8 colourful decorating ideas for an instant dopamine hit
On dull, grey days, an energetic hit of colour is exactly what we need. So why not lift the mood at home with the brightest and boldest hues? From complementary to clashing colours, there are so many ways to lift your spirits. Keep reading for tips on how to get that dopamine hit of colour at home...
Get creative with colour
Want to try out a maximalist look without having to commit? Then the table is a great place to start. Experiment with a pick-and-mix of energising shades and lustrous materials, layering crockery and tinted glassware with kaleidoscopic table linens and accessories.
Pictured: Ripple Column recycled vase; Late Afternoon jug; Late Afternoon tumblers; Sintra dinnerware; LF Markey green bowl;
LF Markey napkin; LF Markey tablecloth; Flores Nocturnas 02 print by Berenice Hernandez; all Heal’s.
Stimulate your senses
Create a fabulous tablescape with a confection of candy-coloured hues, setting the scene with a vibrant tablecloth and dinnerware. Link the colours to floral displays and accessories to bring the look together, mixing shapes, patterns and scale for an added visual thrill.
Pictured: For a similar stripe plate, try Mrs Alice. For similar glass candleholders, try Anthropologie. For a similar vase, try HAY Splash vase, Liberty. For a similar stripe tablecloth, try Multi
stripe tablecloth, Homescapes.
Go for contrast
Inject pops of unexpected colour into a neutral scheme for an effect that’s confident yet restrained. This high-sheen red coffee table is tempered by more low-key accents and the softness of the beige, white and black rug, but still remains the centre of attention.
Pictured: Mag ceramic coffee table, The Conran Shop. Red Ellen vase, £79; Twist candleholder; taper candles; all Broste Copenhagen. Vigan sculpture, Betty & Mojo. For a similar metal side table, try Rockett St George. For similar candleholders and vase, try West Elm. Place 01 rug, from a selection, RRR.ES.
Embrace curves
Offset the radiant tones of a statement rug with bold furniture in sculptural shapes, highlighted by accessories in complementary colours. Classic and accessible, design touches such as scallops, stripes and bobbins ensure it’s all bang on trend.
Pictured: Morillo two-door sideboard; Tuva curved chair; stripe cushion; beaded mirror; Cornflower Blue Acorn desk lamp; domed glass hurricane candleholder; striped vase; red high-shine ball candle; Simone Brewster Ripple rug; wavy tray; all Habitat.
Mix it up for a rich glow
Create a jewel-box feel with gorgeous shades painted on walls, the ceiling and woodwork. Here, velvety deep green and emerald tones are brightened with the sunshine-saturated citrine of the window frame and dazzling flashes of sapphire blue.
Pictured: Ceiling and cornice in Dark Brunswick Green absolute matt; walls in Hopper intelligent matt; window surround in Citrine intelligent eggshell; all Little Greene. For a similar chair, try the Pond armchair, Broste Copenhagen.
Add playful elements
There’s no need to take an all-over approach to colour to make an impact. Here, a considered application of cobalt blue used within bespoke shelving has created a striking focal point against the white walls, and is a playful modern foil to punchy-hued furniture and abstract accessories.
Pictured: Big Game Bold chair; Zig Zag stool; both La Maison Craie Craie.
Cosy up with softer shades
Vibrant hues really sing in velvet and lacquered finishes, so if you want a dreamy, relaxing space with plenty of colour, choose shades that complement each other, and mix up textures for an appealing tactile effect.
Pictured: Elements Cord curtain; Thompson five-drawer chest; Parker quilted bedspread; Elements Yellow Swirl vase; Elements Magenta bud vase; East End Prints Colourplay III print with black frame, from; metal-footed tray; Bod magnetic table lamp; all Dunelm.
Don't dismiss a more-is-more approach
At first glance, this technicolour bedroom might seem wild, but harmony has been achieved by layering a tonal palette of cool blues and greens in plains and small-scale patterns – all energetically brought to life with a burst of fiery orange.
Pictured: Ravine Piped headboard; Kaia bedlinen; Aria bedspread; Lida cushion; frilled stripe cushion; Else wallpaper in Myrtle Green; Pumpkin wall light; with Oskar lampshade; Bubble table lamp; with Else lampshade; Bobbin bedside table; all John Lewis & Partners.
Follow House Beautiful on TikTok and Instagram
You Might Also Like
