Has your living room felt more like a waiting room lately? Neutral color schemes can be calming, but too much beige, gray, or white can leave a space feeling flat and uninspired. Adding color doesn't have to mean overwhelming your room or committing to a drastic change. With the right accents and smart choices, you can wake up your space and give it personality. Our experts at Mauston Furniture & Appliance have plenty of creative ideas to help you get started.
1. Accent Furniture
If your room feels flat, a bold piece of accent furniture is like adding a cherry on top of plain ice cream—it's the flavor boost your space craves. You don't need to swap out your sofa or repaint the walls; just let one standout piece steal the show.
- Accent chairs: Choose a vibrant color like teal, mustard, or burnt orange to create a striking focal point.
- Ottomans or benches: For a practical yet stylish twist, choose fabric-covered options in bold patterns or jewel tones.
- Side tables or cabinets: Choose colorful finishes or painted wood to sneak in pops of color without being overpowering.
Pro Tip:
If you're nervous about committing to color, start with a small statement piece. Swapping out later is easy but still delivers a splash of personality.
2. Throw Pillows and Blankets
Throw pillows and blankets are the easiest way to give your room a quick personality boost without breaking the bank. Think of them as accessories for your outfit—switch them up, mix patterns, or go bold with colors you wouldn't typically try.
- Layer with patterns: Stripes, florals, or geometric designs can create a playful mix of texture and color.
- Contrast with your base: If your sofa is neutral, go for jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue. For a gray couch, warm colors like rust or mustard can add a cozy touch.
- Experiment seasonally: Swap out pillows and throws based on the time of year—cool blues in summer, warm oranges and reds in fall.
3. Rugs or Floor Coverings
A rug isn't just something you walk on—it's the perfect way to anchor your room and introduce a burst of color from the ground up. Whether a bold pattern or a rich, solid hue, a rug can tie your space together while breaking up all those neutral tones.
- Go bold with patterns: To inject life into the space, Try Moroccan-inspired designs, geometric prints, or floral patterns.
- Layering rugs: For added depth and texture, pair a smaller, colorful rug with a neutral jute or woven rug.
- Color coordination: Match or contrast your rug's colors with accents like pillows, throws, or artwork to create a cohesive look.
Pro Tip:
If you have neutral furniture, opt for a rug with multicolored designs—this gives you more flexibility when adding or swapping other accents later on.
4. Plants and Greenery
A pop of color doesn't always have to come from fabrics or furniture—nature's got you covered! Plants are an effortless way to add a vibrant, organic touch that livens up any space. Plus, you get the bonus of cleaner air and a more calming atmosphere.
- Lush greenery: Use leafy plants like ferns, monsteras, or snake plants to bring soothing green tones into the room.
- Flowering plants: Try colorful blooms like orchids or peace lilies for an extra burst of natural color.
- Statement planters: Let the pots do the work if your plants are already green! Choose bright ceramic planters or woven baskets with pops of color.
5. Wall Art or Decorative Pieces
Blank walls can make a neutral room feel cold and unfinished. Adding wall art or colorful decor is like putting up personality on display—it's an easy way to energize your space without taking up floor space.
- Bold artwork: Hang large, colorful paintings, abstract prints, or photography to create a statement wall.
- Gallery wall: Mix smaller framed pieces with different color themes for a creative, collected look.
- Decorative accents: Use wall-mounted shelves with colorful vases, clocks, or decorative plates to subtly infuse color.
Bring Your Space to Life with Color
A splash of color can make all the difference between a bland room and a space that feels alive. The possibilities are endless, whether you choose to brighten things up with a bold side table, vibrant wall art, or something else! If you're unsure where to begin, our experts at Mauston Furniture & Appliance are happy to answer any questions to help you find the perfect pieces. Stop by and explore our selection of colorful furniture and decor options today!