Neutrals are having a moment in interior design, and they are not going away anytime soon. But if you love bright hues as much as neutrals, it’s possible to have both. You just need to understand how to do it right; not too subdued, not too overwhelming.
See how some of our favorite designers have done it—and get a bit of inspiration for your next project 💙
Start with a Neutral Base
First things first. Create a foundation. Keep all the basic features of a room neutral. We want to start with a clean canvas to leave plenty of room for all the colors on your wishlist.
A neutral base doesn’t mean a “white” base, by the way. Creams, beiges, and greys are all cool additions—they keep the color scheme neutral, but don’t make it boring.
Define Your Color Palette
Plan a color scheme. Thoroughly. Think of all the colors you like—and all the hues that fit your interior. Don’t just toss in any and every shade; we don’t want to create a hodge podge. List down your favorites, and pick the ones that complement each other. Make sure to keep every choice in line with the purpose of the room: is it a home office (where you need productivity-inspiring colors); is it a bedroom (where your senses need to be relaxed); is it a living room (where you host guests every now and then)? Find answers, and decide carefully.
Incorporate Color Through Accessories
A foolproof idea to add pops of color to a home. So simple, so effective. Even a person who’s new to the interior design world could smash it.
Some designer-approved accessories include…
Throw Blankets + Pillows
Such an easy idea to introduce color. It’s not even permanent. Change it out whenever you want—or whenever the trends (or seasons) change.
We love blue for throws and (or) cushions. It pops out so much against neutrals (like greys) and even uncommon choices (like olive greens).
Rugs
Could be a basic solid-colored, bright rug. A patterned rug. A vintage Persian rug (vintage + modern = true luxury). An ombre rug… or anything that adds color. You can use this as an anchor for the rest of the hues you want in the room.
Colorful Wall Art
Even a single, carefully chosen artwork can be the point of focus. Keeping the surroundings simple will also help your artistic pieces to stand out. Don’t shy away from trying mixed media collages and bold prints.
Decorative Objects
Vases. Bowls. Books. Candlesticks. Sculptures. Ornamental globes. Woven baskets. There are opportunities for color everywhere. Look for the places that stand out the most, and inject each with your favorite hues.
Use Statement Furniture
A long-term investment, but one that’s definitely worth it. We love the idea of a pair of emerald green armchairs flanking a neutral sofa (a matching ottoman looks amazing, too!). If decorating a bedroom, a single piece of saturated furniture would be your best bet. A bright blue headboard, for example, is such an incredible addition against a neutral wall. Bonus points for matching window treatments; it’s the little details that make all the difference.
Don’t Forget the Walls
A prime estate for adding vibrancy… either just a touch of color, or a dramatic statement. Think of a pink accent wall (+ contrasting mustard throw pillows). A wallpaper also does the job, and that too, wonderfully. If you’re aiming for something more luxurious, a fully decorated gallery wall is an excellent choice. Look up for unique arrangements and stunning frames—you won’t regret!
Bring in Nature’s Palette…
…or we’d say, bring in nature itself. There’s really no better way to brighten up a room than with a few plants or flowers. It’s beautiful. It’s portable. It’s perfect.
Select plants based on the conditions of your home (available light, air quality, etc.). For the flowers, utilize the lovely seasonal blooms in your garden.
And if you don’t have a green thumb, there are ♾️ other ways to introduce nature (and, of course, color) to a home, like—
- Nature-inspired prints (on upholstery)
- Botanical wall art
- Stone accents (marble vases, coasters, etc.)
- Earth-toned color schemes (using greens, browns, creams)
Highlight Architectural Features
Take advantage of an architectural feature you might have in your home. Don’t let it just sit there. Highlight it. Beautify it. However looks good.
Talking about a fireplace, for example, the classic idea of painting the mantle is an absolute hit. Every single time. If you’re feeling more dramatic, we’d suggest fireplace tiles. It adds texture—and color. You could also sprinkle a few accessories around, such as…
- A mirror
- Candles or vases
- A statement clock
- String lights
- Lanterns
- Potted plants
Transform the Light Switches
A unique (but super fun) idea. You might not see this in many homes, but you’ll still find a ton of sources to shop for eclectic light switches (Etsy, Amazon, etc.). Paint the door handles, window hardware, and light fixtures in the same hue as the switch—it works magic!
But if you’re not ready for a permanent commitment, try light switch stickers. Pop them on for a change, and peel them off when you want to reverse the playful vibe.
Try More Than “One” Pop of Color
Why restrict yourself to one shade when there are countless hues on the color wheel? Sure, it takes some extra effort to plan for 3+ colors in one room, but it’s oh-so-worth-it.
Keep in mind three rules here. 1) Tone down the background. 2) Follow the 60-30-10 rule. 3) Opt for hues either from a similar color family, or ones that complement each other on the color wheel.
Or, Limit Your Colorful Components
If you’re afraid of getting carried away with too many colors, try only two different hues. Some popular color combinations of 2025 are…
- Terracotta + Sage Green
- Dusty Rose + Charcoal Grey
- Mustard Yellow + Deep Teal
- Lavender + Cream
- Blush Pink + Olive Green
- Peacock Blue and Warm Gray
Opt for Statement Lighting
The lampshades, light fixtures, pendant lights… whatever it may be, add color. It’s subtle, but makes a big impact. And it’s also changeable—good news if you’re indecisive like most of us 😆 Also, don’t forget to consider the impact a different-colored lampshade will create; be prepared for a different lighting intensity.
Inspire Your Choices
If you can’t seem to put a finger on the color you like, look around; there’s inspiration everywhere. For example, you could opt for a color that’s found in the view right outside your window. This connection to the outdoors leads the eye outward—and you’ll see how larger the space will look instantly. A green chaise would look great in this context. Plus, chaises are the epitome of luxury, so you might as well want to make it the focal point of the room with a lovely green hue 😉
Keep It Personal
The most important tip. Personalize the decor. Add elements that feel authentic to you. Focus on shades that evoke joy. Bring in decor that inspires creativity. Your home should tell your story—and color is one of the best ways to do that 😍
We, at our Arizona-based interior design firm, are ready to help you choose the best colors for your interior, ones that reflect your true personality; contact us today to get started 🤙