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When it comes to decorating with rich colors, the potential to transform a room is limitless. Whether you’re looking to introduce dramatic flair or cozy sophistication, rich hues can bring your space to life, adding character, warmth, and depth. But where do you start? Fear not—we’ll guide you through how to decorate with rich colors in nine stunning ways that will make any room feel more inviting and stylish.
From the deep emerald of a forest green to the rich warmth of earthy browns, there’s a vast palette of shades to explore. This guide will take you through a variety of intriguing schemes, focusing on both bold and subtle ways to incorporate rich colors into your home, making it feel effortlessly chic yet comfortable.
1. Incorporate a Rich Green with a Mural
One of the most captivating ways to decorate with rich colors is by introducing a statement mural. Imagine deep emerald or forest green tones taking center stage, enveloping your space in an air of luxury. A mural-style wallpaper is the perfect way to create a dramatic focal point without overwhelming the room.
Jamie Watkins, co-founder of Divine Savages, recommends balancing bold murals with neutral walls to avoid the space feeling too heavy. You can also layer in a rich green as an accent, using furnishings, curtains, or even velvet throw pillows to soften the effect while still maintaining that decadent look. Brass or antique gold accents will further elevate the opulence of the space, making it feel like a lavish retreat.
2. Opt for an Earthy Brown
Earthy brown is a fantastic choice if you’re ready to decorate with rich colors but prefer a more grounded approach. Rich, warm browns are abundant in nature and offer a timeless, comforting aesthetic. Francesca Wezel, founder of Francesca’s Paints, suggests that brown tones—especially those with a touch of pink—can create a cozy ambiance, making spaces feel restful and inviting.
Brown is also a versatile color that pairs beautifully with various other shades. For a more modern feel, combine it with blacks, or opt for a softer, rustic vibe by pairing it with other neutrals.
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3. Color Drench with Claret
For those daring enough to embrace deep, rich shades, color drenching with claret is a bold and beautiful option. Dark reds, like the luxurious Bronze Red, exude warmth and sophistication, making them perfect for spaces like living rooms or bedrooms.
Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene, explains how deep reds create a sense of comfort while also adding drama. The key to making this look work is to layer similar shades of red, such as deep plums and burgundies, for a harmonious effect. Pairing this rich red with neutrals on your woodwork, such as beige or soft ivory, ensures the room doesn’t feel too overpowering.
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4. Add Sunshine with Turmeric
Yellow is often seen as a bright, cheery color, but when it comes to decorating with rich colors, a deeper yellow with undertones of red or orange creates a more sophisticated look. Think turmeric instead of sunshine yellow. This vibrant, golden hue adds warmth and energy to spaces, especially those that don’t get much natural light.
A deep yellow, like Farrow & Ball’s Dutch Orange No.W76, will add a touch of sunshine and make dark corners come to life, giving your room both vibrancy and warmth.
5. Use Plum as an Accent
Not ready to go all-in on a rich color? Consider using it as an accent first. A deep plum hue, used on trim, window frames, or accent walls, can add just the right touch of drama without being overwhelming. Hollie Velten-Lattrell, founder of SPACES by Hollie Velten, highlights how accents like plum can ground brighter, busier design elements—such as stained glass or patterned wallpaper—by adding depth and definition.
For a more cohesive look, pair deep plum with materials like marble or dark wood, which complement its richness and add texture.
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6. Cocoon with Emerald Green
Looking for a way to decorate with rich colors in a sun-soaked room? Consider using emerald green. This lush, blue-tinged green can cool down a room that gets a lot of sunlight, creating a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Emerald green works wonderfully when paired with darker wood accents, such as walnut or mahogany, to add warmth and grounding.
For a balanced look, pair emerald green with soft hues like blush pink, navy, or even white. The contrast between the deep green and these lighter shades will keep the space feeling fresh and inviting.
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7. Team Dark Orange with Chocolate
The combination of dark orange and chocolate brown creates a rich, warming effect that’s both bold and elegant. This pairing works especially well in smaller rooms, like powder rooms, where you can go a little wild with bold color choices.
Tim Walters, managing director at George Spencer Designs, shares how deep orange and chocolate tones transform a space by balancing bold patterns with neutral elements like cream or white. This allows the rich colors to take center stage without feeling too heavy.
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8. Bring in Rich Tones with Materials
Color isn’t the only way to add richness to a space. Textures and materials play a crucial role when decorating with rich colors. James Gomez, co-founder of Yarn Collective, explains how the right fabrics and finishes can elevate a room’s atmosphere. Deep-toned curtains, velvet cushions, or a plush sofa can bring a sense of luxury that paint alone can’t achieve.
Incorporating wood elements, such as paneling or furniture, will further enhance the richness of the space and provide a beautiful contrast to the deeper hues.
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9. Pair Jewel-like Teal with Purple
When decorating with rich colors, it’s important to plan carefully how the colors will interact. Pairing jewel-like teal with rich purple tones can create a sophisticated yet dramatic atmosphere. The key is to balance the two colors, ensuring one doesn’t overwhelm the other.
Pereen d’Ivoire, founder of Russian For Fish, advises pairing teal walls with complementary accents in magenta and cream to add vibrancy. Decorative elements like accessories or patterned textiles can tie the scheme together and create harmony within the space.
Conclusion:
Decorating with rich colors can be a little daunting, but with the right approach, it can turn your home into a stylish, inviting sanctuary. Whether you choose deep greens, browns, or bold reds, each color has the potential to bring new life and character to your space. Start small with accents or dive right into a color-drenched scheme—the possibilities are endless!
