A few strategic home decor changes can make all the difference in creating a cheerful and fresh-feeling living space, according to interior design experts. Courtnay Tartt Elias, principal interior designer and creative director of Creative Tonic Design, believes that homeowners looking to transform their spaces don't need major renovations to achieve significant results.
If you're tired of staring at bland beige walls or simply crave a small but uplifting change to your home environment, Elias has a simple recommendation: incorporate green into any room. She describes green as a color she "loves turning to when it's time to dial up the joy" in interior spaces.
"Whether it's a whisper of mint or a bold, moody emerald, shades of green make a space feel fresh, grounded, and full of life," Elias explains. "It plays beautifully with other colors, adds an instant boost of energy, and it can even behave like a neutral when you layer it just right."
To help homeowners achieve this exciting transformation with minimal effort, Elias has curated a selection of Amazon home finds that incorporate this joyful color palette. Her designer-approved picks offer affordable ways to instantly refresh any living space.
The USumkky Set of 2 26-Inch Table Lamps, priced at $80, offers exceptional value at essentially $40 per stylish lamp. Elias appreciates the "classic shape and unique pattern" that gives these lamps "just enough personality to perk up a desk or nightstand." She highlights that they act "like jewelry for your room" without being overpowering while adding plenty of functional lighting. According to Elias, this lamp "checks all my boxes."
For entertaining, the Moretoes Set of 12 Hobnail Drinking Glasses, reduced from $33 to $31, brings vintage-inspired charm to any gathering. "These glasses are a serious moment," Elias comments on their distinctive design. The vibrant green drinkware elevates cocktail hour and everyday drinking experiences. "They bring charm and color to any table, bar cart, or impromptu patio happy hour, and I love mixing them with vintage pieces or using them to make everyday sips feel a little more special," she concludes.
For those working with limited time and budget, Elias suggests starting with the smallest details, like the Lbfeel 3.78-Inch Drawer Knobs at $7 each. "Never underestimate the power of a good hardware swap," she advises. The colorful knobs provide "little bursts of happy," enhanced by their unique sculptural shape. She recommends adding them to "a dresser, bar cabinet, or kids room for a punchy refresh."
The Crevent 50- by 60-Inch Throw Blanket, priced at $20, offers another simple way to incorporate green into living spaces. Elias calls this throw in a "soft and serene" shade "pure joy." Homeowners don't need new furniture to benefit from this piece – simply draping it over an existing sofa or chair creates instant transformation. Elias suggests "layering it at the foot of the bed, or just wrap up in it with a good book. No matter how you use it in your home, your space will feel instantly more pulled together."
Additional green accent pieces include the Hotel Sheets Direct 4-Piece Queen-Size Bed Sheet Set, reduced from $70 to $60, and the Miulee Set of 4 Throw Pillow Covers, marked down from $23 to $17. These bedroom essentials allow homeowners to extend the joyful color scheme throughout their entire living space.
For those seeking to add green accents in unexpected places, Elias's extended collection includes the Yytsgg 2-Pack Glass Soap Dispenser Set at $15, which brings the calming color into bathrooms and kitchens. The Kmelep Round Rattan Tray, priced at $29, combines natural textures with green accents for serving and display purposes.
The Rugcomf Runner Rug, reduced from $37 to $25, offers a non-slip, washable option for hallways and kitchens, while the Hosroome Set of 2 Macrame Baskets, marked down from $27 to $25, provides stylish storage solutions with boho-inspired green details.
According to Elias, the key to successfully incorporating green into home decor lies in understanding its versatility. The color works equally well as a bold statement piece or as a subtle accent that complements existing decor. Whether homeowners choose to introduce green through large furniture pieces, textiles, or small decorative accessories, the color's natural association with growth, renewal, and tranquility creates an immediate sense of joy and freshness in any living space.
This approach to interior design emphasizes that creating a beautiful, uplifting home environment doesn't require expensive renovations or complete room makeovers. Instead, strategic use of color – particularly the naturally joyful shade of green – can transform any space into a more vibrant, welcoming environment that enhances daily living experiences.
