If you don’t have a lot of experience using color in decorating, you might not be sure exactly what will work best, but you don’t want to go too safe.

How can you juggle the two? Keep these tips in mind:

Be Inspired. Pick the colors you like and find ways to make them work in your space. Can you create a palette based on your favorite pair of earrings or favorite tie? Absolutely! Trends are good guides, but only if you love them, too.

There are Many Neutrals. It’s easy to jump straight to white or beige for neutrals in a home, but there are many more options. Look at different shades of browns like rich caramels and dark chocolates, or find sophisticated shades of gray to work into your space.

Make the whole room pop by using brightly colored, complementing accessories against neutral backdrops.

Pop in Unexpected Color. One of the most fun ways to use color is to pick a bright, fun color and put it where people least expect. Try painting an interior door, inside your coat closet, the interior of your cabinets, or the inside back of your bookshelf. It’s a surefire way to make that piece memorable!

The most important thing to remember about color is that you will be living with it, so don’t settle for what other people like or don’t like. Find a color you love and then build your palette off of that.

Also, there are many resources on how to decorate with certain colors! Check in books or online for ideas about blending and using colors to get the perfect look for your home.