3 Colorful Design Hacks For Your Home

Ready for all the secrets? These are my top recommendations for adding high-impact color to any space with easy budget-friendly hacks that don’t require messy supplies or advanced artistic skills.

Read on and save these links for my favorite picks that mix seamlessly with vintage aesthetic and retro-inspired design choices.

1.add bright Curtains & Pillows that look so much more expensive than they are

The last two Austin, TX Airbnbs I worked on, the South Congress House and the South Congress Studio were a testament to this design hack. If you’re not sure where to start when adding color, I always like to suggest textiles, and specifically a dramatic curtain. Check out the full transformation here.

Personally, I like having a light summer option for curtains, and a heavier fall and winter curtain option but the more time I spend with these velvet curtains I might leave them up year-round.

Pro-tip: buy a steamer and steam those curtains. It makes a huge difference folks.

Option 1: Velvet curtains with a rod pocket and curtain clips

Option 2: Velvet curtains with a twist tab top

The best value Velvet curtains

The Roslynwood light-blocking, insulated, rod-pocket velvet curtains in multiple lengths (I am often picking up the 84 or the 96 as will most of y’all) and in up to 15 colors depending on length averaging around $50 FOR THE PAIR.

2. Velvet blackout insulated curtains with a twist tab top available in 7 different colors and multiple standard lengths for around $60 a pair. I would note that the gold is a slightly deeper gold in this brand vs. the first option so I would try to pick one style for consistency.

Pro-tips:

These are the curtain rods I use religiously in my own home from Target
For rod-pocket style: add length, polish and make curtains easier to swap by adding curtain rings, trust me

Bold Throw PillowS That don’t suck

Throw pillows are an easy way to add texture, pattern and color. But the world of throw pillows is vast. Here are my tips to simplify:

Pick standard sizes, get down or down alternative inserts and buy covers in a bold a color and rich texture
- For square, 20x20 with this Ikea insert
- For lumbar, 16x26 with this Ikea insert
A pair of throw pillows for each bedroom
2-3 throw pillows for couches
Add accent lumbar pillows if appropriate to chairs and benches, playing with a funkier print or texture in these spots

We ended up falling in love with these pillow covers from the last Airbnb:

Velvet Toss Pillow Cover, Pair, 20x20, Green - Amazon

Velvet Toss Pillow Cover, Pair, 20x20, Navy Blue - Amazon

Velvet Tassel Pillow Cover, Pair, 20x20, Gold - Amazon

Velvet Striped Pom-pom Pillow, Pair, 20x20, Yellow - Amazon

Mid-century Geometric Navy Pillow Cover, 20x20 - Amazon

2. Curate a Colorful Glassware Display

This is one you can totally thrift over time. I pickup beautiful color glassware almost everywhere I go - thrift stores, estate sales, antique malls and online to build out fun unique collections. I usually shoot to pay no more than a couple dollars a glass.

But if you find yourself unable to thrift or in a time crunch, you can curate a display with a variety of affordable options on Amazon by purchasing 2-3 sets in your desired color scheme.