Do you suffer from chromophobia — the fear of using multiple colors in one room? If so, it’s time to let go and try something like this dining room.

Why does this room work so well while showcasing so many colors? One primary reason comes from the careful balance of color and neutral tones.

Take a look at the flooring. By choosing an ebony wood floor, all of the colors stand apart. The floor adds a sophisticated note that the colors carry forward, creating a well-designed room.

Other neutral elements such as the dark wood table and the white and metallic tableware also allow color to take a central position. Even the plain gold draperies serve as a neutral against the dining chairs.

Now let’s spend some time on the chair color and pattern choices. There are actually only two patterns here – a stripe and a patchwork floral. If you look closely it’s also clear that the same five or so colors repeat in each pattern. The solid colors also echo one of the pattern colors and the throw pillows even up the colors across the four chairs. These decisions help the colors feel natural and appropriate rather than awkward. The good news is that most fabric comes in collections that help you mix and match patterns and solids.

If you love color and want to make it part of your living space, start with a room designed to handle color like this one and then head to a fabric or furniture store and have fun. It does take time and effort, but you can have color and walk away smiling.