Avid gardener Karen Norris loves the bold colors of nature, which is why she couldn't resist using shades from the same palette in her home. You, too, can give your home a wake-up call with the generous use of color.

In Living Color

A vase of sunflowers on a hand-painted side table welcomes visitors in this cheery entrance hallway. Pale yellow walls and the zesty citrus shades of the table blend to give the entryway warmth.






















A Caribbean Bungalow

The coral-hued bedroom is reminiscent of a Caribbean bungalow - complete with mosquito netting and exotic flowers.




















Blue on Blue

Who wouldn't want to take an afternoon snooze in this room? The guest bedroom is a serenade in blue - from floral window swags to the mismatched pillowcases. The mixing of blue and white is a classic choice; there is no better color combination to ensure a restful, tranquil setting.




















A Floral Bouquet

An easy style defines the living room. It's a predominantly yellow space, but the floral pattern of the sofa allows Norris to introduce other colors to the room -- deep blues, violets and leafy greens.




















An Indoor Garden

The painted wall (white latticework with climbing lavender clematis vines) and the oval window combine to make a window seat cozy and light-filled. Once a throwaway space, this niche is now a charming hideaway.




















How to Use Color in Your Home

The cheapest decorating tool there is, paint is a snap to use - and to change. Buy a few different colors to try on your walls. Then examine periodically to see what effects the natural light has on each hue. In order for color to have real impact, you need to surround yourself with it. Immerse each room in color - from the walls and floors to the windows and furnishings. Mixing different tones of the same color adds texture and depth to a room.

Photo credit: Peter Margonelli