I’m finding myself attracted to bold color combinations of late. While I’ve always loved bright colors, I find the combination of two bright colors to be invigorating, refreshing and a source of happiness.
One of the color combinations I’m loving at the moment is Yellow and Orange. Regardless of the tone, when these colors are used together they create a sense of warmth and comfort. Yellow has always been and will continue to be one of the most used decorating colors and bright orange is a great color to add depth to a space.
Mixed with darker elements, orange and yellow take on a more mature preppy feel.
Don’t these colors just make you happy? Mixed with traditional accessories and gold finishes, yellow and orange make everything around it feel classy and hip!
I love how the orange rug helps to ground the space and make everything else feel settled.
Deeper shades of orange mixed with lighter shades of yellow add just the right punch to create a focal point within a room.
Infuse a lot of white and orange and yellow become powerful color accents.
I’m also love the impact that Red and Teal give to a space. Red lends an air of sophistication while teal adds a modern element. When mixed with white these two colors just light up a space.
I adore this deeper shade of teal mixed with a classic fire engine red and how crisp it looks.
Red is a powerful color on its own and when mixed with teal it becomes a bit more playful.
Bold touches make a big impact!
The third color combo that is making swoon is Pink and Turquoise. When done right these colors lose all of their youthfulness and create a beautiful palette for decorating.
Softer tones of pink and turquoise are the poster child of feminine and pretty!
A more “hot pink” shade mixed with a softer blue marry classic and contemporary perfectly.
Using different shades of both colors can create a look that is soft without being too sweet.
And when surrounded by neutrals, pink and turquoise give a space a modern ethnic feel.
If you’re unsure about using bold colors in your home décor, here are few tips that might help you warm up to your favorite color combos.
1. The next time you are at the grocery store look for flowers in your bold color choice and bring them home. Create a flower arrangement and see how the color combination feels to you. Flowers are not a big investment but if you like how the colors look and feel together you’ll be more confident using them in larger impact statements within décor.
2. Consult your Color Wheel
Colors basically coordinate in one of two ways. Complimentary colors sit in direct opposition to one another. These color pairings, such as blue and orange, create balance. Analogous colors sit next to one another on the color wheel. Analogous or “similar” color pairings, such as true green and yellow-green, coordinate because they share a base color
You can make the following combos using the color wheel as your guide:
* Colors directly next to each other (i.e. yellow and yellow-orange; yellow and yellow-green; violet and blue-violet, etc.)
*Colors that form right (90 degree) angles with each other (i.e. yellow and red-orange; blue and violet-red; green and orange, etc.)
* Colors directly across from each other (i.e. yellow and violet; blue and orange; red and green, etc.)
* Colors that form a T (i.e. blue, orange, and violet-red; yellow, violet, and red-orange; yellow, blue-green, and red-orange, etc.)
*Colors that form an X (i.e. blue, orange, violet-red, and yellow, violet, blue-green, and red-orange, etc.)
3. Colors that are a part of a “color family” also apply. You can substitute pink with red and still be able to pull off the combos based on the color wheel
4. When choosing your palette, be sure to limit your selection to just two or three hues, making an effort to use each shade multiple times throughout the room. Aim for at least three uses per color. This helps to create continuity, ensuring a flowing and well-coordinated design. Also, never underestimate the power of white space. A little bold goes a long way. White space creates contrast, giving the eyes a break and allowing bold hues to pop.
5. If you are needing a starting point, look at the colors you wear. Your personal wardrobe is a great barometer as to what colors you feel comfortable and confident in and around.
6. Love bold colors, but still feeling a lack of confidence? Why not choose a bold color to use as an accent? Even in a small room, a single, well-placed accent wall in a bold color can add depth, making the space appear larger. You can also introduce a bold hue by opting for bright accessories, such as curtains and throw pillows.
Here’s a great example of how dynamic my favorite bold colors can look when used together!
Being confident in choosing a bold color combination that will work for you is a bit science and a whole lot of gut instinct!
Do you have a favorite color combo?
These images and more color inspiration can be found on my Color Combinations board over at Pinterest!
