Color in Decorating - How to Add Color to a Room

Using color in decorating adds life and personality to a space, even if you can't paint. Bring color into your decorating to spice up a room inexpensively. Colors don't have to match as long as they are the same tone. Green, pink and orange might sound like it will give you a headache, but use neon colors sparingly in a teen room for a cheerful space. Muted yellows and taupes work together in a kitchen because they both have a lot of gray in them.

Accent colors can add color to a room without making any major changes. Pick a bolder color if you are working in a white room or a basic space that doesn't have a focal point. Energize a room with orange and hot pink pillows and window treatments. Create your own artwork by making a colorful modern take on hanging quilts on the wall. This helps you work in a situation where you can't paint the walls. Start out with large square canvases and paint them in shades of green, taupe, and blue. Stencil the same pattern over each dried canvas but change up the colors so each canvas has cohesion while being unique. You can use the canvases as a headboard, or cover an entire wall with the homemade artwork. You can also make a fabric screen to create separation in a room while adding color and texture. Hang a large banner from floor to ceiling behind a bed or couch to draw attention to the furniture and make a large room feel more intimate.

Almost every room has wood tones in it that need to compliment your color palette. If you are working with natural wood floors or ceiling beams use this as the inspiration piece for your color palette. Oak has an orange or yellow stain that works best with warmer colors. Try a gold or orange wall paint if you don't like your oak kitchen cabinets so they won't stand out in the room. You can even leave the walls white if your room has wood floors and furniture, your stain choice will be the color in the room. Try a mahogany stain for a warm color palette that is still elegant. Chocolate brown or black stain adds a contemporary feeling to a room.

Monochromatic color palettes can still be interesting. It makes decorating easier because you don't have to match colors. Monochromatic color palettes are popular in bathrooms because you can use all white, brown or gray. Sticking with neutral colors saves you money in the long run because your fixtures won't be dated. Lighting is essential in a monochromatic room. Add sconces, task lighting, chandeliers, and lamps to create shadows and variations of color in the room. You'll also need to focus on the quality of items you use such as investing in a claw foot tub in an all white bathroom. Add texture with fluffy towels and rugs for interest.