7 Inspiring Home Ideas You Never Thought to Try

Benches have a more informal and inviting vibe than the usual set of chairs, plus you can fit extra guests. It’s okay if the wood finishes don’t match — they’ll blend just fine. If you want to pair an upholstered bench with upholstered chairs, stick with equally rich shades, like these yellow and blue jewel tones. Find upholstered kinds with turned legs from Wisteria or get them secondhand. The diamond-print fabric on this one is by Perennials. (Room design by Jenn Feldman Designs)

Barstools in a variety of colors are an unexpected way to perk up a neutral kitchen. For a cohesive look, stick to the same kind (these are Tolix-style stools), then sprinkle more bright bursts around the room with dishware. Find barstools like these at Overstock, Poly & Bark and Industry West. (Room design by Carissa Fox)

A larger-than-life pendant or chandelier adds drama to a subdued space, especially when it’s smack in the center of the room. The light here is more than half the width of the full-size bed. This one is 32 inches wide. For a similar stunner the same size, check out the IKEA Grimsas. Shades of Light has gorgeous oversize options too. (Room design by Ali Budd Interiors)

Don’t be scared. The secret to success is using a black with a tinge of blue, so the darkness has depth. An expanse of it is easier to pull off on built-ins or behind open shelves, where you can layer white objects and plants to break up the color. This is Black Blue by Farrow & Ball, or try Dark Night by Sherwin-Williams. (Room design by Zoe Feldman Design)