After just having completed a girl’s bedroom using a bold shade of raspberry, I thought it might be helpful to discuss how I used it. I always have clients and friends asking me how they can add punches of colour as they are afraid they will apply it incorrectly.

Check out the following below as ways to make a strong colour work for you.

1. Use bold colour as an accent in a monochromatic scheme.

Use neutrals such as white, black, grey, beige or cream as a base for your scheme and then add in your chosen bold colour in the forms of an accent.
The colour can be added as an accent wall with paint or wallpaper, cushions, rugs, lamps, art, side tables, headboard etc. The main thing to stay away from is using that colour for ALL of the above. Choose one large item (such as a wall, bed or large piece of furniture) and then choose just a few more small items in that colour to tie it all together). Using the colour too much will overwhelm your space and make it look too hectic.
Hint – picking items in different SHADES of your chosen colour (i.e. some lighter, darker) will add depth to your space and prevent it from looking flat.

Using Raspberry for Headboard and Pillows

Using Raspberry in small ways: Art, Seat Cushion, Flowers

2. Draw your eye away from the boldness of the colour with texture

This helps to soften the look and prevents an overly stark scheme. I did this in the room below with full soft drapes, touches of ribbon, sheepskin rugs, and a monotone wallpaper with a sheen print. These additions tone down the obtrusive look of bright raspberry against white. It makes it softer and more livable. It will also extend the life of the look in your space. Rooms with harsh colour schemes can cause you to tire of the look more quickly than a softer scheme.

Tone on Tone Wallpaper

Elegant Ribbon for Door Curtains

Flowers add a fresh depth

With a less is more attitude, you will absolutely be able to incorporate a bold punch of colour in your space successfully!