Ask A Decorator: Do Bright Colors Work?

Dear Decorator:
I have a friend who decorated her house with bright, bright colors. She is trying to talk me into using some of the same colors in my house but I think the brightness would drive me crazy after awhile. How can I still get a nice color scheme without having to go so bright?

Thanks,
Abby T.
Dallas, TX

Dear Abby,

You are right to be cautious about bright colors. Some homes can take this type of color palette and it looks beautiful while in other homes, the bright colors can be suffocating.

There are some great neutrals on the market that can add just the right amount of color. Consider colors with subtle undertones, such as beige or sage green.

By using the more subtle colors on the walls, it allows you to introduce color in the wall decor and other accessories. Accessories can be changed easily and frequently if you desire a change, whereas changing the paint color would be a much larger undertaking.