6 Bold Decorating Ideas {without using color}

When you think about bold decorating ideas, the first thing that probably pops into your mind is color – right?  Or maybe pattern?

Colorful Rooms Make a Bold Statement

Colorful Furniture | John David Edison Interior Design

Emerald Green Walls | Horchow

Yes, a fabulous emerald room is definitely bold…

Yellow European Home | Tidbis&Twine

…as are yellow walls with colorful accents…

Bold Blue Dining Room | Leslie Unruh

…or even a room steeped in Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year, Classic Blue.

I agree that color – and even pattern – is a great way to make a bold statement in your home, but what about us neutral-lovers?  Or those of us that prefer softer, more muted colors? 

Does the absence of a strong color mean that we can’t use bold decorating ideas our home, too?  Not at all!

Sometimes, being bold is a statement, not a color.

Bold Decorating Ideas Without Using Color

1.  Unique Shapes

Furniture that has a unique shape can be an attention grabber, even if it doesn’t sport a bold color or print.

French Balloon Chair | Restoration Hardware

An ordinary bedroom can become quite dramatic with the addition of some interesting furniture pieces such as a bed or chair.

Half Canopy Bed | Tidbits&Twine

2. Scale

Drama can be created with an oversized item, whether it’s a piece of furniture or decor. With an oversized item, your eye will instantly recognize it as a focal point.

Ornate Mirrored Headboard | Linen Haus Design

A standard bedroom is given a dramatic feel with an oversized ornate mirrored headboard, which sets the tone for the entire space.

Oversized Gallery Wall | Simple Everyday Glamour

This stairwell is given a dramatic impact with the addition of an oversized gallery wall featuring dogs!

3. Collections

When grouped together, collections can have tremendous impact, while at the same time, expressing a bit about our personalities and interests! 

Antique Ironstone Collection | Savvy Southern Style

A china cabinet typically holds glassware, but packed with an antique ironstone collection and this china cabinet instantly becomes a show stopper!

Hanging Basket Collection | Interiors Magazine

Grouped together and hung on the wall, these baskets make a statement in the entryway.

4. Materials

Material choices can create a dynamic and unique look and make quite a bold statement, even if they are neutral in color.

Herringbone Planked Wall | Mr. Kate

This DIY herringbone planked wall is unexpected in this space and immediately grabs your attention even though it is neutral in color.

Pebble Floor | Emily Henderson

While white in color, this pebble floor in the bathroom is a bold choice!

5. The Unexpected

Sometimes, using an unexpected element in a room can grab our attention and make a bold statement.  It’s something out of the ordinary that piques our interest!

French Dining Room | French Country Cottage

Wouldn’t you agree that Courtney’s plywood chalkboard is a bold – and unexpected – find for a dining room?

Dining Room Office | Duo Ventures

Even daring to use a room in a way other than how it was intended can be bold, like a dining room that’s been converted to an office. You probably never expected that!

6. Architecture

Interesting, unique or dramatic architectural elements easily lend themselves to creating a bold space.  Even if a home isn’t built with these elements, they can be added as part of the decor.

Planked Ceiling | Minnie Peters

This planked ceiling draws your eye upwards and helps tie together the warm wood tone of the kitchen island.

Stone Walls and Wooden Beams | Kara Childress

The gorgeous sculptural beams and stone walls add a sense of grandeur to this formal living room.

Final Thoughts – Adding Drama Without Color

Making bold decorating choices is more than just choosing a strong color – it’s about making a strong statement.  And as long as you love what you’re using and feel it reflects your style, then go for it!  Be brave and be bold!

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