Add a little COLOUR to your life

10 simple tweaks to give a room more style

Look for a lampshade in an interesting colour or pattern to add pizzazz.

DO you love colour but fear commitment? There are many ways to infuse colour into your home in subtle as opposed to bold ways.

Painting an entire room or investing in a brightly coloured sofa can feel like a big leap.

The good news is that colour does not have to be permanent or expensive to be effective. Some of the most impactful colour moments come from pieces that can be swapped out or moved from room to room.

Looking to take the colour plunge without a permanent commitment? Here are some top tips.

1. Start with pillows and throws

Textiles are easy and portable. A few pillows in a new shade can change the personality of a neutral sofa in minutes.

2. Let artwork lead

A single colourful piece of art can set the palette for an entire room. Pull one or two of its colours into accessories and the space will feel instantly pulled together.

3. Paint one wall or one door

If a full room feels like too much, try a single accent wall, the inside of a bookcase or even the front door. Small surfaces are easy to repaint if you change your mind.

4. Add a colourful area rug

A patterned or richly coloured rug can anchor a room and introduce several colours at once, all while being something you can move or replace.

5. Use fresh flowers and greenery

Throw cushions and blankets add colour and texture to a neutral couch.

Nature offers colour that changes with the seasons. A bowl of lemons, a vase of branches or a leafy plant can brighten a room without any long-term decisions.

6. Look for interesting lampshades

Swapping a white lampshade for one in a soft colour or pattern adds warmth and a subtle glow, especially in the evening.

7. Layer accessories

A collection of vases or bowls can bring colour to shelves and tabletops in a way that feels natural and collected.

8. Try colourful throws

Throws in a saturated hue frame the view and add a generous sweep of colour that is still easy to change.

9. Choose one bold accent piece

A single upholstered chair, an ottoman or a painted side table in a confident colour can be enough. One statement piece often reads as more intentional than several small ones.

10. Test before you commit

Live with a colour for a week or two. If you still love it, you can always take the next step, whether that is a larger piece or a full coat of paint.

— Tribune News Service