Re-Energize Your Living Room with Bold Color
Ah, the living room – the heart and soul of our homes, where we gather to unwind, entertain, and create lasting memories. But let’s be honest, sometimes our living rooms can start to feel a little… well, lifeless. If that’s the case for you, fear not, my vibrant-loving friends! I’m here to share my secrets for ABC Home & Renovation‘s website on how you can re-energize your living room with bold and beautiful color.
Unleash the Power of the Color Wheel
Now, I know the thought of bringing in bold hues might make some of you break out in a cold sweat, but hear me out. Rich, one of the talented designers at Nell Hill’s, is a master at working with vibrant color and pattern, and he swears by one essential tool – the color wheel. That old friend from high school art class? Turns out, it’s the key to creating a harmonious, not chaotic, color palette for your living room.
Rich explains that by using the color wheel as your guide, you can pair groups of colors that complement each other perfectly, resulting in a space that’s a feast for the eyes, not a migraine-inducing rainbow. So, grab that color wheel, get inspired, and start dreaming up your living room’s new look.
Balance is the Name of the Game
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Jess, won’t all that color be overwhelming?” Not to worry, my fellow color-lovers. According to Rich, the secret to pulling off bold hues without going overboard is all about balance.
“If I’m going with really colorful upholstery, I go neutral on the walls,” Rich shares. “If I go bold with the wall color, the upholstery is toned down. Then I bring in the wall color through accents, like accessories and pillows.” It’s all about finding that sweet spot between vibrant and overwhelming, just like walking a tightrope.
Take, for example, the stunning living room Rich designed for one of his color-loving clients. The walls were painted a warm, soothing white to counterbalance the room’s exciting palette of navy, turquoise, aqua, salmon, green, and yellow. The sofas were covered in a classic navy fabric, then popped with a mix of white, yellow, salmon, and aqua accent pillows. The coffee table ottoman, in a lush grass green, added another jolt of color. It’s a masterclass in bold color harmony.
Start Small, Stay Curious
If the thought of diving headfirst into a living room makeover with vibrant hues makes your palms sweat, no worries! You can start small and gradually work your way up to bigger, bolder moves.
Nell Hill’s suggests trying out a “tiny splash of color” through inexpensive accessories, like a turquoise vase or a silk green patterned pillow. These little pops can pack a big punch, and they’ll help you get comfortable with the idea of living with bold color.
And don’t be afraid to experiment! As Jessica Brigham says, “Step the eff outta your comfort zone and take a chance on COLOR!” Try out different shades and combinations, and see what makes your heart sing. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite hue.
Infuse Color Through Furniture and Finishes
If you’re feeling a little braver, there are plenty of ways to infuse color into your living room through your furniture and finishes. Furniture Today suggests considering a vibrant sofa as a focal point, with shades of blue, pink, green, purple, or even yellow to instantly energize the space.
But don’t stop there! Nell Hill’s also recommends exploring bold paint colors, patterned curtains, or even a statement-making area rug to bring in that burst of color and personality. And if you really want to make an impact, consider a piece of colorful, upholstered furniture, like a jewel-toned armchair or a sultry velvet sofa.
Embrace the Unexpected
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Jess, won’t all this color make my living room look like a circus?” Not to worry, my friends. As Architectural Digest has shown us, sometimes the most unexpected color combinations can create the most delightful and inviting spaces.
Just look at the vibrant reimagining of the historic Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Designer Carleton Varney masterfully blended shades of salmon-pink, yellow, and emerald-green, creating a whimsical and glamorous atmosphere that pays homage to the hotel’s colorful past. It’s a lesson in the power of embracing the unexpected and not being afraid to think outside the (color) box.
So, my fellow living room enthusiasts, are you ready to take the plunge and re-energize your space with bold, beautiful color? Whether you start small or go for the full-on color explosion, I promise it’ll be a journey worth taking. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite hue and transform your living room into a vibrant oasis that’ll have your friends and family green (or pink, or blue) with envy.
