If you walk the paint aisles at any home center, youll see that there are more paint swatches than ever. Thousands of paint choices line the walls, but the fear of color remains strong, and that why most homes are a study in white. Its because white is the cant-make-a-mistake color. Of course a few brave souls will insist they have color daring because they went out on a paint limb and used a pale yellow or beige on their walls.

But, dont you long for more color? Of course you do; we all do. If we didnt, wed all buy white furniture and carpets to go with our white walls. But, we dont because the thought of color on furniture, carpets, or curtains isnt nearly as terrifying as color on (heaven forbid!) the walls.

Exactly what is the fear that surrounds the decision of going with color? Most people say theyre afraid that they wont like a strong color once its on the walls. But that fear is irrational, because paint, unlike a black sofa covered in green parrots, can be changed inexpensively. Its hard to return a sofa and its very expensive to recover it.

In my own house, our media room is bathed in a deep sage color. And you know what? Its the most popular room in the house when we have company and everyone fights to go in there. The dark color in this small room is very cozy and inviting and makes you feel like curling up for a movie marathon.

You can get this same feeling too by adding color in your own home. Remember: white walls are for tires. Now, lets ratchet up your color daring. Try painting just one wall. If you like it, paint the rest of the room. Soon youll be hooked on color and your home will ooze design chic!