7 Places to Incorporate an Accent Color

This is the second time today we've featured a room by designer Amy Lau. She's got a lot of good ideas, and we didn't want to let this bedroom slip by unnoticed. Off-white establishes a background, but yellow is the real showstopper, incorporated in subtle and not-so-subtle ways throughout the room. Although you may prefer a less coordinated look in your own home, this space illustrates lots of ideas for using color as an accent...

• Rugs: A yellow pattern on a white background sets the tone for the room.
• Pillows: Solid yellow throw pillows create blocks of color on the bed.
• Artwork/Frames: Coordinating frames bring cohesiveness to an art collection.
• Window Treatments: The valance creates a bold stripe of yellow near the ceiling.
• Accent Furniture: Stools at the foot of the bed are a dramatic accessory.
• Cushions: On the wicker chair, yellow cushions coordinate with the room.
• Small Accessories: Vases on the bedside table tie into the color scheme.

Other places to color coordinate accents include lighting, molding, and textiles such as bedding and tablecloths. For ideas on pairing colors and choosing accents, check out our color combo posts.

Photo: Amy Lau Designs

Comments (7)

that dresser is so cute. i kind of want to hug it.

posted by susang on April 8th 2009 at 7:40pm
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I think that might hurt

posted by JamesdeMontreal on April 8th 2009 at 7:52pm
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What make this room work color-wise is not so much the yellow (which is all over the place), but the blue, which shows up in just three places and keeps your eye on the move.

posted by Nancy_Claire on April 8th 2009 at 7:56pm
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I thought this was a mislabeled Guess the Decade post! I can't say this sickly yellow is doing much for me.

posted by LilyC on April 8th 2009 at 8:00pm
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This room makes me want to blap.

posted by caslab on April 8th 2009 at 9:01pm
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Does anyone know where that rug is from?

posted by ShopgirlCA on April 9th 2009 at 11:00am
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While this isn't exactly my cup of tea, I like the execution of the technique here.

I'd say, forget the style (light and arie early 70's chic mod), the colors (varying shades of yellow, some w/ a slight green tint) and all that and look at HOW the technique is used here. Notice how the color has been brough throughout the room and then with touches of green and the bright blue in just a few spots.

I am not enamored with the wallpaper chosen but the overall effect is wonderful and I love yellow, just not this style per se.

posted by ciddyguy on April 9th 2009 at 5:39pm
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