Colorful home decor is back in a big way… and here to stay. Color experts say people are increasingly at ease with bold colors and are showing their creativity with intensified hues.

Expressing Creativity

Homeowners have come to appreciate the newfound infusion of vibrant hues into all aspects of everyday life. According to color expert Dee Schlotter, the influence of new technologies and a society propelled by ideals at an ever-evolving pace are driving color-packed palettes and providing a new platform for self-expression.

“Homeowners are expressing their creativity like never before. Fresh, bold color has permeated our daily lives, becoming an increasingly dramatic character in home decor and overall design,” Schlotter said. “Homeowners who were once leery of color are now embracing it.”

How To Use Bold Colors

• Remember, every room should have a theme and color is what ties that theme together. Choose bold colors that you can use more than once — in wall paint, fabric patterns, furniture and decorating accents.

• A room’s color palette is never about just one color. It’s about the combination of all the colors in a particular space. If bright wall colors aren’t for you, try incorporating bold hues into other design details, from window treatments to flooring and fabric.

• Test first. Use a large test sheet and a “time test” — view your color in all light: morning, noon and night. Live with it for a few days to make sure you love it.

• Never hold a paint chip in front of a white wall, since bold colors will appear darker or more intense on the wall than they do on a small chip. Hold the paint color next to furniture, window treatments and flooring for a true “feel” for how the color will look in the room.

• Go bold on one wall. Try fuchsia or teal or even black on one wall and neutral colors on the other walls for a punch of interest and appeal.

To learn more about the latest color trends for decorating, visit www.voiceofcolor.com.