Design Within Reach (No, Really!)

When it comes to fashion we can't get enough patterns and color statements, but somehow once we step into the confines of our homes that love disappears. I'm not sure why color within interior design is regarded with such trepidation - when you really think about it, it's just as temporary as a brightly hued blouse, or a pair of sassy red heels. If you think you've made a terrible mistake, or you just want to try something new, it's incredibly easy to slap on some white primer and start all over again.

Jewel tones are the perfect way to liven up your space, without sacrificing a sense of light and space. Dark colors have a tendency to make a space seem smaller, but by using saturated colors in small doses like with an expertly positioned accent wall, or some choice accessories, you can create a memorable look. As you can probably tell by now, I'm very proud of my own NYC pad (pictured above,) and I did it all with some elbow grease, a keen eye for sales, and a bucket of paint. Jewel tones can take you anywhere, from the Mod meets Rococo of my apartment, to the Moroccan glow of this space. Just repeat the following mantra: I am not afraid of color, I am not afraid of color!