In Living Color
Break out of your comfort zone by adding vibrant home furnishings and accessories.
Infusing small doses of color into your décor can certainly make life a little more entertaining on the home front. It’s one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to evoke change and create more exciting living spaces. “Color has a lot of power. It can be very uplifting and instantly transform the look and feel of any room,” says Abigail Rizor, interior decorator and co-owner of Wolfe-Rizor Interiors (wolferizor.com) in Winter Park. “Embellish classic neutrals with colorful, interchangeable home accents, such as pillows, throws, area rugs, accent chairs, draperies, end tables and easily repainted wood furnishings. It’s an easy way to make a bold statement that allows you to stay current with the times and the trends.” Here are a few colorful décor items that can jazz up any room in your home:
1. ADD A SPLASH OF COLOR UNDERFOOT
Jewel shag stripe rug, $19.95, Pier 1 Imports
2. ILLUMINATE SPACES WITH COLORFUL DÉCOR
Pleat orange hourglass pendant lamp, $99.95, Crate & Barrel, The Mall at Millenia, crateandbarrel.com
3. USE WHIMSICAL LIGHTING OPTIONS
Blue and green paper, lanterns, set of two $10, Pier 1 Imports, eight Central Florida locations, pier1.com
4. MAKE TIME FOR WALL ACCENTS
Color-block clock, $59.95, Pier 1 Imports
5. GIVE YOUR SOFA A STARRING ROLE
Klyne sofa in delight grass, $1,199, Crate & Barrel
6. PUNCTUATE WALLS WITH CHIC DÉCOR
Hand-painted mosaic mirror, $279.95, Pier 1 Imports
7. ADD A BOLD ACCENT CHAIR
Red velvet dining chair, $199.95, Pier 1 Imports
8. INFUSE COLOR WITH END TABLES
Lilac ISALA end table, $179, IKEA Orlando, ikea.com
9. BRIGHTEN BEDDING WITH SOLIDS AND PRINTS
Apt. 9 ivy bedding separates, $39.99-$249, Kohls, seven Central Florida locations, kohls.com
10. SPICE UP STORAGE OPTIONS
Hand-distressed deep-blue Calais cabinet, $899, Crate & Barrel
10 TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH COLOR
Expert advice from Abigail RIZOR, interior decorator and co-owner of Wolfe-Rizor Interiors in Winter Park:
1. Don’t overuse color. Use two or three colors to avoid creating a rainbow of confusion.
2. Use your neutral color throughout your home for continuity and a harmonious flow.
3. Try alternates to beige or white. Darker colors, like cobalt blue, can act as a neutral—when used in excess, it becomes less overwhelming and calming.
4. Use color and pattern trends carefully by making wise, easily
interchangeable choices.
5. Note that regions can dictate color. What works in Miami or Seattle may not work in Orlando, which tends to be more monochromatic.
6. Choose colors and patterns that won’t become outdated too quickly. What’s trendy today may not be in a few years.
7. Invest in classic, neutral staples and accent with colorful décor that can be easily changed at minimal cost.
8. Choose a color scheme that suits your style and personality.
9. Make sure color complements the style and architecture of your home, from exterior to interior.
10. Don’t let fear hold you back. Color can offer a positive, uplifting change.
—LD
