10 Ways to Use Color to Transform a Room
Color has a unique way of transforming a space when used creatively to draw attention or capture a mood.
These 10 unique uses of color provide a template and inspiration for how subtle touches or loud interruptions of color can transform a room and provide a new perspective.
Expansive Neutrals
By flooding the space in a sea of neutrals, Scott Parker of Nest Architectural Design helps this room take on a much more open feeling.
Artwork
Images by Raw Color hang in a room upstairs.
Photo: Tim Van de Velde
The use of colorful artwork on a white backdrop is a way to breathe new life into a space.
Colored Lighting
Ground at Yale University by Bentel and Bentel Architects
The original concrete surfaces are intentionally visible through, and are highlighted by, the veils of the material intervention out of respect for Breuer's unique exploration in his design of the textural possibilities of a single material.
Eduard Hueber/Arch Photo
Colored lighting is a way to paint on the canvas of a room in a non-permanent way, allowing the mood to develop depending on context.
Thematic Colors
The bed in Sara’s room has been in the family since the early 1900s.
Photo: Jack Thompson
This young girl's room is themed with repetitive uses of bright teal and light pink, creating a personal touch to an otherwise neutral space.
Dark & Bright
From the Color Combinations in Interior Design series.
Magnus Anesund for Elle Interior
By using larger swaths of dark, muted colors with objects that convey pops of brightness, a space can start to take on a very distinct and intentional personality.
Bright Objects
San Francisco designer Tina Frey creates modern resin products for the home, using a thoroughly executed design, hand sculpting, and hand casting process. Her products are all food-safe, making them an excellent serveware solution in the modern kitchen. The Short Trough is a standout container that can be used to hold and display fruit, or as a vessel for an artful centerpiece.
By using bright objects with loud colors in a neutral space, you introduce a burst of color that brings energy and focus to the room—and creates a dynamic mood.
Neon
Pizza Me ($695) was created in collaboration with blogger Laura Gummerman of The Band Wife.
Neon lights were once synonymous with Las Vegas and cheap strip malls, but no longer. Bringing this dynamic element to the home is a fresh, playful way to engage a space and its inhabitants.
Contrast
Inspired by the sea and sand, the couple chose blue and orange joinery colors. The oven, cooktop, range hood, and dishwasher are by Bosch.
Contrasting colors in large quantities can energize a space with competing hues, drawing visitors in. The complementary hues of blue and orange create tension and resonance in this kitchen.
Pattern and Repetition
This wall of carefully arranged books at Warby Parker's NYC offices emphasizes their primary brand color in a unique way.
Amy Barkow
Using a particular color over and over again reinforces a value, mood, or tone, while its careful arrangement in a space creates a sense of movement and unpredictability.
Wallpaper
Holy Matcha in San Diego sports wall adorned with bright, floral wallpaper than tranforms the company's retail space.
Holy Matcha
The use of a modern wallcovering can transform a space and is a versatile way to create visual interest.
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Louise Gray Quilt Pattern Art Prints
Lovely lines. Each of these screen printed artworks represents a discontinued quilt design from this Minnesota-based label. The prints’ clean, geometric lines and soft color palette (think lovely muted neutrals and gray tones) instantly class up any room. Hang one up solo, or pair two prints together; we also love them framed and leaned up against a wall. Made in: Minneapolis, Minnesota Made of: Screen-printed on 100 lb quality cover paper Size: 33.3" L x 25" W Sourced from: Louise Gray Photography by Bobbi Lin.
ShopTempaper Self-Adhesive Wallpaper, Tropical Jungle
Go wild. Leave it to a couple of professional set designers to create the removable wallpaper of our dreams. Thankfully, their designs aren’t just meant for sets—we’re sticking the self-adhesive paper to everything: cabinet shelves, dressers, headboards. It’s even great for the bathroom—the paper doesn't react to moisture or steam. Choose from 5 obsession-worthy prints—that are all lead-free, phthalate-free and VOC-free—and 100% American-made.
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