Hit a Bold Color Balance
A slap-happy approach to vivid hues equals a surefire dizzy spell. Keep your rooms in a happy state of equilibrium instead with these tips
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
Applying bold color to a space is no haphazard process. Here’s the thing: When the eye notices a bold color, it immediately begins searching for it elsewhere in a room. Therefore, a space’s sense of balance requires that these attention-grabbing colors be carried throughout.
This may sound harder than it is really is. Truthfully, mastering the art just entails practice and allowing yourself the liberty to play. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with spaces that have it right. Once you strike the balance in your own home, your color harmony will speak for itself.
This may sound harder than it is really is. Truthfully, mastering the art just entails practice and allowing yourself the liberty to play. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with spaces that have it right. Once you strike the balance in your own home, your color harmony will speak for itself.
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| It’s not uncommon these days to see ceilings that really have punch. Help the ceiling’s unexpected aesthetic feel part of the space by applying the color to the room’s furnishings. |
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| Designer Eileen Kathryn Boyd is one of the color greats. She has been referred to as the “Color Queen,” and it’s rare that her spaces are void of intoxicating color done exactly right. My eye is immediately drawn to the magenta chairs and green drapery, then satisfied when I spot both colors in throw pillows and further green on the rug. She weaves bursts of orange throughout the room, and to top it off, the entire room’s color scheme comes together in a vivid piece of art. |
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by betsy burnham
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| Betsy Burnham is yet another acclaimed designer who understands the balance of color. Bold shades, such as the red seen on the chair, lampshades and flowers, are found in both foreground and background to maintain equilibrium. |
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If you have furnishings in bold shades, use those same colors in smaller doses elsewhere in the room. Here, lime green ottomans and a blue accent chair feel coordinated within the scheme due to a variety of accessories in the same shades.
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| Feel free to get creative with how you choose to incorporate color throughout a room, using items in your bookshelves to balance color across a space and vertically as well. |
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by Tara Seawright
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| An out-of-the-way spot, such as the bottom shelf of your living room’s side table, may seem like an unnecessary area to decorate, but your space will feel that much more cohesive if you give it a dose of the right color. |
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by Emily Ruddo
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| Open layouts are great for creating a series of separate areas conducive for entertaining. Help the entire space feel cohesive by carrying similar colors into each area, such as this magenta on both the dining room chairs and the upholstery in the living room. |
by Vendome Press
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This designer cleverly pulled green throughout the kitchen through dishware and a painted window frame. The color continues into an adjoining space by way of painted walls and wallpaper, helping the different areas feel connected.
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| Perhaps the color focal point in your space comes more from accessories than furnishings. If you have artwork that makes a bold color statement, introduce that same color into your living space with décor elements such as throw pillows or rugs. |
If you have a noticeable color close to the ceiling, pulling it as near to the floor as possible can help create a balanced look. If you have a green light fixture, for example, consider complementing it with a green rug. Green throw pillows maintain the vertical sight balance by introducing the color in the middle of the space.
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| Start small if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the task of introducing color well. Begin with throw pillows or lamps and you’ll start to get a sense for where the color may be lacking. Don’t forget, flowers and fruit (think lemons if you’re working with yellow) are inexpensive additions that can help you get the look you want. More: How to Ease Your Way Into Bold Color Be Bold, Be Brave With Color Color Ideas for Commitment-Phobes |
Comments
mbastone I used to love Colors!!, Now I'm opting for neutrals, what is wrong with me!!
14 months ago · Like
Andrea May Hunter/Gatherer Hi Shawn. I always love your posts! One way to add color to a neutral room and ensure balance is to incorporate it in small, medium and large gestures. Thanks for another interesting post.
14 months ago · Like
Shawn Gauthier Hi Andrea May, thank you so much for your compliment, as well as your awesome tip! That's definitely a great one to include. Thanks again for the nice words! :)
14 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on March 21, 2012.
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