There was a time when everything in my home was black, white, or some shade of brown. I mean everything. My walls? White. My furniture? Gray. My decor? Neutral on neutral on neutral.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Subtle accent colors

add life and warmth

to neutral spaces

Layering in plants

breaks up monochrome

with natural texture

Art and glassware

introduce playful color

in entertaining spaces

Personalized statement pieces

combine simplicity and

character in decor

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At one point, I had the full “millennial minimalism” starter pack: the greige sectional, matte black frames, beige throw pillows, and a Pinterest board full of rooms that all looked… the same. And don’t get me wrong—I loved it then. The clean lines, the calm energy, the no-fuss styling. It made me feel in control.

But somewhere along the way, my taste started to shift. Maybe it was becoming a mom. Maybe it was spending more time at home. Maybe it was just growing up. But one day I looked around and realized: my home was beautiful, but it didn’t feel alive.

The Color Creep

To be clear, I’m still a neutral base girl. My sectional is cream. My walls are white. My media console is a rich walnut. But I’ve learned that “calm” doesn’t have to mean colorless.

Now, color shows up in subtle, playful ways: in the art on my walls, the green of my plants, the amber glassware I keep on open shelves. There’s a pale yellow frame in my gallery wall and a pop of burgundy in the blanket I throw across the couch. These aren’t loud choices—but they’re intentional.

4 Tips for Adding Color Without Overwhelm

If you’re ready to evolve beyond strict minimalism but don’t want to lose that grounded, calming feel, here are a few things that worked for me:

1. Start with small accents

Try swapping out a picture frame, adding a colorful vase, or styling a bookshelf with books in hues that make you smile. Low commitment, big impact.

2. Layer in natural elements

Greenery is the easiest way to break up a monochrome palette. Real or faux, a few well-placed plants add texture, movement, and a splash of life.

3. Stick to one “accent family” at a time

If your home is mostly neutral, choosing one color family—like warm reds, cool blues, or earthy greens—can help you add dimension without visual chaos.

4. Let art do the heavy lifting

A colorful art piece or wall print can introduce mood and color instantly. Bonus: it’s personal, and easier to swap than furniture.

Letting My Home Evolve With Me

What I’ve realized is that minimalism doesn’t have to be strict or sterile. It can be soulful. It can be layered. It can grow with you.

I still crave cohesion and calm—but I’m no longer afraid to let personality peek through. I want my home to reflect who I am now, not who I was when I moved in. That means allowing softness, color, texture, and even a little fun.

So yes, I’m a recovering minimalist. And honestly? Color looks good on me.