Recently Jeff and I visited the Sherwin Williams website looking for paint colors for our brick and mortar store (yes, we do have one on the way!!). We clicked on the top 50 colors of the year and were actually horrified to see that it was pretty much 50 shades of gray! We looked at each other in disbelief. Neutrals have their place. Our living room is white, to offset our wood paneled accent walls. But there is definitely a cultural shift happening and I am not the first to notice this.
Is Color Disappearing?
As an experiment, next time you are out driving notice how many colorful cars you see. I bet you can count them on one hand. In fact an article by MSNBC says white, black, gray and silver are the main colors auto makers are choosing to provide as options now-a-days.
There are theories that this has happened in our homes as people try to make their homes ready for the next buyer. They don't want to go "to over the top" and make their home less attractive to someone with different taste. I get it. But in the meantime, who is your home for? This widely shared article by the Washington Post says shows like the ones on the HGTV network are making our homes and us sad as we strive for aesthetics that are not truly expressions of our own taste.
Who is your home for?
Our shop, alittlemorelikehome, came about from our own desire to make the 1950s ranch that we moved in (almost exactly 3 years ago) feel "a little more like home". Our journey involved discovering what we actually liked about the home, which turned out to be its mid century features. There's a stone façade on our exterior and stone fireplace in our basement den. We had an original swag light fixture with orb lights and an orb light post outside. Oh and we had colorful carpet upstairs and down.
How We Added Color in Our Home
So how have we added color into our home? As we learned about mid century modern design, we came to appreciate the use of primary colors. We purchased a dining set from The Atomic Nest with yellow upholstery. Our current seating in the living room is a bright red and blue combo and our coffee table has blue tile inlaid in it. We painted our kitchen green and added a Chromcraft dining set with the same color chairs! I'm just waiting for the chance to add in orange laminate counter tops!
Rather than hurting our resale value, I believe that if we ever listed our home these pops of color would entice buyers who have scrolled through listing after listing of greige walls, greige LVP floors, greige carpet, just endless greige.
Are you looking to bring some life and happiness into your home? Look no further than the power of color! Color has the incredible ability to uplift our spirits and create a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're hesitant to commit to painting your walls in bold hues or simply want to add a pop of color to your space, there are plenty of creative ways to incorporate color into your home décor. Here are some tips to help you infuse your living space with joy and personality.
1. Colorful Upholstery: A Splash of Vibrancy
If you're not ready to take the plunge and paint your walls in bright colors, consider adding colorful upholstery to your furniture. A vibrant sofa or a set of colorful dining chairs can instantly transform the mood of a room. Opt for bold patterns or solid hues that complement your existing décor. Not only will it add visual interest, but it will also make your space feel more inviting and cheerful.
Dining Set with Orange Upholstery Currently Available
2. Decorate with Colorful Vases and Figurines
Another simple way to introduce color into your home is by decorating your shelves or tabletops with colorful vases or figurines. Choose pieces in different shapes, sizes, and shades to create an eye-catching display. These small accents can make a big impact and bring a sense of playfulness to your space.
We will be offering swung glass in store soon!
3. Don't Forget About Art!
Artwork is a fantastic way to infuse color into your home while also expressing your personal style. Look for paintings, prints, or photographs that feature vibrant hues or bold color combinations. Hang them on your walls or lean them against a shelf for an instant burst of energy and creativity. Art not only adds color but also serves as a conversation starter and a reflection of your unique taste.
Our artwork is from Modern Retrograde
So, why wait? Start bringing color into your home today and experience the happiness it can bring. Whether it's through colorful upholstery, decorative accents, or captivating artwork, there are endless possibilities to add vibrancy and joy to your living space. Embrace the power of color and create a home that truly reflects your personality and uplifts your spirits.
This ends my rant about color. I want to know, how do you add (or plan to add) color to your home?