"Painting is the cheapest, easiest way to give your home a new look," says Lisa LaPorta, HGTV's Designed to Sell and owner of Lisa LaPorta Design in L.A. Even if you were weaned on off-white walls, take a chance and test out a quart of paint in a warm, neutral hue. You can always paint over it if you don't like the effect. These days, the definition of "neutral" extends way beyond beige: from warm tans and honeys to soft blue-greens.Even deeper shades are enjoying a renaissance. "Don't shy away from dark colors in a powder room, dining room or bedroom," says Michael Friedes, Nest Home Design stager based in Oakland, Calif. "A deep tone on the walls can make the space more intimate, dramatic and cozy — and surprisingly, it can even make a small room seem bigger because there's no delineation of the corners." Designer Lori Dennis used a calming blue punctuated with crisp white bedding and playfully colored accessories to create this intimate bedroom.
Start with a pillow, textile or piece of art you love, LaPorta suggests. "The background color is often great for walls, and you can pull out the other colors for accents around the room." You could also try painting an accent wall to draw attention to a dramatic fireplace or a lovely set of windows. Either paint the wall a contrasting — but still complementary — color or a more intense version of the paint used in the rest of the room. If you have built-in bookcases or niches, experiment with painting the insides a color that will make them pop: a soft sage green to set off the white pottery displayed within, perhaps.
If you're too timid to whip out the paintbrushes, add punch with richly colored accessories, pillows and throws, LaPorta says. When seasons change, or you're ready for something new, these couldn't be simpler to switch out.
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