Adding a touch of colour can work wonders in transforming your living space, but we understand the hesitation that comes with making permanent changes. As a Toronto-based interior designer specialising in interior design builds, we understand the desire to infuse colour into your living space without making permanent changes. Thankfully, there are many ways to incorporate colour into your space without the long term commitment. 

So, before you pick up the brush and start painting your entire kitchen yellow to fulfil your cottage core dreams, here are our strategies and tips that will help you bring vibrancy and colour into your home while maintaining some flexibility. From eye-catching accent walls to experimenting with dynamic textures and delightful decor, we’ll share our tips on creative yet non-permanent ways to embrace the power of colour in your decor.

How To Choose a Colour Palette

When it comes to adding colour to your home without permanent changes, the first step is to choose a colour palette that reflects your personal style and preferences. Take some time to consider the colours that truly speak to you. Are you drawn to warm, earthy tones or vibrant and energetic hues? Are you more inclined towards a monochromatic scheme or do you prefer contrasting combinations? Your colour palette should evoke the emotions and atmosphere you want to experience in your space. 

The choice of colours becomes the driving force for the atmosphere you’re striving to create. For a moody vibe, consider deep and rich hues like dark blues, purples, or charcoals, which can envelop your space in an aura of sophistication and cosiness. On the other hand, if you crave an airy and light-filled environment, opt for soft pastels or neutrals, like pale blues, blush pinks, or creamy whites, to infuse your space with a sense of tranquillity and openness. 

Using Colour Trends In Your Home 

It’s easy to fall into trends, but it’s important not to get too caught up in them. As a rule of thumb, we generally advise our clients to choose something timeless that will continue to resonate with you for years to come. 

That’s not to say you shouldn’t follow trends at all, either. We encourage you to seek inspiration from current trends, but use them as a guide rather than a rulebook. We recommend limiting the influence of trends to around 10-20%. Blend those trendy elements with the colours and aesthetics that genuinely resonate with you. This way, you’ll strike the perfect balance between staying current and staying true to yourself.

Remember, the key is to create a colour palette that will bring you long-lasting enjoyment. Trends come and go, but your personal preferences are what will make your space truly timeless. 

Small Spaces, Big Impact 

Don’t underestimate the potential of small spaces to make a bold statement. Think of your powder room as a prime example – a canvas where you can truly let your creativity shine. Use these areas to incorporate patterns and colours that reflect your personality. 

In these compact spaces, you have the freedom to experiment with a wide range of patterns and colours. From bold wallpaper to intricate tile designs, small areas provide the perfect setting to incorporate your favourite shades and unleash your imagination. Remember, in small spaces, every detail counts, and even the smallest bursts of colour can make a remarkable impact!

Less Is More With An Accent Wall

Adding a pop of colour to your home doesn’t always necessitate a time-consuming and extensive painting project. In fact, you can achieve remarkable results by focusing on one specific area: the accent wall. This approach allows you to introduce a pop of colour without overwhelming your entire space. By selecting a single wall to highlight with a bold and captivating colour, you create a focal point that instantly grabs attention and adds visual interest. Whether it’s a living room, bedroom, or even a hallway, the accent wall becomes a statement piece that sets the tone for the entire space.

Consider the existing colour scheme and furnishings in the room when choosing the accent wall colour—this goes back to choosing your colour palette. Look for hues that complement the surrounding elements and create a sense of cohesion. 

To enhance the impact of the accent wall, you can also introduce complementary decor elements. Consider hanging artwork, mirrors, or shelving that beautifully accentuates the colour and draw attention to the wall. These thoughtful additions further amplify the visual impact of the pop of colour.

Brighten Your Home with Colourful Accessories

The best way to add colour into your home without resorting to making obvious changes like painting is opting for accessories. Think of colourful throws, accent pillows, and fresh flowers—they can easily brighten up your space without needing to spend a whole lot of cash or time investing into them. You can also refresh your space effortlessly with changing seasons or holiday festivities by embracing new colours and moods without long-term commitments. Customise your Thanksgiving table setting with colourful runners or festive placemats. For summer, add relaxed vibes with neutral tones like whites and gingham patterns. These simple adjustments ensure your home reflects the spirit of the moment, adapting with ease.

Versatile Colour Ideas for Your Kitchen 

Paint your cabinets but get them professionally done. Do not DIY.  This is more suitable for a long-term and permanent colour solution. But, it is still low stakes since the best part about using paint is its versatility—you can always re-paint when needed. 

Adding colourful elements like eye-catching bar stools or vibrant countertop accessories infuses your kitchen with personality. Consider adding colourful hardware for bursts of colour in the kitchen, and feel free to play around with colourful cookware that can double as accessories. This way, you won’t have to commit to a weekend painting project; these additions offer an easy and effective way to embrace colour in your kitchen decor.

Patterns Over Paint  

When considering adding patterns in your home decor, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional interior designer. Their expertise will help ensure a well-balanced and cohesive space that aligns with your design vision.

At LHD, as a part of our services, we’ll do the heavy lifting when it comes to purchasing the patterns and textures for your reupholstery needs—all you’ll have to tell us is what kind of style you’re looking for. Utilising patterns through upholstery, such as reupholstering furniture or adding decorative cushions and drapes, can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your home.

Two perennially stylish patterns that lend a modern and contemporary touch are stripes and botanicals. Stripes offer timeless versatility, suitable for various design themes, while botanical patterns infuse the space with a sense of nature and serenity.

We also love using temporary wallpaper and textured elements in our design builds at LHD. These versatile options allow you to experiment with various designs and hues without committing to long-term changes. Additionally, wallpaper serves as an excellent means to infuse your space with colour, creating a captivating atmosphere.

If you’re considering reupholstering or selecting window coverings and pillows, it’s crucial to prioritise quality textiles. High-quality fabrics not only enhance comfort and durability but also play a pivotal role in adding colour and texture to your decor. This step is often overlooked, but texture is a key component in adding depth and luxury to your space.

When it comes to your carpets, some designers might advise against bright-coloured carpets, but there are ample opportunities to infuse extra colour into your space through rugs and carpets. The beauty of using rugs is that you can easily switch them out, making it a fantastic non-permanent option. Seasonal or trendy patterns may come and go, but you can adapt your style by adding rugs to various areas, including your patio, kitchen, and bathroom. The versatility of rugs allows you to experiment with different colours and designs without any long-term commitment.

Making Your Space Your Own with Colour in 2023 

Ultimately, the most important aspect is to create a space that truly reflects your unique style and personality. There are numerous ways to embrace colours and patterns that align with your personal taste and preferences. By following these guidelines, you can cultivate an environment that showcases your individuality while staying within your budget or even maintaining a renter-friendly approach. There are various reasons why someone might choose not to make permanent changes, and it’s essential that you feel at home in your space with colours that truly suit you. After all, your living space should be a reflection of your identity and a place where you can truly thrive and feel a sense of belonging. 

If you’re looking to infuse your home with vibrant colours without committing to permanent changes, our interior design firm in Toronto is here to help. We specialise in creating stunning interior design builds that incorporate non-permanent colour solutions. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more tips and inspiration on how to bring a fresh, colourful vibe to your living spaces in Toronto.