A: Fake architecture. In this case, they used paint as well (which helps,) but even if you can't paint, you still have other options. My favorite example of fake architecture is the use of a freestanding mantle that doesn't cover a fireplace. You can either buy one, or make a shelf out of a giant picture frame and a board. Some fake-fireplaces have mirrors in the spaces, and others are just empty, or have other things layered inside such as pictures, branches, or flowers.
A: Fabrics. Not only can you find color solutions from pillows and throws, but you get instant coziness as well. Fabrics and soft textures make an environment seem both more relaxing, and inviting, and rugs add dimension to a room. Without fabrics your room will feel stiff, austere, and much less comfortable.
A: Texture. Right along with fabric, textures will add dimension to your space. Stay away from too many smooth surfaces, and try for wicker, cork, bent metal, or thick wool. Rough pages of old books also can provide texture. Of course, my favorite use of texture still has to be using newspaper for wallpaper. Mmmm, that's nice.
A: Living things. Add plants, flowers, or a parakeet to your space. They'll add color, and freshness, and won't look like they were factory made. Living things within a space extend their life to the space itself, transforming a static room into something unpolluted and vibrant. Besides, aren't we encouraged to "go green?" Buy a plant. Not to mention that if you have a plant-- you could also get a colorful bin to put it in-- which would give both dimension, pizazz, and aha, you guessed it, more color.
A: Don't neglect lighting. Overhead lamps flush everything (and everyone) out, give the appearance of an institution, lower the appearance of the ceiling, cause harsh glares, and do nothing to make a scene intimate and cozy. Use more lamps: direct light toward the ceiling instead of the floor, and buy "warm" lightbulbs, by which I mean to use incandescent light instead of halogen or fluorescent.
A: Create a sense of harmony. There are several ways of doing this, but the easiest are to A) use light, medium, and dark tones, and B) "gradation" which is the use of progressive sizes of the same object, like nesting circles that get larger and larger in a linear pattern across the wall. Also, I present to you concepts c and d. C) Use natural shapes like circles, ovals, or patterns. D) "Like kind" objects can lump a space together; the phrase tweaked slightly will illustrate-- "opposites distract." Harmony is a harder concept to envision, but rather simple to remember-- small, medium, large, and light, medium, dark. Ta da! Harmonius space.
A: If you wish to make eyes pop, there are three easy ways of doing this. 1. Paint a catchy color on the wall, 2. prominently display a round mirror or large-clock on the wall (the eyes of all will instantly dart to it, I assure you), and 3. use complementary colors. Some think it is faux-pas to use both red and green in a display, or blue and orange, but it can look quite attractive with the right hues.*
*Authors note: I did paint my room pumpkin-orange in high school, and I had slate-blue carpet. No, I did not plan this, and while I don't recommend it-- at least it didn't clash too terribly with the orange.
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