Home decorating seems like a grand adventure for many people … until it’s time to pick out a color scheme. Many amateur home decorators simply don’t trust their own sense of color coordination enough to tackle the tasking of a home makeover.

Color-challenged folks need look no farther than the following one-color schemes to find something that’s sure to please. These selections are among top designers’ favorites for some of the easiest and most inviting options for home decorating.

Black and White: The undisputed classic champion of home decorating, a black and white color scheme works white many styles. The look is sophisticated and clean in Contemporary décor such as white furniture against a black accent wall. Yet this color combo turns nostalgic and homey in Cottage/Country styles with black and white checkerboard floors, white-painted wood paneling and hounds tooth upholstery. Try a bright red pillow or a deep red accent for a spot of color if desired.

Blue and White: Blue conveys serenity and relaxation, reminding people of sea and sky. French blue and white has a crisp look about it, while white and navy conveys more of a nautical theme. Any blue and white room can be set off with blue rugs in Transitional styles. Just be sure to match blue’s hues well.

Red and White: If red and white make you think of a barber pole, think again. Patterned toiles and checked fabrics often use red and white to great effect. But that’s not all. Strawberry or apple motifs can give a Country kitchen a homey feeling so real you can almost smell the pie spices. Meanwhile, a Casual/Contemporary family room will be cheery in red and white with touches of some other energetic color.

Green and White: Say “green” and people today often think of the global environmental movement, and with good reason. Green is the color of nature, from the fresh green of early spring to the deep evergreens of winter. Asian decorating schemes, especially Japanese minimalism, often use soft mossy green in leafy patterns. Green bamboo rugs would be a perfect complement for a green scheme.

Brown and White: Brown has become one of decorating’s darlings over the past decade, and we’re not talking boring old brown. Everything from the brown-black of bittersweet chocolate to the creamy richness of mocha latte has its fans. Brown rugs or rugs with brown and white patterns anchor the room. Plenty of white will be needed with the darkest tones to keep from overwhelming the eye, but properly balanced; this combination can produce rooms that are both dramatic and cozy.

Pastels and White: Pale colors paired with white trim are a natural eye-pleaser. A home decorated in a range of light tints – rosy pink, pale green, lemonade yellow, baby blue, and pale aqua – will be a pastel dream. Modern rugs and transitional rugs often come in a variety of pastel colors that can easily be mixed and matched in a scheme such as this.

Purple and White: There’s something about purple that says “kids,” and that’s where this combination can most often be found. However, subtler shades add an air of richness and sophistication in adult bedrooms and baths as well. If purple gets your blood racing, then find ways to use it. If nothing else, deep purple rugs on either side of the bedroom will be soft places to put your feet on cold mornings.

White and White: Brilliant whites can be blinding, but a neutral palette of cream, ivory and light beige can form a striking backdrop for anything décor your can imagine. These “warmer” whites have undertones of tan, yellow and pink that can give your home a sophisticated yet inviting look. You can liven up a white-on-white color scheme by adding texture in the form of sheepskin rugs that come in various pile lengths and color variations.