Incorporating Color

The changing of the seasons is an exciting time. The sun is shining and lasts longer, the temperatures begin to rise and the flowers start to bloom. It is a season of rejuvenation, where everything feels lighter and brighter and more colorful. Your home can also be revived by adding a burst of color. Sallie Lord, owner of GreyHunt Interiors at the Indiana Design Center, is an expert on incorporating color into home design.

Many people’s design tastes fall in the middle of maximalist/minimalist spectrum, somewhere in between a color explosion and a blank slate. Clean lines and neutral fabrics in big-ticket items like sofas, tables and drapery are a safe bet and offer an easy way to invest in heirloom pieces. Unique light fixtures in metals and natural materials add a focal point that complements the overall design, and these elements combined create a thoughtfully considered canvas in which to add color and pattern.

Textured and colorful throw pillows, area rugs and accents can add drama and interest in a beautiful way, but, says Lord, “Original artwork can transform the look and feel of a room. It can also be a great place to start with inspiration to help guide your vision for the project.” Colors and patterns in artwork can be evoked in many different ways throughout the room.

A colorful patterned wallpaper offers an enormous amount of impact as well. A room with neutral furniture and lighting becomes something completely different with the addition of wallpaper. “A whimsical pattern or a favorite color in a wallpaper can accentuate or contrast the tones and textures of the rest of the room,” says Lord. A grasscloth or small-scale pattern would also be an intentional way to add texture and color without the busy-ness of a pattern. For more inspiration, view GreyHunt Interiors’ colorful work under Designer Portfolios.