Deep green walls create a restful backdrop in this masculine living room. Designer Caitlin McCarthy chose pale, neutral upholstery on the sectional sofa to keep the look serene, not subdued, and added rich texture in the rug and the upholstered benches for richness. Hints of red throughout the room lend just enough energy.

If committing to a bold color like dark green seems overwhelming, consider using it on one wall, as the team at Harrell Remodeling did in this Zen-like master bedroom. The warm shade helps ground the bed, which might otherwise seem adrift in the soaring space. Incorporating hints of red and gold adds just enough color to keep the space inviting, without detracting from the minimalist vibe.

In a space with plain-vanilla architecture—standard-height ceilings, minimal detailing—it’s a designer’s challenge to create personality and presence. In this modern living room, designer Caitlin McCarthy used paint to get the job done, choosing a deep forest green for the walls, and then repeating the same color in a leather-upholstered armchair and a Southwestern-style rug. Charcoal upholstery on the sofa adds definition, and the gold-toned frame of the abstract glass coffee table offers just enough contrast to keep things interesting.

Rock and roll is all about energy, and for a living room created for a music enthusiast designer Caitlin McCarthy took care to incorporate plenty. Using colors on opposite sides of the color wheel—in this case, dark green and red—immediately amps up the attitude. The key to success, as illustrated in this space, is choosing one color to emphasize (green, here) and using the other as an accent; otherwise, the effect can be chaotic.