The Next Big Décor Trend: Colours Are the New Neutrals

Is your home décor feeling a little drab? It's true that neutrals are timeless, and done right they will create calm and order in any space. Done wrong, however, and neutral tones can feel drab and bring the mood down. Instead of lashing out on teak mid-century antiques or hoping that a fresh coat of eggshell paint on the walls will be enough to make a dark room feel sunny, consider going all in and accepting that substituting safe beige with a bold, bright colour or two is just what you need.

Let's be clear, we're not talking a red feature wall—this isn't 2009. We're talking about well-chosen soft furnishings and paint colours that energise the space, and you. There's plenty of colourful homes right here on the Journal, from Prudence Caroline's vibrant Torquay home to Flex Mami's Sydney apartment. If you're not sure what part of your home décor to start with, read on and get to thinking.

Art

We love a minimalist art print as much as the next person, but a brightly coloured canvas (a la Poppy Lissiman's pop-style prints pictured above) is a long-term yet portable way to bring colour into your home décor, the perfect fix for renters who are willing and able to invest in some art. Serving suggestions available in store now include Hannah Carrick's 'Spritz' print (below) and Isabelle Feliu's 'Petit Matin' print.

Furniture

Block-colour furniture is a surprisingly cost-effective way to brighten up your décor. You can find eco-friendly plastic furniture made new, or trawl the internet for pre-loved pieces in bright colours.

Soft seating

Forget cream and beige when it comes to replacing your couch—look for a velvet sofa in a rich jade green or a playful pink. Or, pray to the décor gods and they may deliver a vintage find to rival Prudence Caroline's plush blue armchair.

Cushions

So simple. One single solitary sun-yellow cushion will go a long way to brightening up your space.

Linen

Style and substance. A new shade of bed linen will brighten up your bedroom and boost your mood every morning and every night. Our Pink Clay hue is bold and cheery and yet also surprisingly soothing when used over large portions of your bedroom's real estate. For anyone hesitant to stray too far from neutral tones in this respect, Khaki or Rust will do the trick.

Objects

Instead of relying on a single item to do the legwork, consider the smaller objects that live on the surfaces in your home. If you own a great hard-cover book with a brightly coloured cover, put it out on display. Or, find brightly coloured tabletop accessories (candles, vases) in vibrant hues.

Walls

Update your off-white walls with a deep green or fresh blue. Or, if you're feeling really zesty, go for a bright fuchsia or turquoise. You only live once!

Want to know what your home décor says about your personality? We break it down.