Color is a great mood lifter! I also had lots of the new trendy beiges and non-color going on in my main living space. Started to add "red" accents . . pillows, art, etc. I love it!

Speaking of color! I need hair color . . . I haven't been to the salon since Jim passed in April, actually well before that. Planning to see my fave hairstylist in Orlando next week! Color and cut . . moving on with a new and refreshed me in 2015!

Thanks for your lighten up discussion post! Big hug, Dayna

Oh how I am with you on this one! I hate gray days, winter months and beige. I recently bought myself lavender sheets with an Indian sari comforter of bright orange, yellow and teal! My bed looks like something out of Szherrazode! It makes me so happy! Lol. That and my red paisley boots. It's the little things folks! Lol.

As for hair, well I tried eggplant purple once, I looked like Morticia from the Addams family! Back to blonde, my so called natural color, for me.

liz, you can do this very cheaply. Thrift stores, baby!! I've found some fabulous stuff in thrift stores and consignment shops. Pillows, pictures - let your imagination go. And I also painted accent walls. Painting even one wall can make a room pop. House plants in colorful pots, maybe? And one more thing - sign on to Pinterest and check it out. It's awesome seeing peoples' imaginations at work. Good luck and happy thinking! Marsha

Dear Lizbeth, You might want to look into GE Reveal light bulbs , both the incandescent and LED versions ...they really enhance the colors present In the room. Maybe some plants...especially ones that flower...I like African Violets myself. With you on the extended darkness being a downer...need light and or sunshine...hope these work for you...Alex

Color in our surroundings and clothing can really make a difference. Go to an art supply store (Hobby Lobby or such) & buy a "pocket color wheel" (found in the paint department). It's small enough to fit in your purse & is invaluable when standing in the middle of the store trying to decide what color goes with what!! Start with the small accents in your room, area rugs, throw pillows, vases. Remember to add some black here & there as it helps "anchor" the room (perhaps in picture frames). Black, white & greys are neutral colors & can be used with any other color. Have fun :) Also during this time of year when we don't get lots of natural sunlight, think about getting a couple of those light bulbs that mimick natural sunlight indoors. Sunlight also has an affect on our moods & well being.

I agree, color is good. Accents are a good start and can lead to a whole room charge. I began in my bedroom. Actually moving into what was the living room and painting (well my nephew painted it) it pink! New spreads and curtains and moved the television in there. Later my Son in law changed our two bedroom apartment into a large gracious living room with French doors. I love my space. Sharon

I have been anting color lately also. Have you noticed that furniture has no color anymore? I want bright !!!!!.... My carpet is natural, furniture and drapes natural, walls off white. I got sheets and covered loveseat, a bright color, got throws and throw pillows. Still not enough color.... I think taking down holiday decorations took a lot of color out.

Thank you for the ideas. I will definitely try the thrift shops and garage sales around here. Years ago, hubby and I used to visit the local antique shops. Think I will do that this weekend. Never know what I will find. I'm going to do this! Looking forward to bringing color into my life. Hugs!

Liz,
This is a great post, I really am enjoying the colour thing....
I too feel like colour splurging!...... I am sure colour is one of those things like, smell and music, that has an impact on our soul....
I go through phases of loving different colours, just passed a red stage......now going into my orange phase....Mmm! I wonder if it's the cold, grey winter!
Whatever, I am now searching for splashes of anything orange!
Hugs, Sandra

All of you have got my adrenalin going. I needed a post like this one to start looking around my house and thinking about what to do. He passed away July 2013, last year I had hardwood floors put in our bedroom and ceramic tile in the bathroom. But I want to do accents. Pinterest does have many unique ideas. Thank you all so much.

I have been making small changes in my living room, pillows, changed the curtains, but not too bright. All of a sudden I have been attracted to yellow. I bought a yellow blouse, everyone commented, it was my color. Last week I bought a bright yellow Kia Soul. I told my sister it made me smile. I can sure find it in the parking lot. Just start with small things and see how it goes. Marsha's right, the thrift shops are great.

Paula

I absolutely love color. Ironically I am getting ready to venture on changing my surroundings as well. The kitchen and bathroom are going to be renovated. Something that was long planned by my husband. I plan to see it through. I think finding comfort in a slight change of surroundings is a good thing. Color can add a lot.

Ok, tomorrow i'm off to look for my changes, to thrift stores, consignment stores and there will be a few garage sales I have circled. Kind of short on funds but I have always been a thrifty shopper. I am so looking forward to this. I will let you know what I find.

lizbeth, the other thing you can do is re-dye some of your soft furnishings. Anything made with natural fibers will generally take a cloth dye well. I did that with some old sheets my MIL gave me, then used the fabric to make slipcovers for cushions and a table cloth. Oh and I used a bright turquoise!

I live in dreary grey England, at least it's really dreary for about 4 months of the year. I got so overwhelmed with greyness that I thought I would go bonkers. Why anyone, especially here, would do anything in grey is kind of beyond me. Anyway, I had originally been doing various rooms in soothing colors, but have started switching over the accent colors to brighter shades that please me. So I have added azure and teal, fuschia and turquoise, grape, some lime green in the kitchen, and my little office room has red accents. I tend to be attracted to warmer hues, maybe because it gets pretty danged cold here!

The Pantone color of the year, for you decorating types, is called "Marsala" and is a mauvey pinky wine color - you can see it here:

http://www.pantone.co.uk/pages/index.aspx?pg=21163

That means that the stores will be stocking housewares as well as clothes using this color. I don't know about using it around the house, looks too dark to me. But I'd love a lipstick in it! :)

The color that is trendy right now over here in Europe is deep blue - indigo, denim, inky blue. It's weird how these things go in phases. The "coastal" look is big here, too, Brits love the beach, so that means combinations of white, beige, blues, with natural woodwork - that might work for you.

I agree with Marsha - thrift stores (charity shops as they are called here) are great for art, picture frames, vases, and mirrors which can all brighten up a space. Mirrors help bounce light around, which can help lift the feel of the room. It's real easy to repaint the frames, too, if you want a new look for something.

Let us know how you get on!

Love and Hugs,
Martha

Love all the input on this post. Seems like a lot of us are looking to "brighten" our lives some. Martha thank you for your post .Great ideas and fun to hear what is up and coming in jolly old England !!