Creative Ways to Add Color without Painting Walls or Changing Cabinets

Can't paint the walls? No problem. These pops of color require no changes to wall color or cabinets.

If you can’t or don’t want to paint your walls or change your cabinets or fixtures and feel like your home is colorless and drab, here are some alternatives to brighten up your living space.

By getting creative with your furniture and accessories, you can have a colorful and inviting home without having to touch the walls or change your cabinets and fixtures.

Wall to wall

Many homeowners paint the walls as a relatively easy way to bring color to a space but if you do not want or can’t paint for a variety of reasons, if you can think beyond paint then you’ll discover a multitude of ways to dress up your walls without touching a paintbrush. The key is to think big.

Find large-scale art pieces that speak to your style and feature punchy colors. Collect snapshots in ombre frames of your favorite hue (instead of traditional black or white) and assemble a gallery wall.

Have an artistic streak? Paint a mural on a large piece of canvas and tack it over an entire wall.

For the less artistically inclined, removable wallpaper or decals in bright shades and eye-catching designs provide an instant pick-me-up. You can also cover entire walls or awkward spaces with a pretty patterned curtain or piece of fabric for a cozy bohemian vibe.

Punch it up

If you have outdated cabinets, fixtures, and flooring that can’t be altered yet or do not want to replace yet that are the typical beige, brown and off-white, that doesn’t mean you have to let it restrict your style.

Add visual interest and draw attention by bringing in splashy pieces of furniture and decor. Look for pieces in your favorite color or choose a theme, like sunny yellow and coral, to drown out the drab.

Vibrant painted wood chairs can give your dining space some zing. Or purchase a couch or chair in a daring tone like emerald or sapphire.

Don’t have a ton of cash to spend? Go DIY. Find furniture with good bones at your local thrift shop or garage sale, and give it a makeover. Use spray paint for smaller decor pieces and latex or chalk paint for dressers and side tables.

Add extra flair with stenciled details and paint-dipped legs. Line the backs of bookshelves with decorative paper, and temporarily replace boring kitchen and bathroom pulls and knobs with vibrant versions.

Soft goods, bold tones

Textiles in assorted colors will be your best friends for dressing up your outdated or dull spaces. Start with an inviting rug in a rich jewel tone or a trendy overdyed hue. And stay away from traditional white and beige curtains — instead, opt for a bright color or lively pattern.

The same goes for bedding. White may be a traditional go-to for duvet covers, but in the case of blah wall color, pick a print or hue that will make your bedroom an energizing getaway or relaxing retreat. If you’re looking for a calm feel, search for a bed set in cool indigo, lavender or sage. Want to make it upbeat instead? Try poppy colors like coral, tangerine or sunflower.

Fun throw pillows and blankets will spice up your bed, couch, lounge chairs and more. Keep the color trend going into the bathroom and kitchen by choosing pretty hand towels and bathmats.

Make it yours

By punching up the walls with custom artwork, bringing in attention-grabbing furniture, and using pretty textiles to boost the style factor, you can have a colorfully custom home without ever touching a drop of paint.

The key is moderation and intention. Stick with a few favorite shades and mix it up by using variations of those hues instead of pulling in every color in the rainbow. Choose a few important focal points to infuse with color and let the rest blend in.

You’ll be happier for the design boost without having to paint or change cabinets and fixtures. That’s a win-win situation until you decide to paint and change those items.

Are you looking to up your style and get into a different upgraded home? We have buyers for you. Give Donny a call and he can give you the worth of your home and sell it and get you into an updated home you can make your own. Specializing in the Livonia, Canton, Plymouth, Northville, Farmington Hills, Commerce and Novi cities for all real estate needs. New construction homes and sites available too if you are interested in that route. He will be happy to help you and guide you through to make it an easy experience.