Adding Accent Colors to Neutral Spaces

Hillsdale Sofa/pillows and Chair (sold in stores – coming soon to our website)

No matter how well-designed your neutral space is, after you’ve lived in it for a time you may feel the itch to switch things up a bit by adding in a little color.

Maybe you get bored easily, or just like to try out trending colors, or enjoy changing things out by season. Whatever your reason, neutral spaces can provide the perfect backdrop for adding accent colors.

Here are some ideas and things to consider:

Evenly Distribute.

Any color you add to a completely neutral room is going to grab some attention, since our eyes naturally gravitate to color.

Because of that, it’s a good idea to add your new accent colors a minimum of 3 times, preferably in various spots and at different levels throughout your space.   This will draw the eye around around the room rather than just focusing it on one area.

Ethan Sectional

Or not.

If you’re trying to actually create or accent a focal point, however, (for example the bed in a bedroom) you can do just the opposite if you want to!

Concentrating use of the accent color in the focal point area only, rather than distributing it around the room, will draw attention to it.

Integrate.

If your new accent color feels too much like a POP of color,  try adding one or more elements that combine both your neutral color(s) and your accent color(s).

In the living room below featuring the Julian Sectional (see more of the room HERE) the accent pillow and the art both incorporate multiple colors that are found in the space, in small amounts.  This helps everything feel more “blended”, rather than color blocked.

Ideas.

Switching out or adding new accent pillows and artwork is a simple and effective way to introduce a new color into your space, but here are more options:

• Area rug(s)
• An accent chair
• Ottoman(s)
• Accent chest
• Table runners, placemats, and napkins
• Fruit and flowers
• Table top or bookshelf accessories
• Pillows shams, coverlets and/or upholstered headboard in the bedroom
• Window treatments (or trim existing window treatments with a pop of color)

If you’re looking to add a color pop to your space, stop into your closest Schneiderman’s (or visit our website)!  We’d love to help you!

Revised and updated 11/11/16