Ever seen an outfit at New York Fashion Week and thought, “woah… no”, only to fall in love with something similar, just a little toned down, in the mall a few months later?

That very same dilution of the biggest, boldest trends happens in our homes, too. Some magazine spreads and showhomes may be far too editorialized to work in real life — the secret lies in knowing how to make that brave trend work for your space.

So let’s get into some pointers!

How to decorate with bold complementary colors

Color is one of the easiest ways to give your home a bold, modern makeover. And to get this right, you need to know a little something about complementary colors.

Complementary colors are two exact opposite colors on the color wheel. When put next to each other, they cause a bold contrast, making for a strong visual impact.

You can use complementary colors to great effect while decorating your home, using a dark accent color like black or brown to tie them together.

It’s easiest to think of color in “families”: it’s going to be impossible to find the exact opposite shades in the furnishings you want. Instead choose a primary or secondary color, and play around with different hues in that range.

Say you go for blue. This will include cobalt, turquoise and navy, while its opposite color of orange can include coral, tangerine and grapefruit.

Our favorite complementary color combos are orange and blue, yellow and purple, and red and green.

How to be brave with monochromatic decor

Okay, we know what you’re thinking, isn’t monochromatic just black and white? No!

Monochrome means ‘single color’. And when it comes to decor, a monochromatic style is all about choosing one color you really like, then going big. A monochromatic color scheme creates a visually cohesive look; a great way to tie your decor together in a seemingly effortless way.

Of course, you could choose ‘black and white’ as your monochromatic color scheme –– the absence of color can be just as bold and eye-catching as a single-minded palette. Black and white home decor gives off modern, contemporary vibes with a touch of Parisian chic.

Whether you select a color or go with black and white, it’s important to introduce tonal elements to give your rooms some depth. Light gray accents add interest and softer detail, while darker gray and charcoal make for a strong, imposing statement.

What about feature walls?

A bold feature wall can be a transformative addition to any room — if you execute it well! Whether wallpapered or painted, feature walls work best when drawing attention to a focal point, like a fireplace, textured panel or ceiling shape.

Feature walls are a quick, easy, and relatively cheap way to liven up your space and make it distinctive. Here are some rules of thumb to remember while planning a feature wall:

Think about your color choice

Whatever color and/or pattern you select for the wall, be sure that it complements everything else in the room.

Being bold just for bold’s sake doesn’t really work.

Think about your materials too

If you’re not 100% sure about your accent wall, make sure it’s not too difficult to change. Stick-on wallpaper is a great temporary option, and regular paint is relatively easy to switch up if you decide you hate it after a month.

Only do it in big rooms

Feature walls in small rooms only make them look smaller — trust us. Same with rooms that are already overcrowded with furniture or decor.

Get creative

Accent walls can be created out of materials like stone, wood, tile, or a combination of both. Don’t feel limited by paint and wallpaper alone.

Statement flooring that really wows

Forget about the accent walls and embrace statement flooring instead!

Yes, investing in hardwood floors or quirky tiling can certainly be a big investment, but oh boy does it look amazing. Having the right flooring can really change the vibe of an entire room, and bring otherwise plain-looking decor to the next level.

Hallways and entryways are some of the most common places for statement floors, as it’s the first thing guests see when they come in –– and we love to make a good impression! Bold tiles or bright patterns always look at home in a kitchen or bathroom, especially as it’s easy to keep the rest of the decor black and white.

Not quite ready to take the plunge? Here are some cheaper — and more temporary — options that still make a big difference:

Area rugs can make a room brighter and cozier, while delivering a brand new focal point too. Be sure to pick something of high quality and you want it wide/long enough to tuck in under your furniture and help tie the room together.

Tile stickers may be a little fiddly to install, but they’re a much cheaper option than laying a full floor of real tile. The options here are endless, and it’s obviously a lot less permanent too.

DIY stencil tiles are again even easier. You can easily turn boring white tiles into a beautiful masterpiece — all you need is a stencil, some paint and a lot of patience!

Make an impact with your soft furnishings

Soft furnishings provide one of the safest routes to a beautiful, bold home. Things like cushions, bedspreads, lampshades, vases, artwork and other added extras are great ways to add color temporarily.

Bold, flashy prints and bright contrasting colors can go really far in making your space feel tied together and cohesive. You want visitors to say “wow”, but still have a space that’s liveable and is uniquely you.

Want to go bold… but don’t know where to begin?

Sometimes you need a little reassurance before going bold in the home — you’ll need to look at your choices every single day, after all!

At Titanium Space, we can help bring your dream home to life through expert styling and decor. Get in touch today to book a free consultation and let’s get started.

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