Can't-Miss Color Tips from David Bromstad

Neutrals Make It Easy

When you're looking for an affordable way to update a room's look from season to season, neutral larger furniture pieces will give you the flexibility needed to easily change paint, pillows, window treatments and other accessories.

Get Inspired

Let your favorite rug, pillow, artwork or other accessory be your color inspiration. Pick up the colors from these items as you choose additional paint, fabric and accessories for the room.

Customize Curtains

If you're using a strong color for valances, balance the curtains out by putting that color on the bottom of the curtains as well.

Check Your Mood

Let your feelings guide you. If you're an emotional type, choose colors that reflect your mood. "Hot" colors like reds and oranges will energize you and get you ready to tackle the day. "Cool" colors like greens and blues will help you relax and chill you out. To achieve a more formal look, choose high-contrast colors like dark brown and silver.

Bonus Tip: If you're nervous about committing to a wall color, use a few sample paint packets to cover large sections of the wall with various colors. Live with the color for a few days to see how it changes as the light changes.

Paint an Accent Wall

An accent wall will serve as a focal point in the room, allowing you to add excitement without making the commitment to one color for the entire space.

Spread Color Around

Maintain the flow of color throughout your space by repeating a color or colors from one room to the next. For example, if you have blue living room walls, use blue glass accent pieces in the adjoining room.

Also repeating a color from the focal wall in little accents around a room really ties that space together. Try to spread that color in small doses onto each additional wall, like the pop of bright blue on the bed and fireplace above.

What's Missing?

If you've finished adding splashes of color to your room and still feel something is missing, try adding a black pillow, picture frame or glass accent to enhance the other colors in the room.

Brown Always Works

If you're having trouble picking a color for your room, a fail-safe way to go is to pick ranges of brown and tan, and punch the room with one additional big, bold color.