Ten Ways to Add a Splash of Color

I mostly prefer interiors with a neutral foundation.  From there, I’ve noticed that my tastes change throughout the year, depending on the season.  If you’re like me, after the holidays things seem to look a little dull around the house.  I do love having more space to move and for my eyes to have a place to rest after the Christmas tree and decorations are put away (small house problems). But I find myself wanting a little more color here or there.  Not in the form of anything major like a brightly painted room, just a splash of color in each room.

I’ve pulled together a few ways to easily add that splash of color to any room and have been trying to do that very thing in our home.

1.  ART
I love to see an abstract painting in a traditional space.  There’s something about it that keeps a room from being too stodgy.  This abstract is the perfect injection of color and there are so many tutorials out there for DIY abstract if you don’t want to shell out the big bucks.  I’ve found the easiest way to create an abstract is to use acrylic paints and canvas from Michael’s and just start.  If you use colors you love, you’ll be surprised how great it looks.  There’s really no right or wrong way!

2.  RIBBON TRIM ON WINDOW TREATMENTS
This is one of my favorites and just look what it adds to this space!  Adding trim can be done in many ways.  You can either sew it or glue it on with a glue gun.  There is also iron-on adhesive if you prefer to go that route.  IKEA makes super cheap curtains that are a decent quality, but you also can find basic curtains at West Elm or Target.  Look at M&J for grosgrain ribbon or greek key trim. Don’t feel up to a DIY project?  You might like here.

3.  RUGS
The rug makes this entry does it not?  Here’s a helpful guide to shopping for rugs on Craig’s List and this one for sourcing antique rugs.  You might also have luck here.

4.  ACCESSORIZE
Blue and white ginger jars are classic and a great way to add color to any space.  If you’re lucky, you can find them at Goodwill, but I’ve had the most luck at One King’s Lane and Joss & Main.

5.  FRUIT
Oranges, lemons, artichokes, and green apples are among my favorites for adding color.  I prefer real fruit and yes, we do eat it so it doesn’t go to waste.  There is also some pretty convincing faux fruit out there like I used on my Christmas wreath which came from Costco.  Tip: Aldi has the best prices on real lemons!

6.  PAINT FURNITURE
One painted piece of furniture in a room can really make a statement.  It is a great way to bounce around an accent color or simply introduce a new color altogether.

7.  PLANTS
Every room should have a little green.  It just works.  It can be as easy as cutting a branch from the yard or a potted plant from a home improvement store.  My favorite branches include magnolia, viburnum, and palm.  Any my favorite house plants are fiddle leaf fig, ficus, meyer lemon, orchid, and succulents.

8.  PILLOWS
Pillows are my weakness.  As in, Mr. is most likely planning an intervention to address my addiction. I simply cannot stop!  Changing pillows is one of the quickest ways to perk up a room.  Try Homegoods, TJ Max, Marshalls, Target, or Etsy for a quick fix.

9.  BOOKS
I’m a book lover and they are all over our house.  Tip: remove the jackets to reveal the pretty covers. Tip:  Stack them in odd numbers and use them when you need to add height.

10.  FLOWERS
As much as I adore white flowers, they wouldn’t have nearly the impact these yellow alstroemeria do. I usually buy flowers once every three or so weeks.  I love walking in and seeing them first thing and the color makes me happy.

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