There is definitely something about a neutral colour palette; the way in which those creams, off-whites and beiges make a room seem bigger and more open and elegant. But let’s be honest: every once in a while most of us dream of splashing around vibrant colours. Could it be a trick that was ingrained into our senses in kindergarten? Who knows? The point is that colour is important in our lives, because colour sets the mood and tone of a room – and a home.
Just ask any professional interior designer or decorator!
While some colours are more vivacious and energetic, others ensure a more calming and tranquil effect. And let’s not forget the fact that colours can also help to make a room feel colder or warmer than it actually is!
So, with the importance of colour in mind, we move on to one of the most important socialising spaces in any house: the living room, where we can entertain a gathering of friends, or relax by our lonesome selves. And whether you want a pop of colour here and there, or pack a full-on punch of exciting hues, you are sure to find what you’re looking for with our favourite tips for decorating a colourful living room.
A can of paint and a paintbrush remains one of the easiest ways to add colour to any room. But who said you need to spend hours painting the whole room? How about just one wall?
If there’s a nice architectural feature in your living room (like a fireplace), use that wall to flaunt some friendly colour. Or if there’s a niche, that’s also your perfect excuse for extra hues.
For your focal wall, pick a bold, contrasting tint that shows up in your artwork, or go with a subtle, lighter colour softer than any of the other walls. Any change in colour will add interest and character!
homify hint: Not in the mood for paint fumes? Using a statement patterned wallpaper on one feature wall is your next best option. Try papering up the wall behind your sofa and frame that space as the central feature in your living room. Just be sure to choose a design that flaunts colours already present in your living room’s furniture and/or decorations – it’ll help to tie the scheme together.
Renting? Not sure if you’re ready to commit to a bright orange (or taffy pink, or ocean blue… ) on a wall, yet you’re still yearning for a touch of colour? Instead of buying extra accessories, use what you already own, like your bookshelves or cabinets. Painting their insides is sure to make a big impact with minimal fuss.
Adding a new colour, even to some old seating spots, can transform your living room dramatically. Of course we are not suggesting that you paint your sofa or ottomans, but you can absolutely give them new colours via slipcovers. It’s also the easiest way to save an old sofa that’s not as visually pleasing as it used to be, yet which is still structurally sound.
And seeing as there’s basically nothing that can’t be painted these days (thanks to a myriad of different paints available), we say be brave and splash a new colour onto those vintage wooden chairs, coffee table, etc.
You don’t need to have contacts in the expensive art industry to flaunt beautiful artwork in your home. A few colourful paintings, posters or photographs is all it takes.
When hanging art on your walls, it not only adds pops of colour to the space, but also ensures another layer of texture and dimension to the room. And nothing speaks more about a person’s personal style than the art in his home.
It’s all about the detail, meaning that if you wish to see a colour change in your living room, you can start small.
Swap out throw blankets and scatter cushions to change up those hues and influence the living room’s main colour palette. Do this often (how about with the change of every season?) to give a subtle-yet-noticeable facelift to the room.
Thank goodness plants and flowers are not only green – there’s an entire rainbow out there waiting to be picked (or bought).
If you haven’t been blessed with green thumbs, ask your local nursery to suggest bouquets and/or potted plants – you already know which colours are present in your living room, so work from there.
A colourful throw rug, intentionally placed in front of a sofa or under a coffee table, adds instant colour, character and texture to a living room. Best of all is that is no limit to where you can lay down a nice little rug – on top of hardwood flooring, painted floors, tiles, or even carpet for a layered look, anything goes!
So, what are your colour options? Choose a contrast colour (picked from fabric you’re already using in the living room), or look for one with an interesting pattern that ties into the theme of the space.
There’s always a reason to bring in a mirror, even if you’re seeking a colourful living room. Place a large one against that bare wall and see how it immediately doubles up those greens, blues, purples and other hues of your décor.
Choose an interesting frame to add to your living room’s style, or, if it’s an old frame, consider painting it a bright colour.
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