporate colour in to your home.
Author
I’d love to try it out in my home somewhere too, it’s a brilliant way to add a really bold colour without it being in your face xx
So many gorgeous and inspiring images in this post! The two I love most have very similar palettes but my favourites are the bedroom with the pale pink footstools and the living room with the contrasting pink shelves – so pretty! xx
Author
The pale pinks in those rooms are really beautiful and such a great accent to the grey. It’s funny when you search for a grey and pink bedroom on Pinterest, you’ll be presented with the kind of images you’ve seen a hundred times (titled grey, blush and copper bedroom) which have become so boring. THIS is how you to do grey and pink! xx
Oh, I like the idea of the painted door edge too. I’d love to try that in the bathroom. But being colour shy as I am, it may end up being grey!
Author
Aww Juan, you can be braver with a door edge. Blue, green or mustard are usually easy colours to live with 🙂
I love the edge of the door thing. Really fun!
Author
It is! I’d love to try it out somewhere in my home xx
OMG! Where do you even find those beautiful interiors?! I absolutely love them all and they are all such clever ideas. And those blue chairs
Author
Haha thank you Anne Marie. I’m inspiration-hungry, I need to find beautiful fresh ideas all the time or I’m not happy! I follow many brilliant designers and read lots of interior articles, and I save all the gorgeous inspiration I find along the way xx
This is a nice post. These pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing this post.
Author
Happy you like it! 🙂