I think of accent colors in your home as similar to accessories in your wardrobe. They support and often dazzle. They’re likely to get the squeals, oohs and ahhs.  Maybe it’s the funky hoop earrings or the bright beautiful scarf. Accent colors can bring that same excitement to your home’s color scheme to help create that perfect, finished feel. 

However (the dreaded however)…if you don’t use your accent colors correctly, your room may end up looking like an exploded box of crayons! Let me help you avoid that with the following tips. 

1. Choose Wisely. Think of one or two colors you love and would like to see in your room. Remember to treat these colors like accessories in your wardrobe. Introduce them in several select spaces around your room like throw pillows and vases versus your whole ceiling. 

2. Select Smart Locations. Again, don’t go overboard. Place your accents with restraint and strategy. Perhaps you place a pretty, golden throw on the sofa, two turquoise throw pillows on your side chairs, or swirled pastel vase on the mantle in a way that draws your eye and “makes” the space.  

3. Consider Textures. If you find yourself feeling like you want more color, consider adding variety by bringing in different textures -- muted neutrals can work wonders. This can add interest while keeping your room from looking like it went somewhere over the rainbow. 

4. Abide thee Rule of Three. I usually advise placing your accents in at least three locations in the room. Too little can seem accidental and too much can feel overwhelming. Three locations are likely to feel intentional and not like the décor aisle in Home Goods. Three is a great rule of thumb but the number can vary, especially if you’re redesigning a larger room. 

5. Remember Neutrals. Neutral colors mixed into your overall color scheme can keep things from becoming too intense. I recommend neutral colors for big areas like walls because it provides ongoing freedom to change things up. Remember it’s much easier to change pillows and candles than repaint your walls! 

Final Thoughts

Accent colors allow you to add interest, insert your personality into your room, and help tie a design together to make your room feel finished. As an added bonus, they allow you an easy affordable way to change your look more often. Something this girl loves.  

Now, what will you do next to love where you live? 

Please feel free to reach out to us at The Redesign Habit and ask questions or simply share a project that you are working on or have completed. 

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