Go Bold with Color Accents
Color your home [1]
For easy doses of hardworking color, use paint, fabric and wallpaper. They aren't permanent, so when your style needs refreshing, it's easy to repaint, rehang or repurpose.
Unusual color placement—here, the newels and balusters—makes a great design statement. Use a bold hue, and you've got a power paint job.
Framed fabric [4]
Three frames covered with bold fabrics add oomph over a neutral couch. Pillows in coordinating shades amp up the impact yet are easy-to-change elements.
Light style [7]
Here, a plain lampshade goes mod with two fabrics glued on—a main field and a coordinating trim.
Peek-a-boo cabinet [10]
Paint or wallpaper the back of a cabinet for a surprising injection of color.
Back to basics [13]
Paisley wallpaper adds elegance in this kitchen. But the wide variety of prepasted wallpaper styles means you can find one to suit your home's style.
Looking up [16]
Brush on paint to update an old wood or vinyl floor. Here, a porch wears charming stripes.
Hang with style [19]
Give plain Jane drapes a jazzy look with stencils. A sturdy paper plate worked as this stencil (paint just the edge), but many common household goods would work: paper cups, oatmeal boxes, sponges, etc. Choose an inspiring color and get stenciling.
Garden look [22]
Blossoms and birds interplay on a wood armoire, but any piece of furniture is basically a blank canvas.
Fireplace frame [25]
Adorn a fireplace surround with whimsical touches and faux tiles. The artwork transitions a house-warming element into a focal point.
Hemmed in [28]
A yard of fabric hemmed and clipped over plain black curtains creates a bright outlook. You could also sew or glue bright yardage onto any length curtain.
Take a seat [31]
Fold and staple fabric over existing seating and the back to enliven a plain wooden seat.
Wicker works [34]
A coat of multipurpose spray paint refreshes classic wicker. Add a bright seat cushion and a coordinating pillow to finish the new look.
Show your stripes [37]
A single stripe of bold color wows, framing a graphic calendar and floating shelves.
Dreamy scheme [40]
Plywood painted with stripes in shades of restful blue means sweet dreams! Attach the wood to the wall for safety.
Replace a door [43]
Replace a cabinet door with a bright bit of fabric hung on a curtain rod or tension rods in the frame.
Sectional look [46]
Create an easy focal point with a square of paint in a complementary color above the mantel.
More about decorating with colors [49]
See a color you like? Most home improvement stores are happy to mix colors if you show them a picture or a fabric sample you're trying to match. They're also usually able to match discontinued colors. Remember that colors can look different depending on factors such as light and the size of your room—plus colors can look different on a computer screen or a printed sample. Always buy a small container first and try the shade out before painting the entire room. Get more color inspiration by browsing any of our slideshows below.