Bright Colors - 5 Attractive Ways to Use Them at Home

by Ann Hayward 01/10/2021

Color can – and should – be used to decorate your home, but for most of us, too much bright color is more obnoxious than invigorating. Those screaming bright yellow walls may look amazing in the magazine spread, but you may not be prepared to live with that much color in your own space. Opting for colorful accents instead of going all in and painting a room a bright tangerine, violet or apple green can help you create an appealing space that is comfortable but not overwhelming.

5 Ways to Incorporate Bright Colors in your Home

Bright colors can be most appealing and impactful in smaller doses, according to HGTV. Learning how to incorporate them into your home without creating a chaotic and overwhelming space is key to using bold, lively shades in your décor.

Create an accent wall: A single wall painted with bold color or adorned with a bright, patterned wallpaper can become a focal point. It is also an inexpensive way to make a colorful statement without overwhelming your space or your bank account. Best of all, because you are only painting or covering a relatively small space, you can splurge on amazing paper or paint products.

Use textiles: You don’t have to buy brightly colored furniture to make a splash in your space. Use bright throws and accent pillows to liven up the room instead. These accents are easily swapped out if you decide you need a more traditional look and are easy to switch for different seasons or holidays, too.

Invest in art: A striking large canvas or mural can be an amazing focal point for your room and pull things together. Consider one large or several small pieces to light up your space and create an intriguing and appealing look for any room in your home.

Use rugs and flooring: Area rugs in a single bright color or with lots of color and texture can add a punch of color to any room, without overwhelming it. Use a rug to pull the room together with a new color you want to try, without committing to permanent changes.

Choose decorative accents: Home stores and sites abound, so if you want to test out a color, you’ve got many ways to do it. Choose your preferred color or palette then look for accent pieces from candles and picture frames to sculptural elements and tablescapes.

Before you commit to painting a wall or room, test out colors you think you like in smaller, more easily removed items, like the ones described above. This will help you determine your personal comfort level with bold colors and allow you to create a space that is uniquely yours.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]