by Natalia Jones

Created on: November 04, 2009   Last Updated: May 01, 2012

Many people stick to colors they think are safe or easy to work with because they are afraid of decorating with color.

• Where Does this Fear Come From?

A fear of decorating with color can be the result of a lack of design confidence or ignorance of how to mix colors that work well together. Remember that there are no ugly colors, only bad color combinations.

• What to do if you are Afraid of Color

The best way to overcome a fear of using color in the home is to build confidence slowly by easing into color. Try using accent colors with neutral colors that you are more comfortable with for starters.

For instance, you can add a punch of color by using throw pillows or small accessories to add color into the living room. Neutrals are called neutrals because they blend well with any color so it is really impossible to get it wrong. Adding colors that you are drawn to will not only help to break up a sea of beige it will also slightly change the mood of the room.

• How to Get Color Inspiration

One of the major reasons people shy away from using color in their homes is because they are uncertain how to blend colors together.

An easy way to get a designer look is to find ready-made color combinations. This does not mean you have to go out to buy a color scheme, but rather find colors that already work well together and then use them in the same proportions in your room.

Flip through a magazine and clip pictures that appeal to you, or take a fabric swatch with colors that you love and draw inspiration from it. The key to making this approach work is to pay close attention to how the different colors are used. If your inspiration picture uses majority grey blue with smaller touches of accents in green and beige, you should mimic the proportion in your room. Use the largest color on your walls and accent colors in fabrics or wall treatments and accessories.

Other sources of inspiration include; restaurants and stores you like to visit, your wardrobe or even product labels and of course nature. Color is literally everywhere, so every thing you come into contact with is a potential source of inspiration.

Anyone can decorate their home with color. All it takes is a little inspiration and some bravado to take the plunge.

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