Color is known to impact your psyche. It is a great tool to help make the most of your environment. Use color to create a particular mood in your rooms. Blue is a soothing and relaxing color, red can promote appetite and conversation, yellow can make you happy and increase your metabolism, green calms, relaxes and is a healing color, orange is warm and welcoming, purple is opulent, mysterious and spiritual. Below are a few suggested methods to add color to your environment, without repainting your entire house.

1- Create a focal point Make one of your wall a feature zone. Creating a focal wall with a bold and vibrant color can really change the overall feeling of a room and draw your eyes to a particular area. This can really change the focal point of a room without any major redecoration required. However, remember that a little goes a long way. Opt for a single wall or a specific area to highlight. When it comes to bold colors, less is definitely more.

2- Throw in some pillows Toss cushions, throws and accessories are a great way to add drama to a room without breaking the bank. They are also a perfect tool to liven a muted decor scheme. Changing these types of accessories allow you to alter the mood of a room at a moment’s notice.

3- Call on Mother Nature Consider including a verdant plant, flowers or even fruits to your decor to create visual warmth and personality. If you are particularly green thumbed, don’t despair. Simply visit your local nursery and ask for a recommendation of plants that will require minimum care.

4- Add color to the floor The floor of a room is often overlooked. An interesting, colorful rug, strategically positioned in front of a chair, under the bed or a coffee table, will add texture and tone to your decor. Opt for a contrasting color or an interesting pattern that will tie into your overall theme.

5- Update a chair Give a new lease on life to a small piece of occasional furniture such as a side chair or stool. With the help of a small piece of fabric and a staple gun, you can bring this chair back to live in a matter of minutes. Use fresh colors on a small area like this to help invigorate your color scheme.

6- Think art For a dramatic and fun touch, consider the use of colorful, strategically placed art in your room. The only standing between you and a vibrant scheme could be a great painting or a brightly matted and framed print or canvas.

Just remember, you do not need to use paint to add color to your decor. Use the one or more of the suggestions listed above to update and liven your home. Simple things such as carefully selected and placed accessories such as throw cushions, a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruits will have a significant impact on your scheme. So go ahead. Experiment with colors. You will not regret it!