While neutrals are certainly popular (and safe) interior color schemes, pops of color undoubtedly add some pizzazz to a room. Although trends like dopamine decor and organic-modern colors and neutrals are each staying in their own lanes, we firmly believe that spicing up a neutral space with a few strong accents can be one of the most impactful design strategies.
A typical example: Friends The former home of the show’s star, Jennifer Aniston, the Stephen Shadley-designed living room, seen on Instagram below, features rich wood walls and beige carpeting, while a bright orange, blue and pink artwork hangs prettily in a gold frame next to a lighter-colored wooden piano.
The combination of robust, traditional materials and mood-enhancing colours creates an extremely appealing space.
Colorful decor can be as impactful as a large painting or as small as an accent pillow on a sofa. But if you want to incorporate the former into your home, experts say artwork can be an impactful design choice.
“Artwork is a great way to add interest and enhance your space, especially when you use bold, statement pieces that draw the attention of the room,” says Danielle Castagna, framing and interior design expert at Level Frames. “Not only does statement-making artwork add a touch of elegance to the room, it also allows you to express your personality through your decor and really personalize your space with a piece that suits your taste.”
She continues, “Artwork – especially bolder, more expressive pieces – can also serve as a great focal point, drawing the eye to that part of the room and making a strong impression from the moment you enter the room. This visual anchor point is what makes the difference between a normal room and a captivating one.”
(Photo credit: Alexander James)
If you’re looking to add colorful work to a room, Castagna recommends first considering the location. Where will this statement piece stand or hang?
“What to look for when purchasing a piece of art depends on what stage of the design process you are in,” she says. “If possible, it’s best to start with the blank canvas of an empty room, look at your space and decide where you want to place the piece. That way, you’ll know what size to look for and have free reign to choose a piece you like, rather than trying to fit it into an existing decorating theme.”
(Image credit: Future)
Contrast is key to adding color to a neutral space with statement pieces. This can be subtle (for example, Aniston’s light wood piano against the dark wood wall) or dramatic (the hanging work with bright pops of color).
“Then you can design the rest of your room around the piece, allowing the artwork to do its job of being the main statement in the room,” says Castagna. “For the best impact, you can design the rest of the room in a different color scheme so that the contrast makes the artwork stand out even more. If you take this approach, though, it’s best to use neutral colors so that the difference is a striking contrast rather than an overwhelming clash that pushes the artwork into the background.”
Minimalist Fine Line Art Print
Abstract and neutral, this fine line print is the perfect addition to a modern and minimalist space.
Splashes of color and soft shapes create liveliness and invite you to create a communal space.
Blush & Blue Leaves Print
This print adds some modern yet natural elements to a room.
For those who still prefer neutrals over color, we recommend Aniston’s strategy of mixing different hues and textures together, such as the wooden wall and piano or even the navy velvet sofa. There are many ways to create focal points in a room, and expressive art is just one of them.
