Who says more is always better? When it comes to color, sometimes a bigger impact comes from thinking in smaller terms. Infusing a flash of orange here or a whisper of blue there is all that's needed to up the wattage. Paint, fabric, and paper offer opportunities to sneak rich hues into otherwise neutral spaces without a huge commitment of time or money. Taking a second glance at collectibles can provide ideas; a seashell's blush might inspire a bookcases coat of pink paint. Like fireflies on a summer lawn, the change will be subtle but dazzling.

Although we selected colors keyed to specific rooms, all of these projects will work with whatever color you choose. You can be casual -- selecting a spray paint you love, for example -- or more precise, perhaps using wall paint for an exact match with your decor. In any case, all of these ideas are low risk, so you should feel free to mix things up again.

Dining Amid Greenery
1. Hues on High: A chandelier's fanciful lines are highlighted by simple paper shades painted a coordinating color and finished with contrasting grosgrain ribbon.

2. Framed in Color: Richly colored two-tone framing mats bring vibrancy without the need to repaint an entire wall.

3. Fabric Table Cover: A coordinating mat protects the table and entices the eye. Ours is made of triangles of linen sewn together and trimmed with a cord.

4. Custom Rug Details: Embellishing a sisal rug with a painted border ties the room together and reinforces the color scheme with little effort or expenditure.

5. Patterned Seat Cushions: Slipcovers for chair cushions offer a chance to add pattern without going to excess and are easily changed. These printed-linen ones feature solid-white undersides and the same cord trim as the table cover.

Pretty in Pink
A cheeky pink works surprisingly well in the kitchen.

1. Ceiling Stripes: A wallpaper that might be overwhelming in big doses can add an unusual radiance to the ceiling.

2. Wallpaper Shade: Windows get a shot of matching stripes, courtesy of wallpaper adhered to a vinyl roller shade. To size the wallpaper, place it on a self-healing mat. Using a metal ruler, cut it with a craft knife, making it slightly longer than the shade. Attach it with spray adhesive, folding over the extra at the bottom to cover the shade's bottom edge. You may have to move the mounting mechanism, as the rolled-up shade will now be thicker than before.

3. Painted Shelves: A fresh coat of rosy paint is a time-saving alternative to installing new shelves. Removable wooden ones are the best candidates for a makeover. Prime and paint them with two coats, using a roller that leaves no telltale brush strokes.

4. Accents: Spray-painting metal canister lids is an easy way to add spots of brightness. Here we took the electric mixer as the color cue.