How to Infuse Your Home with Color

Bold strokes

Faced with hundreds of paint chips at a home-improvement store, many people lust after the richest colors at the bottom of the sample cards, then wimp out and head for the safety of beige. That's never been Bonnie Connors. She infused her 1920s Chicago-area home with paint, fabric and wallpaper in sunny yellows, apple greens and revved-up oranges paired with deep neutrals. Here's how she achieved color theatrics without chaos.

Pictured at left: In Bonnie's living room, a subtle Oushak rug complements the reupholstered, flame-red velvet chair that once belonged to Bonnie's grandmother.