How To Add Color To Your Living Room Without Having To Re-Paint Your Walls

Colors like white, black, and pastels always manage to create an imposing effect that is pretty difficult to ignore. But overtime, the whole clinical and uptight look starts to lose its charm, and it’s barely a matter of time before you’re pining for some chaos or a blast of crazy colors. We understand that the choice of somber colors seemed like a good idea at that time, and we certainly don’t expect or want you to repaint the walls. If you haven’t already realized, dull walls form quite an amazing canvas for loud colors. So, without further small-talk, we give you six simple yet intelligent ways to explode some lively color into your otherwise blah room.

1) Huge paintings or murals

When you’re on a budget, painting walls all over again may not seem like a very feasible option. However, who said that’s the only way to color the walls? A little bit of art hunting in the flea market, thrift stores and local galleries will give you gems of a bargain. You can opt for anything from a mural to a street art painting. As long as it’s colorful and lively enough, it doesn’t matter.

2) Quirky installations

Spartan lampshades and lame show-pieces only remind us of all things drab. Instead, go for lamps with printed shades. Lanterns- wall-mounted or low hanging- with mosaic designs, spray painted art, or stained glass, lend a very artistic yet trendy feel to the home. Another simple accessory is the good old vase. You’ll be surprised how easily you can find vases in the most zany designs and styles. Moreover, vases are capable of bringing in the natural green of potted plants, as well as serve as standalone statements of style and art. What’s better? They are available at some really cool bargains too!

3) Bold rugs

A rug does a lot more than just offer a surface to rub your feet on. Through the right choice of rugs, you can make style and luxury household terms. Brighten up the otherwise somber interiors with some interesting color-blocking. Opt for shades in bright pink, solid red, dark blue, or black with neon prints. You can also look for exotic looking rugs with intricately drawn floral patterns. Animal prints is quirky color combinations also work the trick to perfection.

4) Patterned curtains and cushions

Curtains are one element that could help you set the theme for the rest of the house. Bold colored drapes against a white wall create a very dramatic yet impressive effect. Fuchsia pink, teal, turquoise blue, peach are colors that make the ideal choice. The same goes for sofa cushions. Of late, you’ll find many striking and creative designs even for curtains and cushions. For curtains, you can opt for floral prints, stripes or intricate patterns. Whereas, for cushions, keep an eye out for exotic or oriental prints. However, remember that your curtains and cushions should always complement each other.

5) Brightly Colored furniture

A very daring move, we admit. But, if you pull it off, you almost don’t have to worry about anything else. Brightly colored furniture not only make your living room stand out from the other ordinary living rooms, but also add a dash of fun to the otherwise serious setting. You can go for an ocher yellow, deep purple or burnt orange leather sofa, or play a little safe and go for vintage leather chairs with teal or olive-green colored padding. To mix colors with luxury, you can opt for reclining sectional sofas in colors like powder blue, maroon or a combination of, purple and deep blue, blue and burgundy or beige and dark brown.

Whether you incorporate only a single element, combine two or more, or incorporate all of these in your home, you have to bear one important thing in mind- all colors and designs should complement each other in a seamless manner. The magic lies in finding the common ground between balance and vivacity.

This post written by ace interior decorator and designer Sophia Easton from Leather Creations. Sophia is an avid blogger and works with company’s custom luxury furniture team.