“Jewel tones”, when applied to home decor, usually means colors reminiscent of the finest rocks money can buy. Vibrant sapphires, rich rubies, and elegant emeralds typically take center stage in the jewel-toned color palette.

Yes, they’re gorgeous, but as you bring these colors into your home, don’t go off the deep end. Balance the bold with cooler or more neutral colors, and perhaps add some bling to throw light around the space.

We love how the soft gray rug and the light-colored throw help offset the deep, rich colors of SmithHönig’s Neela Blue wallpaper, in our featured living room. Shimmering golds and silvers mix well with vibrant shades, too. Think of them as settings for your sparkling gemstones.

Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to emerald, ruby and sapphire. Semi-precious gems like rose quartz, turquoise, amber, opal, and jade might be the perfect starting point for your color palette. A soft peach wall color might complement a bolder counterpart like sapphire, as well.

The goal is drama that’s also luxe and polished.

Personally, we also love when a theme continues throughout the house. One dark, bold room surrounded by otherwise white walls might be jarring. Try adding dark-jewel-toned bedding, art, tiles or cookware in a lighter room to keep the theme going.

Or use extra wallpaper to liven up the back of a bookcase or cover stair risers.

Jewel-Toned Modern Kasbah

The best part of the jewel-toned living room featured here is that it was transformed with peel and stick wallpaper, which can be easily removed with no damage to the walls. So even a rental could become a modern, jewel-toned kasbah over a weekend!

For a look that’s better than the finest jewels, add SmithHönig’s Neela Blue wallpaper to your space.