If you've got a fireplace in your living area, consider turning it into a focal point by cleverly using paint.
Perhaps you want to create a warmer, cosier living area. You can quite literally take inspiration from your fireplace and embrace wild shades of red, orange and deep yellow. However, you don't have to paint the whole room these colours. You can paint the fireplace itself and keep the walls a warm cream, such as Resene Half Dutch White. This is the perfect way to balance practicality with a love of fierce, fiery shades such as Resene Smashing and Resene California.
Look upwards
Are you living in a quaint villa or homely bungalow? If so, you may have beautiful archways in your home - for instance, between the living area and hallway.
You can draw attention to such features by using bright paint shades. Because archways are just one element of your home design, painting them a daring shade is not as risky as going over all the walls.
Shades such as mustard and eggplant might be too much for your entire living room, but they are perfect for archways. If you've always wanted to experiment with colour but have been hesitant, this might be your chance to totally revitalise your property, without going overboard.
Focus on the ceiling
Have you considered taking a bit of liberty with your ceiling?
While many homeowners paint it a very similar colour to their walls - or white - these aren't the only options available. For instance, dark ceilings are increasingly in vogue and can create a dramatic mood in the living room.
If your ceiling has interesting features or you have decorative crown moulding, this could be the perfect approach for your home.
While a dark ceiling is a bold move, if you pair it with cream walls and tan furniture, you can achieve a remarkably striking aesthetic.
Play up the floor
Looking up is all well and good, but have you looked down?
Wooden flooring looks fabulous in any home, so if you've got such a feature in your property, be sure to play it up!
While polished floorboards are popular if you're going for a sophisticated, classic look, there are other options.
For instance, you can play up this natural material by painting your floor a crisp white - such as Resene Double Alabaster - and investing in cool white and grey furnishings for a touch of Scandinavian chic.
Go a step further and add a stencil, if you dare.
Pick a deep hue or vibrant shade, such as Resene Seachange, and apply an abstract or floral stencil print to the centre of your floor. Pick curtains or accessories that also play up the same shade, for an integrated look.