How to Add Colours to Interior Spaces with Accessories and Interior Accents

Adding colours to interior spaces, especially if you find that your room looks bland, is easy and generally affordable. Many people try to play safe and just end up choosing neutral tones; what can be described as ‘safe colours', for everything from window treatments to the sofa fabric. Nothing really wrong with that. But the room may end up being plain and uninteresting.

Most times, it’s simple and subtle touches that transform interior spaces and you can introduce these touches through decorative accents and interior accessories. They can perk up your colour palette and personalise your space without you needing to redecorate or re-arrange existing furniture. So, if you fall under the ‘playing safe’ group, you can still add colours that will liven up your space, giving it a brand-new look.

  • How do you know which colours go well with what you have?
  • Should you go classic, modern, or eclectic?
  • Should you choose trending colours or not?
  • What mood do you want the interior to project, feisty and lively; tranquil and serene, or romantic and quixotic?

First, think about the existing style you have and how best to complement it with some splashes of colours here and there. Below are some examples of how colours can be combined to work well with each other. They should help you gain inspiration to create a great colour palette for your interior spaces. The base colour you choose will determine the mood you wish to evoke because different colours suggest different states of mind.


In the above example, blue is the base colour of the furniture items. You can liven up the solid base colour by adding popping colours with, for instance, the area rug and an odd number of colourful throw cushions that will complement the blue sofa and accent chairs.


To add a romantic and passionate look to a minimalist style that consists of whites, clear acrylic, and stainless steel, add some red. Red is not only stimulating, but it is also inspiring too. In this image, red, which depicts the vibrancy of life, love, and passion is introduced in the wall art, area rug, and accent chair.


This image shows furniture with grey and black as base colours. You can add colour to a room set up with these base colours with throw pillows and other furnishings that come in white, blue, and lime. For some opulence, add a touch of gold accents. Other colours you can use include fuschia pink, yellow, and turquoise.

15 other ways to add colours to liven up interior spaces are through:
  1. Wall art and paintings.
  2. Picture frames.
  3. Decorative wall clocks.
  4. Creative room dividers.
  5. Throws.
  6. Window treatments.
  7. Wall decals or wallpaper.
  8. Slipcovers.
  9. Accent chairs.
  10. Candles and candleholders.
  11. Terrariums.
  12. Vases, planters, and decorative bowls.
  13. Piles of decorative pillows.
  14. Rag area rugs and oriental rugs.
  15. Floating shelves
  16. Table lamp and ceiling lamp shades

You should consider the look you desire, the style, as well as the function of your rooms before committing yourself to any colour. Remember that paint is also an easy and affordable way to revive your room, even if it means painting just one wall with a striking colour. It is easy to touch up and repaint rooms especially if you have children or pets.

Using wainscoting, fabric, coloured glass or mosaic tiles can also transform walls into creative features.



How to Develop an Interior Design Concept
7 Ways to Change Your Living Room from Drab to Uplifting
Spa-Themed Bathrooms: 11 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Like a Spa