Using Color on Your Walls by Kathleen Wilson

Most people are afraid of using color in their home decorating, and it shows. White and beige are still the most popular choices in wall color. But I do see the tides changing, and for the better. More and more home decorators are realizing that using rich or bright colors on the walls is the fastest and least expensive way to make a big impact on their rooms.

Perhaps people are afraid of using color on their walls because it encompasses such a large space, or they don’t trust their own judgment. Remember, it’s just paint! If you don’t like it, you can paint over it again. Don’t be afraid to borrow colors from magazines or decorating books as well. It may give you courage to have seen that color already working in a beautiful room.

Try using a deeper or brighter version of your present color scheme on just one wall to start. If your rooms color scheme is green and white, paint the focal wall a pretty apple green, or perhaps a rich and elegant moss green. Painting just one wall will introduce you to the changes color can make in a room, without making you feel overwhelmed.

If you have always loved an incredible hue such as deep cherry red or chartreuse, try using it in a space that isn’t used on a constant basis, such as a guest bath or laundry room. Using an intense color in a room used less often allows you to showcase your creativity, but doesn’t allow you to become overwhelmed and tired of a color because of it’s exciting qualities. Additionally, it’s always easier to live with an exciting color in smaller doses.

If neutrals are your thing and you just don’t feel comfortable venturing away from them, embrace them! Use a deep chocolate brown, a rich steely gray or a bright cottage white. Neutrals don’t have to be boring builders “off white”. Add some pattern to jazz it up such as a black and white checked tile floor. Throw in some texture, perhaps a soft fuzzy throw or a richly textured basket and you have an elegant room instead of a tired space.

Finally, consider using artwork to bring doses of color to your walls as well. Large area rugs or quilts can be hung as wall art. Wallpaper murals are easy to find online, or you can paint your own with a paint by numbers mural kit. Paint a dozen frames the same fun color and display them in a wall grouping.

Using a little courage, a little elbow grease and a good can of paint you can turn your rooms from drab to fab in a couple of short hours this weekend!