We have been programmed to think that white walls are a decorating faux paus and with them, our homes are nothing more than empty shells in which no life can exist. While I will be the first to choose painted walls over white ones, I will also be the first to say that I have managed to create cozy and welcoming rooms amid these colorless spaces. I know this for a fact: I have seen lots of pretty, painted walls using every color imaginable, and the rest of the room was as dull as a two-day old cola. Color on walls should only be a backdrop for one's collections, accessories and furniture. Color on the walls should not compete with the room, but it should compliment it. Over the years I have discovered from working with clients, using the "Use What You Have" method, that most rooms featuring white or beige walls simply need an "uplift" revolving around furniture placement and re-accessorizing. I have gone into client's homes and created inviting vignettes, rehung artwork, added greenery and lighting, and the homeowner's have had a whole new outlook on their once nondescript home. All of this done without painting one single stroke.

- Try grouping like objects together to create more of a visual impact. A grouping of prints, even if they do not have matching frames, etc - will create more visual interest than if they are scattered around the room.

- White and beige are great reflectors of light. Rely less on general overhead lighting, and add softer wattage bulbs in lamps. Use uplights, or can lights, to cast warm shadows on the wall. Soft light bulbs create a warmer glow than bright light. Use a special task lamp with a stronger watt bulb for reading purposes.

- Create interesting vignettes that draw the eye to that section of the room. The eye is drawn to color, but it is also very fickle. It doesn't matter where the color is, and it doesn't necessarily have to be on the walls. A conversation area can be created using two chairs, and a colorful patterned ottoman. A pretty chenille throw draped on one chair arm sends an invitation to sit down and get comfortable. A tall palm placed off to the side with a soft uplight will add ambiance to the space, and the green will add "life." A lamp with a shade covered in fabric to match the ottoman completes the look, along with a small vase of fresh flowers - and a few personal items such as a small, family photo or a favorite book.

- Use area rugs to add additional color, and draw the eye away from the wall. Area rugs can be placed over any type of flooring, even carpeting. Use rubber non-slip matting to hold the rugs in place on slippery surfaces. There are matts for carpet-on-carpet, and carpet-on-tile/linoleum - so make sure you get the right type.

- Read the section about "Windows and Walls" to learn more ideas for adding color to white walls.