What, When, Where: A Colorful New Year

By Erin Marvin

It’s a new year, and though it’s only take me seven days to break most of my resolutions (to work out more, stop drinking during the week and eat more vegetables), I’m still determined to make 2013 my most colorful year yet.

Color made a big splash on the runways in 2012 and I predict that 2013 will see vibrant hues inside the home. White walls are so last year; check out these bold ideas for bringing color inside:

Tiffany blue walls make this space feel like a jewel box; photo courtesy of restylinghomebykellyblog.com

This living room is pretty in pink; photo courtesy of vintagemoderngallery.wordpress.com

The rich wall color and unexpected pattern mixing in this sitting area are sure to make houseguests green with envy; photo courtesy of praisehouse.tumblr.com

Of course, walls can’t have ALL the fun. A colorful ceiling always makes a bold statement:

The yellow ceiling’s lacquer finish helps reflect light around the colorful room; photo courtesy of House Beautiful

Purple adds a royal touch to this modern dining room; photo courtesy of homedit.com

As with all resolutions, sometimes it makes the most sense to start small. These home accessories add bright pops of color without going overboard:

Check out the lime green chevron stripes on the Mrs. Godfrey chair by Jonathan Adler; photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler

The red-hued Jasper bolster from Hudson is sure to add a splash to your living room or bedroom; Photo courtesy of Hudson

This contemporary drum pendant by Sonneman (available at Neena’s Lighting in Boston) comes in a variety of vibrant colors; Photo courtesy of Neena’s Lighting

If the above weren’t inspiration enough, New England designers have used color in their own homes to spectacular results. I don’t have to look far to find ways to incorporate color in 2013:

Orange and pinks liven up New Canaan, Connecticut, designer Kristin Gallipoli’s own home. Photo by John Gruen for New England Home

Designer Margot Ouellette brought shades of the sea into her Vineyard Haven home. Photo by Eric Roth for New England Home

Phillip Jude Miller used more subdued tones to envelop his Maine retreat. Photo by Sam Gray for New England Home