The Art of a Colorful Refresh: Let the Color Speak

Lately, I’ve been surrounded by color—paintings coming off the walls, new ones waiting their turn, in every shade of the rainbow—all reminding me why I fell in love with art in the first place. There’s something magical about watching how color changes a space… and how it changes us.

Vibrant new underwater scene by Jeanette Nickas—alive with color and motion.

As we’ve been getting the new Evoke Studio & Gifts space ready, I’ve been reminded of that magic in a whole new way. We painted over a bold blue wall with a soft, creamy neutral—warm enough to feel welcoming but quiet enough to let the art speak. It’s amazing how even one change in color can completely shift the energy of a room.

Color carries emotion. It speaks before we ever say a word and can breathe new life into a space. The right shade of blue can bring a sense of calm and openness—it’s why coastal tones make us breathe a little deeper. Beautiful shades of soothing green remind us of balance and renewal, the quiet strength of nature. Butter yellow infuses warmth and optimism, like sunlight spilling across a room. Shades of coral and red add energy and passion, while soft neutrals ground us and make everything else shine. Each hue tells a story, shifting the mood of a room—and the mood within us.

(Updating the space - From cool blue beginnings to a soft, serene neutral—what a difference a coat—or three—of paint makes!)

And while color often takes the spotlight, some of the strongest pieces are the ones in black and white or sepia—quiet, timeless works that tell their own story through contrast and light.

You don’t need a full renovation to breathe new life into your home. Sometimes, a thoughtful pop of color (or not) is all it takes. Whether it’s to brighten a corner, shift the mood, or reflect the season, small changes can make a big impact—and you don’t even have to pick up a paintbrush.

A bold new direction for Vanessa Spittler—subtle, textural, and beautifully restrained.

As a decorator, I love using artwork as a jumping-off point. An entire room can be planned around one piece, or a single work can quietly shift the feel of a space. One bold canvas can inspire everything from throw pillows to table accents—no wall redo required.

Where to Start

If your space is feeling a little tired, try adding:

• Framed art or prints—One colorful piece becomes an instant focal point. A seascape with vibrant blues, a floral with bold coral tones, or an abstract with warm, golden hues adds personality and direction.

• Ceramics & pottery—Hand-thrown mugs, vases, and serving pieces in glossy glazes bring sculptural color to shelves, consoles, and kitchen counters. They’re functional and beautiful—my favorite combo.

• Pillows & throws—Never underestimate the power of textiles. Swap in two or three cushions that pull a color from your art, then layer a soft throw to tie it together.

• Notecards & stationery—Tuck art notecards into small frames, clip them to a wire grid, or style them on a bookshelf. They work as rotating mini prints and little sparks of inspiration.

• Tabletop accents—Candles, trays, and books with colorful spines can echo the hues in your artwork and make a vignette feel intentional. Even a found object from your pantry—like an ornate wine bottle or a beautifully shaped jar—can add the finishing touch.

A favorite found object turned design accent—a beautiful stoneware wine bottle—inspiration often hides in plain sight.

Rotate with the Seasons

While our South Texas coast doesn’t see dramatic weather swings, I still like to mark time with subtle shifts at home. Cooler tones and airy watercolors feel right for the heat of summer; come fall, I bring in deeper palettes and textured pieces that add warmth.

Rotating artwork keeps things feeling fresh—like swapping seasonal pieces in your closet, but for your walls. Think of it as sweater weather for your walls—a cozy little refresh.

Even small moves change the energy. Try placing a new ceramic dish on your entry table, layering a framed print over stacked books, or moving a favorite painting where the morning light hits it. Same piece—different story.

Quick Styling Tricks

• Pick a hero color. Choose one hue from your focal artwork and repeat it twice—pillows and a vase, or a throw and a candle. Instant cohesion.

• Mind the mix. Balance glossy with matte, soft with structured, airy with grounded. Contrast is what makes a display come alive.

• Vary heights. Use stacked books, pedestals, or a taller vase to create a little skyline on a console or shelf.

• Edit once. Before you step back and call it done, consider taking one thing away. It’s a principle often attributed to Coco Chanel, who famously advised to look in the mirror and remove one accessory before leaving the house. The same holds true for decorating—breathing room lets color and form do their job.

• Reframe for impact. A clean, modern frame or a wider mat can make a familiar piece feel brand new.

Same artwork background, same color palette—just a different frame. It’s amazing how that one small change can completely shift the mood.

Gallery Finds—No Overhaul Needed

When you visit the gallery, look with fresh eyes. Consider how a splash of a brighter color, a sun-washed landscape, or a rich coastal sunset might complement what you already own. From small works and handmade ceramics to vibrant statement pieces, a color refresh doesn’t have to break the budget. Start with the piece that makes your shoulders drop and your breath slow—that’s the one that will play beautifully at home. Listen to how an art piece makes you feel and let that be your guide.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s personality. A well-placed pop of color can speak volumes about your story, your style, and your state of mind. Think less about “decorating” and more about expressing what makes your space feel like home. Let color do the talking without saying a word.

The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community. Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at contact@melissamitchellart.com.

Stay tuned for our official opening date announcement of Evoke!