How to Add Color to Your Home (& to Your Life)

Two weeks ago, I shared this guide to understanding the emotional impact of color in your space. Today, I’m giving you some simple steps for actually bringing those colors into your home. (Are you as excited as I am??)

Before we dive in, I want you to know that many people have to muster up a little bravery when it comes to color. In fact, most of our clients don’t start out color confident. They know they want color in their homes, but they need support and guidance to get there.

If that’s you, it’s completely normal to feel this way — and I promise it’ll be worth it. I’m going to walk you through it, and if you have any questions, we’ll be there for you in the comments.

Are you ready to start living vibrantly?

1. How does sunlight affect your space?

Sunlight plays a huge role in how colors appear in your space. For example, north-facing rooms tend to lean bluish. We go into depth on this topic in our guide to selecting colors based on sun exposure — definitely worth referencing.

2. How do you want to feel in this room?

You might want energy in your family room but serenity in your master bathroom. When you’re deciding which colors to add to a specific room, first think about how you want to feel in that room.

Our previous post discusses the emotions different colors inspire in your home. If you missed it, it’s a fun read!

3. What colors are already in your space?

If you introduce new colors into a room but ignore the existing fixed elements (like hardwood floors, a stone fireplace, even the mortar between the stones!), you could have a color competition on your hands. We want harmony instead.

Decide which pieces in the room will be staying, especially the ones in your direct line of vision, and make a note of their hues. Then move to #4…

4. Which palettes will unify the space?

Now that you know which colors you’d like and the ones already accounted for, you can explore some color complements and palettes that will work well together.

A great place to start is the color wheel, and lucky for us these days, you can use the digital version to automatically generate some beautiful combinations.

5. What are your 60-30-10 colors?

Once you settle on a palette, you can decide in which ratios to use your colors. Though we love to bend the rules when it comes to color and design, color ratios is we stand by time and time again.

Meet the 60-30-10 rule:

60% – The color that is most used in your space (walls, sofa, large accent pieces like area rugs)

30% – Your secondary color (for accent chairs, linens, furniture, window treatments, etc.)

10%  – Your accent color (throw pillows, accessories, lighting, artwork, etc.)

It’s worth mentioning that your 10% accent color will be the one that stands out the most! We go into depth about this rule in our Design Dish pilot episode.

60% beige. 30% blue. 10% orange.

6. Should you start with small items?

If you’re a little color shy, you probably don’t want to go invest in an emerald green sofa right away (although I could be TOTALLY down with that). Start with easy or inexpensive items first — such as paint, throw pillows, linens and blankets.

These all have great visual impact and are returnable in most cases if you need a do-over. 😉

7. Can you push your comfort zone a litte?

Without a doubt, you’ll find the greatest impact — *gulp* — past your comfort zone. We’ve seen this to be true over and over again.

Maybe you could use a bold wallpaper to infuse some color into a small powder room, or select a bright yellow lantern for your entry. Small “brave” decisions will create color confidence for bigger, bolder steps toward living vibrantly.

In the end, I guarantee you’ll have a home that truly speaks to your soul and inspires you to live more vibrantly than ever before.

As always, if you have any questions, need a color pep talk, or a helping hand, leave us a comment below or contact us here. We’ve got your back!

XOXO,