I’ve learned that when someone feels stuck decorating their home, it’s rarely about color.

It’s about getting it right.

I once watched a woman wave a blue fabric swatch through the air, visibly frustrated.

“I need accessories that match this exact shade,” she said.

I suggested a candlestick.“It’s not quite right.”A vase?“Too off.”

I recognized the look.

I’d seen it countless times during my years owning an art gallery.

The search for the perfect color match.

Here’s the gentle truth I always wanted to share:

The #1 reason to avoid the perfect color match is this—mixing shades brings a room to life.

When everything matches exactly, pieces blend together. Nothing stands out. The room goes quiet in the wrong way.

But when you mix slightly different shades of the same color—light and dark, transparent and dense—each element gets a chance to breathe.

A deeper blue feels richer beside a softer one.

A lighter accent lifts the whole space.

It’s not about being bold.It’s about allowing contrast to do its quiet work.

Think of Color Like a Family

I like to think of color the way I think of families.

Siblings share similarities—you know they belong together.But each has their own personality.

That’s what makes them interesting.

In your home, shades of the same color can work the same way. They’re related, but not identical.

And that’s what makes a space feel layered, relaxed, and lived-in.

You don’t need to invite the distant cousin.Sisters will do just fine.

When you let go of the need for a perfect match, something unexpected happens.

Decorating becomes easier.

Decisions feel lighter.And your home starts to feel more like you.

A little less staged.

A little more human.

And often, much more beautiful.

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