Go Ahead, Mix Brights With Whites
Electrify your space by adding a splash of vibrant hues to your white room
Kelly Porter
August 16, 2016
Houzz Contributor
Many homeowners love the look and versatility of white rooms, but I’ve also worked with clients who say their white room is missing something. Often this is because white spaces can look sterile or incomplete, especially without architectural details or special finishes. However, one of the easiest ways to add a good vibe to your white room is with color. I don’t mean small pops of conservative color. I’m talking bright colors used in a big way.
Now, you may be thinking that using bold hues will defeat the purpose of having a white room in the first place. But a vibrant accent color can actually enhance your white space, especially if you feel that something is missing but you just can’t put your finger on it. If this sounds like you, I’ll bet that what’s missing from your room is energy — and the best way to add a spark to any space is with bright color. Still need some convincing? Here are eight electrifying examples.
Now, you may be thinking that using bold hues will defeat the purpose of having a white room in the first place. But a vibrant accent color can actually enhance your white space, especially if you feel that something is missing but you just can’t put your finger on it. If this sounds like you, I’ll bet that what’s missing from your room is energy — and the best way to add a spark to any space is with bright color. Still need some convincing? Here are eight electrifying examples.
Yellow. According to a very popular song, a room without a roof is a very happy place. I’ll take that a step further and say that a room with a yellow wall is even happier. Bright yellow is a wonderful accent hue because it’s the color of sunshine, it represents hope, and it’s the best all-natural mood enhancer you’ll find anywhere.
Paint colors to try: Ultra Pure White and Neon Light from Behr
Paint colors to try: Ultra Pure White and Neon Light from Behr
Green. Green is one of the easiest colors to live with, and it looks organic even in its more vivid tones. When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime — fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves. These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.
Paint colors to try: Super White and Killala Green from Benjamin Moore
Paint colors to try: Super White and Killala Green from Benjamin Moore
Royal blue. The brightest blues tend to be in the warm spectrum. Midtone and deep shades can look very regal and will bring an elegant feel to even the most casual white room. In this laundry room, cabinets painted a rich shade of royal blue offer a nice contrast to the earthier off-white wall color and tile flooring. It’s a bold, unexpected look that creates loads of personality.
Paint colors to try: Everyday White and Dynamic Blue from Sherwin-Williams
Paint colors to try: Everyday White and Dynamic Blue from Sherwin-Williams
Orange. A fearless, festive orange will always get a conversation going. This color brings a huge amount of energy into a room, so it’s great for living spaces and areas where you entertain guests. Orange is a fun color, so avoid using it in formal rooms. On the other hand, it’s a great backdrop for laid-back, modern furnishings and colorful artwork.
Paint colors to try: Ultra White and Orange Fruit from Valspar
Paint colors to try: Ultra White and Orange Fruit from Valspar
Blue-purple. A deep, bluish purple may not seem like a vivid color, but some shades have just enough intensity to liven up a white room. The benefit of this slightly toned-down hue is that it won’t overwhelm a small space. It’s a terrific choice for smaller bedrooms.
The paint colors used here are Balboa Mist and Mystical Grape from Benjamin Moore
The paint colors used here are Balboa Mist and Mystical Grape from Benjamin Moore
Red. Most shades of red are naturally bright. That’s why it’s a scary color choice for many people. However, I encourage my clients to remember that red is the color of love. Who doesn’t want more love in their life? When you think about red in that way, it’s easier to use it in your home. For a look that’s a bit softer, use red with cream or off-white rather than a stark white.
Paint colors to try: Marshmallow White and Red Geranium from Glidden
Paint colors to try: Marshmallow White and Red Geranium from Glidden
Red-purple. Reddish purple is a lighthearted, easygoing color. This type of purple is unexpected, so if you’re looking for an element of surprise in your home, this is the color for you. Because of its red undertones, this hue is warmer and brighter than many other shades of purple. It also serves as a nice balance to a cool white paint color.
Paint colors to try: Extra White and Drama Violet from Sherwin-Williams
Paint colors to try: Extra White and Drama Violet from Sherwin-Williams
Sky blue. In my opinion, few colors are more beautiful or brighter than the color of the sky on a sunny day. That’s what the blue in this bedroom reminds me of. It’s a pure form of blue, and it looks amazing when paired with warm white walls and hardwood floors in a light stain. Although this blue is vibrant, it looks very serene and natural.
Paint colors to try: Swiss Coffee and Tropical Holiday from Behr
Tell us: How have you used bright colors in your home? Let us know in the Comments.
See more stories about decorating with white
More Houzz color guides
Paint colors to try: Swiss Coffee and Tropical Holiday from Behr
Tell us: How have you used bright colors in your home? Let us know in the Comments.
See more stories about decorating with white
More Houzz color guides
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I love colored accent walls! My Hawaii house is mostly ivory white, but I painted one wall of the dining room orange, one wall of the living room green, part of the hall green, and the den is yellow. It adds color without overpowering you, and when you stand somewhere that you can see all the colors at once it's amazing.
Love pops of colours that give character to a room