How to Incorporate Jewel Tones in Interior Design

Interior design is everchanging. Just a few years ago, all-white everything was all the rage, especially for Millennial homebuyers and renters who prefer minimalism above any other style. Now, color is making a comeback, especially among younger renters, with jewel-tone anything boldly setting in as one of the top trends of 2024. Using jewel tones in your home can instantly elevate the look and help you create a more upscale style and color palette. 

However, working with color can be intimidating for both renters and homeowners. And since jewel tones are bold colors, you might want to try them out in more affordable ways before investing in expensive tile and cabinet finishes to see if they fit your style and aesthetic.

In this article, we’re dishing out some cool tips for how to try out these bolder colors in your decor. Here are seven ways to experiment with jewel tones in your home.

1. Test Paint in a Small Room

Paint is one of the easiest ways to change up the look of your space. But first, check with your landlord to make sure your lease allows you to paint your space. Before redoing your entire place, start small by focusing on an entryway area, small guest bathroom, or office space. Jewel tones include dark reds, blues, greens, purples, and ambers, so you can choose your favorite hue. Be sure to consider lighting when deciding how dark your paint should be. If the room doesn’t get any natural light, you might want to go with a medium color tone rather than a darker shade. Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from: Each hue comes in different saturations, some of them having a higher reflective factor, perfect for smaller spaces.

With that out of the way, it’s time to get to painting. Remember to prime the walls first, then start adding your new jewel-toned color. You might consider painting the trim and even the ceiling for a more color-washed, Victorian look. To really elevate your walls, try adding trim or wainscoting and painting it the same color for a built-in look.

2. Add Jewel Tones With Wallpaper

Another way to add jewel tones to your home is by using wallpaper — the peel-and-stick version is even more renter-friendly. So, if your landlord gives you a thumbs down to painting, this is another great option. You can find a variety of designs with jewel tones, from Victorian treatments to floral patterns. You may even be able to find a solid color with a texture that can help you decide if you want to move from an accent wall to the entire room. 

Use your wallpaper strategically — on a focal point wall, in a small alcove in your home, or in a tiny bathroom. But walls aren’t the only place you can display jewel-toned wallpaper. You can add it to the inside of your bookshelves or behind open cabinets for a fun pop of color. 

3. Make Your Furniture the Main Star

If you’re not able to paint or decorate with wallpaper because your lease won’t allow it, you can use jewel tones to create a classy color palette in other areas of your home, using your walls as a neutral background. Instead of relying on the walls to showcase the major color schemes in your place, opt for bolder furniture colors and patterns. 

A deep emerald green couch or yellow-gold accent chair are two ways you can begin incorporating or mixing and matching jewel tones. And just because you can’t paint your walls doesn’t mean paint’s entirely off-limits. Paint bookshelves in dark purples, reds, blues, or greens to give off the moody vibe you’re looking for. For instance, a deep amethyst or amber library could be perfect for an intense dark academia look in a home office.

4. Add Both Color and Texture With Area Rugs

Another great way to incorporate jewel tones in your rooms is by adding large vintage area rugs. Look for bold over-dyed wool rugs with deep colors, patterns, or textures. You can then use your rug to serve as the central color palette for a particular room and decorate around this color theme.

Rugs can serve a lot of other functional purposes, beyond aesthetics, such as providing insulation, noise canceling, and an additional protective layer for the rental’s floors. They are also a great way to hide older flooring, or colors that clash with your jewel-tone vibe. 

5. Hang Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains

Jewel tones play off of each other very well. So, whether you’ve painted your walls or still have a renter-friendly white or beige on your walls, curtains will help elevate your space and bring in the colors you like best.  

You can opt for thick linen or velvet curtains to add a touch of luxury and deep color to your space. You might even prefer a patterned velvet or cotton to add more intrigue and dimension to your room. Just be sure you hang your curtains a few inches from the ceiling to help make your space appear taller. And make sure they’re long enough to kiss the bottom of your floor.

6. Inject Color With Home Decor

Even if you have a fairly neutral color palette right now, you can start playing with jewel tones through accents. An amber vase, crimson floral arrangement, and jewel-toned plant pots are all a few ways you can begin experimenting with color. You can also use throw pillows, blankets, books, and candles to help add more colors to your room.

Artwork is probably the easiest way to incorporate jewel tones. Think of large canvases with rich emeralds and gold or abstract paintings incorporating deep amethyst hues. They can really create a stark contrast set against neutral walls. Plus, if you feel up to it, you can try your hand at making these paintings on your own, for a fun and creative DIY.

7. Consider Your Metal Finishes

Jewel tones compliment metals nicely, but you’ll want to pay extra attention to the types of metals you’re using — from curtain rods to furniture legs to cabinet pulls. Jewel tones often pair nicely with brass or gold finishes. Chrome or aluminum may cheapen your look and make your room feel unfinished. Silver or pewter may work nicely, too, but make sure your finishes all complement each other. They don’t have to match exactly, but they should look intentional and not completely mismatched. 

The game of interior design never ends and it’s all about experimenting. You can play around with all of these options, starting small and working your way up to more significant changes. Pick whatever options fit your decor and lifestyle, and piece them together for a cohesive look. These jewel tones will provide an elegant and luxurious touch to your rooms, so give them a try and see if you love them.