Decorating & Design
4 Foolproof Color Combinations To Invigorate Any Room
If you’re craving a quick refresh, a healthy dose of color can be a great way to wake up your home — especially if you live in a boxy condo or new-build. From pink and red to green and tan, we break down four perfect pairings to transform your space, stat.
The infusion of bold, saturated red gives pink added punch — and keeps the rosy shade from looking saccharine. Here, velvet sofa cushions upholstered in varying shades of red prove the perfect foil for deep blush walls.
An unexpected blend of fuchsia, tomato red and electric orchid makes this otherwise white space stand out from the crowd. The secret to a harmonious mix? Pull hues from a single multicolored rug so everything comes together.
In this informal dining room, a pink paisley chair and cherry red bench combine for a look that’s equal parts bohemian and energetic. Subdued cream paint, a mid-tone wooden table and white tableware temper the overall effect.
Black and white is the ideal backdrop for playing with color and print, offering endless possibilities. Take this high-contrast kitchen, for example, where a vibrant backsplash, quirky collection of artwork and fun patterned chairs really make the room sing.
Black and white also has the power to tie together eclectic collections. Opting for crisp black frames and white mats, for instance, makes this diverse collection of artwork look thoughtful and cohesive.
This combination is also a great choice for heritage homes, feeling appropriately classic but still bold. In this stately den, the play of lacquered black walls and white trim emphasizes the room’s elegant architecture and adds drama.
Inspired by nature and eminently livable, green and tan is a color combination that can work in every room. In this breakfast nook, a leafy green fabric is a lively choice for upholstery, while sandy beige tile and roman shades bring it down to earth.
Deep tan panelling and an olive-toned banquette give this eat-in kitchen a rich, almost historical vibe. Yellow throw pillows, a brass-lined sconce and warm metallic picture frames bring brightness to the setup.
Top a barely-there tan sofa with a selection of green throw pillows for a look that’s colorful yet refined. Textural touches, such as this twig-like piece of wall art, pair effortlessly with this natural palette.
Fusing blue and green feels both classic and decidedly fresh. Choosing shades drawn from the outdoors reads serene, like the watery mix of colors in this charming boathouse.
A mix of deeper blue and green feels more daring. Here, a bold, navy-striped settee pops against a half wall and chair rail painted out in a deep sage.
A mix of lighter tones strikes a whimsical, refreshing chord. In this guest bedroom, a lime green–patterned rug and linens play well with vibrant, sky blue spindle beds.