The trick in this space is to look up. Coral pink paint highlights the octagon-shaped recessed ceiling, where an antique wrought iron chandelier creates a shadowy-meets-bright juxtaposition. The navy blue cabinets and honed Carrara marble countertops paired with back-from-the-past brass hardware deliver a tailored yet family-friendly atmosphere.

Throw seriousness out the window and have a little fun. The architectural elements - wood ceiling beams, moldings and built-in benches - receive a daring purple paint application. However, the rest of the room doesn't shy away from the challenge. Bold floral wallpaper, a crushed blue velvet sofa and a mid-century modern chandelier confidently enhance the over-the-top style.

Using color for organizing is design worthy and helpful for young and old alike. Different yet coordinating shades of blue and gray define the cubbies and give each family member a separate hue. The open storage ensures everyone has a place to drop bags, jackets and shoes as they come in the door.

Instead of a typical paned window, opt for a color-filled stained glass one. This rustic eclectic hallway is a cornucopia of patterns and textures, which are only highlighted by the filtered light pouring through the floral stained glass set in a rich wood casing.

Paired with opaque black cabinets, graphic textiles and sleek furniture, these pretty-in-pink cabinets seem more grown-up chic rather than tucked-in-the-nursery. The contrasting vibe of the black exerts a confidence that keeps the palette from being overly sweet.

If full-color cabinets aren't your thing, trade out a couple cabinet doors. Selected colored panels animate the seamless mahogany cabinetry in this mid-century modern kitchen. The island clad in a white waterfall countertop elevates the crisp contemporary vibe.

When living in a small space, like this studio apartment, every design element matters. Low-profile furniture, gray walls and an all-white kitchen create an open, airy environment. The wall above the kitchen cabinets is painted a bright navy to complement the blue-gray sofa and accessories and bring an unexpected shot of color to the space.

Set on Lake George in New York with the Adirondack Mountains as a backdrop, this rustic lake house is a true getaway to nature. The exterior wood and stone were locally sourced from surrounding mills and quarries to create a home that effortlessly blends with its natural surroundings. For a surprising touch of color, the garage doors, along with the window casings, are painted seafoam green to match the tin roof.

Kitchen backsplashes are a favorite place to add color, yet very few take the above-and-beyond step this space does. Dark teal subway tiles laid with defining white grout don't simply go from countertop to cabinet, but instead soar all the way above the upper cabinets to the ceiling. The result is a dramatic and vivid display.

The oversized island may be centerstage in this transitional kitchen, but it's the painted-to-match robin's egg blue arched door leading into the pantry that really steals the show. The mingling of floral windows treatments and a beaded chandelier with the white cabinets and glossy gray backsplash create a balanced harmony.

When searching for creative inspiration in this craft room, the homeowner merely has to turn her eyes skyward. The pitched roof is wallpapered in a multicolored graphic print that infuses the room with a dynamic rhythm. Underfoot, hexagon tiles in shades of black and gray bring in their own energy.

Playrooms were made for color, and these lime green lockers are a smart addition to this kids' space. Not only do they deliver a shocking hue, but they also provide keep-the-clutter-at-bay storage. The neutral tufted leather sectional balances out the more playful elements, including the graphic black-and-white fireplace wall and multicolored shag rug.

No standard white beadboard backing these bookshelves. Set against the saturated fuchsia, the accessories pop off the backdrop. Accents of fuchsia throughout the room pull the entire design together and an abundance of white creates balance.

A few notes of color make maximum impact in a purely white palette, and choosing the wild card of a bright orange range over a standard appliance finish produces a bold statement. The Orla Kiely wallpaper behind the bar pulls together the shade of the stove, as well as the robin's egg blue of the dining chair.

Shake up the traditional home office attire with this floor-to-ceiling emerald green built-in. Ample work surface. Check. Tons of storage. Check. Unconventional yet enchanting hue. Check and check. Contrast provided by the white walls and coffered ceiling gives the space breathing room, while warm woods and a tone-on-tone area rug ground the space.

An all-white color scheme equates to a pretty crisp vision, so luxe finishes and easy-going textiles are employed to soften the edges. Textured gray Roman shades dress the windows, open gold shelving shows off a metallic vibe and tucked away under the bar (usually overlooked in most kitchens) is a painted blue accent wall that brings in a rich depth.

Tongue-and-groove planks encompass this bathroom, giving it a decidedly cottage feel. The room is dotted with contemporary elements — the sleek soaker bathtub and geometric light fixture — yet the unpredicted moment is the vanity. Painted in a distressed mint green, the vanity claims a punchy yet casual impression.

Instead of ordinary dining room chairs in simple woods or basic white, look for ones that add instant pizzazz to your design. These sleek aqua blue stunners reflect the view of the ocean beyond and energize the weathered wood setting.

One of the easiest ways to add color to your space is right under your nose (possibly, quite literally). Book covers and spines are often a myriad of beautiful shades. Arrange a monochromatic collection of them on a bookshelf, like this beachy living room and its shades-of-blue display.