If the application of color is a must in decorating, the use of textures and patterns is equally important.
A room painted in a solid color but accompanied by various textures can be just as invigorating as a room painted with multiple colors.
As well, a judicious color combination livens up a room. Selective contrasts or textures and patterns add to the totality of the visual effects which can be surprising, even if more discreet than a room fully painted in contrasting colors.