Even the most sombre room can look full of colour and light when there is sunshine streaming in. But as the sun gets hazier and the nights start drawing in, you might notice the natural tones in your home losing something of their vibrancy. That’s why autumn is the perfect time to inject some new colour into your space.
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“Adding colour will lift and enhance a room. If you get little sunlight at this time of year, a splash of colour will help to illuminate the space,” says Rebecca Tucker, co-director & interior designer, Suna Interior Design.
“Boosting colour is also a great way to revamp and re-energise a space – and it needn’t be expensive. Scatter cushions, blankets, rugs and lamp shades can all bring an injection of colour without too great a commitment,” she adds.
Colourful accessories offer a subtler alternative to that hot pink feature wall and are great for testing the water. Even smaller items don’t need to be colour-block bold from top to bottom; the ongoing trend for dip-dyed vases and lamp-bases is a great way to showcase accents of colour. Cheap glass bowls and vases can be transformed in minutes with a simple DIY dunk in paint.
When choosing your colour palette, there are a few things to bear in mind. If you’re experimenting with smaller items that can be replaced seasonally, you can afford to have fun with the latest colour trends. But be wary of making any big purchases in a colour that’s going to date overnight. That neon yellow sofa you saw in Vogue might be ‘hot right now’ but are you still going to feel the same about it in five years’ time?
We’ve already established that the seasons can affect the natural light and colour in our homes but it can also impact what we demand from our living space. In spring, for instance, we might want our home to feel fresh and sunny, while in winter, we want a warm, inviting sanctuary for hunkering down.
The neon trend has been going strong for the past couple of years – and never fails to make an impact. To give it an autumnal spin, try mixing with charcoal grey. Muted pastels and sugared-almond tones have been another favourite over the warmer months but for some they just don’t provide the cosiness we seek in winter. If you want something a little warmer and more robust, opt for spicier tones, such as warm reds, deep oranges, mustard yellows and intense lime greens.
Once you’ve established your palette of choice, click through the gallery below for some quick and easy expert tips on giving your home an instant colour update.
10 Colour Boost Ideas For Your Home
Paint The Ceiling(01 of10)
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“Painting or papering a feature wall in a bold shade is the most obvious way to give your room an instant colour boost,” says Rebecca. “But why not take things a step further and opt for a bright shade on the ceiling instead? You’ll instantly create a unique look that’s sure to be a talking point!” (credit:Suna Interior Design)
Revamp And Re-Cover(02 of10)
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“Re-covering or re-painting a piece of furniture is a simple way to add colour,” says James Lawrenson, Senior Interior Designer at Atlas Interiors.“Add new life to something old by painting vintage furniture, or adding a new cover toa sofa or love-seat that has seen better days but is still structurally sound.” (credit:de santis paolo via Getty Images)
Get A Colourful Canvas(03 of10)
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"Hang colourful art on your walls," says Lawrenson. "This will add another layer of texture and dimension to your living space - and give that personal touch that is reflective of your style." (credit:Glow Decor via Getty Images)
Get Inspiration From Your Travels(04 of10)
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"For an eclectic colour palette, collect bright accessories inspired by your adventures and travels. If you're hiding away bright objects d’arts in the cupboard, why not consider open shelves, which act as storage and a display cabinet in one," says Tucker. (credit:Prasit photo via Getty Images)
Go Bold With Accessories(05 of10)
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“I love adding colour to a room using accessories, such as cushions, throws and rugs,” says Jemma Cowen of JC Decor. “This works well as you can change them easily and inexpensively as fashions and the seasons change - rather then going to the expense of redecorating the walls.” (credit:Gina Smith via Getty Images)
Colour Up Your Cabinets(06 of10)
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"Kitchen cabinets can easily be re-painted any colour," says Lawrenson. "Complement by adding colourful appliances. Citrus green, red and bright orange give a bold pop of colour as well as adding an energy, character and dimension to the space." (credit:Westend61 via Getty Images)
Brighten Up Bedtime(07 of10)
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"You can instantly add colour and change the tone of your room by alternating or layering your accessories," says Lawrenson. "Swap out throws and pillows for those of a different hue or pattern from time to time. It's an inexpensive way to give your room a face lift, and will dramatically alter the mood of your room. Keep a few spares on hand to change your room’s feeling with the seasons - or just because you feel like it." (credit:baona via Getty Images)
Go Bright With Light(08 of10)
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"If you prefer a more subtle look but something that will still illuminate your space, consider lighting options that will work within the design that you have already. Choose a tall, bright floor light in an eye-popping colour," suggests Tucker. (credit:Suna Interior Design)
Double Your Colour(09 of10)
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"To gently bring a bright colour into a room, use a mirror," says Tucker. "Choose either a mirror with colour detail in the frame, or simply use the mirror to reflect the colour in the space and add light while also making the room feel bigger." (credit:Suna Interior Design)
Mix And Match(10 of10)
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"To bring colour into a dining room, introduce dining chairs in a single bright shade - alternate brighter chairs with white or muted tones, such as grey, for a contemporary take on the look," says Tucker. (credit:Suna Interior Design)