Room color combination
30+ Best New Color Combinations
Read McKendree
1 of 35
Blue + Brown
Chocolate brown and blue is always a win, but this foyer designed by Elizabeth Roberts is making it look even better than usual.
Tria Giovan
2 of 35
Marigold + Cream
White and yellow can be almost too cheerful—this cream and marigold combination is softer and a little more mellow as a result, though it still boasts that signature energy you'd expect from a yellow backdrop.
Roland Bello
3 of 35
Lime Green + Dark Blue
Dark blue wallpaper, black lacquer moldings, and a moody buffet bring depth and texture to the Miles Redd-designed room while the white marble table and lime green upholstered dining chairs ensure levity.
Nicole Franzen
4 of 35
Peach + Cream + Chrome
This eclectic contemporary living room is understated and visually soothing, but if you take a closer look, there are plenty of bold style statements. Part of this is thanks to the neutral yet unique color scheme.
George Ross
5 of 35
Ruby + Ink
Birgette Pearce designed a hidden pantry to keep stored items discrete behind inky sliding doors with textured glass—but once open, the pocket doors reveal a bright red surprise.
Stephen Kent Johnson
6 of 35
Turquoise + White + Warm Wood
A custom turquoise velvet banquette in this contemporary California dining nook designed by Studio Shamshiri is just the right dose color.
Mali Azima
7 of 35
Melanie Turner makes a strong case for monochromatic decorating with this soothing green sitting room. The brass accents, burled wood table, and brown marble fireplace facade spice things up.
Ngoc Minh Ngo
8 of 35
Amethyst + Scarlet
The velvet-covered banquette serves as plush seating at the dining table, draped in purple burlap from Elegant Fabrics. Designer David Kaihoi's three-year-old daughter sits in the red Tripp Trapp high chair by Stokke in the New York City apartment.
Shade Degges
9 of 35
Bubblegum Pink + Greige
Designed by Jae Joo, this timeless living room is both peaceful and inspiring, perfect for unwinding, socializing, studying, or more. Bubblegum pink arm chairs with a wood frame are a breath of fresh air and the greige walls add more intrigue and sophistication than a simple bright white color would.
Thomas Loof
10 of 35
Yellow + Turquoise
The tight prints and splashes of red help marry the playful yellow and turquoise lacquer paints in this wide-open landing that Kati Curtis transformed into a jewel box of a reading nook.
Jonny Valiant
11 of 35
Green Tea + Dusty Brown
To bring a feeling of nature into a New York living room, designer Fawn Galli used a custom minty green: "I don't think a color should be too saturated or strong on a wall." Pal + Smith chairs upholstered in Safari by Manuel Canovas, a Paley sofa from Profiles, a Fiona Curran Palette carpet for the Rug Company, and a painting by Anne Siems give the room "a sense of storybook fantasy.
"
Heidi Caillier Design
12 of 35
Army Green + Burnt Orange
Army green and burnt orange are great for anyone who is typically color averse but wants to experiment a bit with less neutral tones.
William Abranowicz
13 of 35
Tangerine + Dark Stone
If you have a little alcove on your porch or a built-in cabana on a pool deck, make it cozy and outdoor-friendly with the right mix of materials. John Houshman added cushions and a rug to soften things up.
Noe DeWitt
14 of 35
Sage + Aqua + Rattan
A super warm, almost golden material like rattan will balance out a cooler sage and aqua color combination. It's perfect for a tropical location—or anywhere you want to channel a vacation vibe. Add some brass for good measure, as Pheobe Howard did here.
AMY NEUNSINGER
15 of 35
Big Apple Red + Dusty Blue
A different shade of red and an extra dose of gold give the above color combination a different spin that we love equally as much.
Some warmer neutrals and a contrasting statement bolster pillow upholstered in dusty blue balance it all out.
Kendall McCaugherty
16 of 35
Peach + Black + Pink
Black and cream calm pieces down the various shades of pink in this great room designed by Bruce Fox. The lighting casts a golden glow over the whole room.
Paul Raeside
17 of 35
Gray-Blue + Black
Give yourself something inspiring to look up at when you're getting ready to dream during a nap or while you ponder your reading material. to look at Artist Rajiv Surendra embellished the black chalkboard paint walls and ceiling in this Montreal writing room to mimic elaborate moldings. It feels fresh and modern, but also classic.
Roland Bello
18 of 35
Raspberry + Sky Blue
A classic wall mural gets a burst of contemporary energy with deep pink lampshades and a pinstriped sofa in this sitting room corner designed by Miles Redd.
Emily Minton Redfield
19 of 35
Cherry + Brass
Cherry red walls with a high-gloss finish and brass accents bring maximum luxury to this tea room designed by Marie Flanigan for House Beautiful's Whole Home in Denver.
It's perfect for a much-needed quiet moment for one.
Karyn Millet
20 of 35
Orange Cream + Deep Teal
Designer Celerie Kemble let her daughter pick the color scheme for this room in their Manhattan apartment. The orange cream walls paired with the deep teal carpeting and accents breeds a lively atmosphere.
Werner Straube
21 of 35
Sapphire + Mustard
The color-drenched "flex room" in a Michigan house designed by Corey Damen Jenkins is a fun place for kids to do homework or for the grown-ups to have after-dinner drinks. The lacquered walls are actually a Philip Jeffries wallcovering.
Reid Rolls
22 of 35
Aqua + Raspberry
Nick Olsen used look-at-me shades of pink and blue to cover every inch of a girl's bedroom—check out the Christopher Farr Cloth wallpaper on the ceiling!
David A. Land
23 of 35
Tangerine + Olive
Olive-painted trim on walls papered in a bright orange pattern? It doesn't sound like it should work, but this dining room—designed by Chenault James for House Beautiful's Whole Home in Nashville—is proof that it definitely does.
TRIA GIOVAN
24 of 35
Pistachio + Periwinkle
This sweet concoction of a living room, designed by Amanda Lindroth, provides irrefutable proof that opposites attract. She had the Quadrille fabric on the sofas printed in a custom color combination to tie the two hues together,
Jane Beiles
25 of 35
Royal Blue + Orchid
“Nothing matches, but it all works together,” says designer Charlotte Barnes of the bright blue kitchen in a family's South Carolina vacation house. Her go-to shade? Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue.
Thomas Loof
26 of 35
Blush + Mahogany
Matthew Carter used pale pink walls—painted in Benjamin Moore’s Precocious—as a backdrop for antique wood furniture in a Bahamas vacation home.
David A. Land
27 of 35
Iris + Crimson
Feeling bold? With its purple ceiling (Delicate Petal by Pratt & Lambert) and red walls (Red Statement, also Pratt & Lambert), the living room of Katie Brown's Connecticut house is a showstopper.
CHRISTOPHER DELANEY
28 of 35
Fuchsia + Robin's Egg Blue
Kristen McCory used a few coats of saturated pink paint—inspired by her client's grandmother's lipstick—to turn a hand-me-down secretary into a showstopping focal point for an upstairs hallway clad in pale blue wallpaper.
Douglas Friedman
29 of 35
Yellow + White
The vibrant yellow-and-white Clarence House wallpaper in this breakfast nook designed by Krista Ewart ensures a bright start to the day. "The yellow is so fresh and sunny, and the room goes a little retro with the white Chinese Chippendale chairs and the black painted floor," she says.
Luke White
30 of 35
Teal + Brick
“Saturated colors balance the strength of the architecture,” says Janie Molster of this 1700s Virginia study where red curtains hang from walls in Benjamin Moore's Mill Spring Blue.
54 Living Room Color Combinations
1
Citron and Blue-Black
Thomas Loof
Decorator Garrow Kedigian pulled color inspiration from The Carlyle's timeless decor for his own apartment in the iconic New York building.
The bright yellow walls pay homage to the lobby's velvet sofas while the black moldings echo the iron doors and the window mullions.
2
Persimmon and Taupe
DAVID TSAY
Instead of looking to the walls, designer Fran Keenan decided to introduce color into this Los Angeles family room by hanging persimmon curtains. The light-taupe upholstery and bronze-brown carpet (Fibreworks) make the room feel gracious and relaxed.
3
Pale Apricot and Blood Orange
Melanie Acevedo
In Summer Thorton's Chicago townhouse, an oversized orange sofa brings out the warm undertones of the apricot living room. Woven bouillon fringe (Samuel & Sons) adds a flirty touch to the velvet mohair seating.
4
Beach Pink and Soft Blues
Eric Piasecki
The floral linen by Blithfield covering the comfy sofas and tufted armchairs inspired the soft pink and barely-there blue palette in this Block Island living room.
Designer Miles Redd sprinkled oak spindle armchairs cushioned in white terry and woven rattan drum tables throughout to amplify the home's beachy feeling.
5
Reimagined Red, White, and Blue
Mark Roskams
To counter this Upper West Side pied-à-terre's spacious rooms, designer Anthony Barrata played with arresting colors and dramatic furnishings. An American painting by Tomory Dodge and an oversize custom floor lamp take advantage of the capacious height. Plaster and marble objects, including an over-the-top amphora lamp, echo the color and classical tone of the original ceiling moldings. The cherry-red velvet is by Pierre Frey.
6
Park Green and Cream
Thomas Loof
Taken by her famed neighborhood's green, decorator Cece Barfield Thompson ushered verdant color and nature-inspired patterns into her family's New York City living room.
The white walls, tonal carpet, and punchy green curtains give the Louis XVI chairs a modern presence. An oil painting by London artist Daisy Cook hangs over a nine-foot Schneller sofa upholstered in stain-resistant fabric (Perennials).
7
Taxicab Yellow and Pastels
Douglas Friedman
Sweet pastel tones, taxicab yellow walls, and cobalt Chinese lamps give the living room of Todd Romano's San Antonio home a dose of vibrancy. On the walls are two prized artworks from Romano's vast collection: an Andy Warhol silkscreen print of Liz Taylor and a flamboyant Todd & Fitch work.
8
Teal and Red
Mark Roskams
Decorator Anthony Barrata played up high-drama Americana with an emphasis on textiles and folk art in this historic New York apartment. The study is dressed in a Lee Jofa tartan pattern recolored specifically for this room.
The armchair upholstery is inspired by an early American weaving; the leather chair is antique English.
9
Gold and Green
Annie Schlechter
Raw oak rafters mix with white-painted panels and crossbeams, and golden walls (Standish White by Benjamin Moore) in this Carrier and Company-designed New York family room, making it an energetic place for parents and kids to hang out. The sofa is upholstered in a moss green fabric by Kravet.
10
Modern Earth Tones
Brie Williams
Designer Ceara Donnelley used an Art Deco–inspired wallpaper (Iksel) to headline a warm, earthen palette in the sitting room right off the kitchen of her 18th-century Charleston home. The Dmitriy & Co. sofa is covered in a Schumacher fabric.
11
Juicy Apricot and Kiwi
Thomas Loof
For this Naples, Florida home, designer Summer Thornton ushered in delightful color and buzzy prints to create an energizing family hub.
Apricot walls are amplified by verdant fabrics and botanical prints. The gauzy block-printed drapery (Muriel Brandolini) filters sunlight into the great room.
12
Sunshine Yellow and Muted Peach
Julia Lynn
Designer Angie Hranowsky gives each room of this late-20th-century Tudor in Austin its own distinct personality with the help of buoyant color. For the lively living room, energizing shades of yellow on the wall (Golden Straw, Pratt & Lambert) flirt with the soft peach tones of the sofa (Pierre Frey).
13
Metallic Neutrals
Mali Azima
Ravishing neutrals and brilliant metallics dominate the sprawling, light-filled salon of this Atlanta home by designer Melanie Turner. Historic styles mix to create an elevated look from conical Murano glass chandeliers and Louis XVI–style commodes to the chevron-pattern custom carpet (Patterson Flynn Martin).
The custom retro-inspired sofa is by Björk Studio.
14
Blue Velvets and Oak
Annie Schlechter
Blue velvets, lilac prints, and touches of red liven up the original oak panelings in this New York living room by Carrier and Company. The Bridgewater-style sofa is covered in a Mohair fabric by Maharam. The walnut veneer drawings are by Neal Perbix.
15
Apple Green and Raspberry
Annie Schlechter
In this New York living room designed by Chiqui Woolworth, vivid dragon-print draperies (Jim Thompson) and glossy apple green walls cloak the living room in a carousal of color. The artwork over the mantel, Contemplation, is by Anne Rose, the owner’s mother.
16
Timeless Blue and White
Stephen Karlisch
17
Aubergine and Olive
Francesco Lagnese
At a Montana condo designed by Palmer Weiss, a Pierre Frey floral linen called Mortefontaine inspired a scheme for the living room of nutty aubergine, soft brown, navy, and olive tones to play off walls of shiplap paneling.
Leopard carpet acts as a neutral and stands up to snowy boots. A Paul Marra chandelier “feels like an old bobbin bed, but with a modern attitude,” says Weiss. The 19th-century portrait of Pocahontas is by Victor Nehlig.
18
Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby
Douglas Friedman
For a client's home in Connecticut, designer Miles Redd found these George II–style painted mirrors at auction “for a steal. They are totally Mario Buatta and really anchor the living room.” Emerald silk walls (Kravet), lapis-blue taffeta curtains and bullion fringe, and ruby red accents illuminate the room to radiant effect. Hand-blocked chintz upholstery fabric, Clarence House
19
Coming Up Roses
DYLAN THOMAS
20
Midas Touch
William Abranowicz
Who said luxury can't be laidback? At this seaside houose in the Hamptons, designer Alex Papchristidis created a scheme for the entire home comprising whites, creams, silvers, and golds for a luxe look that feels appropriately casual for the beach.
In the living room, a pair of custom cantilevered sofas are upholstered in white velvet (Cowtan & Tout). Ceiling lights and sconces, Hervé Van der Straeten. Drapery fabric, Fabricut
21
Caramel and Indigo
Douglas Friedman
This Naples, Florida, living room designed by Celerie Kemble defies all the tropes of coastal style with its moodier palette of caramel and indigo while still retaining hints of the tropics, like a natural wall covering crafted of dried water hyacinth (Phillip Jeffries). Art series, Henri Matisse
22
Cinnabar and Neutrals
Nelson Hancock
In this Connecticut living room featuring cashmere-upholstered walls, designer Markham Roberts brought the room to life with fabrics steeped in history. A cartouches printed linen (Rose Cummings) and a Kashmir wool paisley (Clarence House) adorn contemporary pieces like a custom sofa and slipper chair.
Mandala artwork, Julia Condon
23
Blue, Tobacco and Coral
Melanie Acevedo
In Danielle Rollins' Atlanta living room, a curated rainbow of blue, tobacco, coral, and off-white unites an explosion of patterns. Sofas in a Prelle silk velvet, DeAngelis; curtains in a Cowtan & Tout fabric; wallcovering, Pierre Frey; artwork over sofa, Kelly O’Neal.
24
Cantaloupe and Coral
WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ / ART + COMMERCE
In this Upper East Side townhouse, Jeffrey Bilhuber used a pair of slipper chairs to a create artful mirror image seating area and ground the living room color scheme—soft cantaloupes and peaches plus cheerful accents in coral—with an earthy neutral.
25
Black-and-White Flair
Simon Upton
Shades of ebony and creamy white keep the attention of this Atlanta living room by Amy Morris, which showcases the Tudor-style home's original architecture and craftsmanship.
Cool linens (Jim Thompson Fabrics) covering the armchairs paired with elemental ebony tables (Baker Furniture) add to the room's tailored look.
26
Verdant Views
Annie Schlechter
This Millbrook living room by Lynne Stair of McMillen, Inc., is a dazzling emerald showcase. An ethereal de Gournay wallpaper enveloping the space is punctuated by green draperies (Manufacture Prelle) and a Murano glass chandelier. The mahogany library table formerly belonged to the Marquess of Downshire, a British politician who served as secretary of state for the colonies in the mid-1700s.
27
Dapper Greens and Reds
Annie Schlecter
In his role as Colonial Williamsburg's Designer in Residence, Anthony Baratta brought modern energy and vivacious color into this revolutionary-era home. To accentuate the tall ceilings of the living room, Baratta painted the trim a dapper gray-green (Goodwin Green by Benjamin Moore) and hung a Chesapeake Bay shipyard sign over the doorway to a broom closet, reimagined as a spirited red bar.
28
Indigo Relaxing
Douglas Friedman
Stucco arches painted in a sweet pink color play down the architecture's imposing qualities and dial up the charm and comfort in this outdoor living room by Celerie Kemble. Indigo fabrics covering the slipper chairs (Penny Morrison) and dark teak furnishings ensure the room's link to the outdoors is organic and authentic.
29
Parisian Pastels
Christoph Theurer
Sweet candy tones transform this 18th-century Paris living room into a fresh stage for modernist artwork. Designer Jean-Louis Deniot filled the space with colorful midcentury and contemporary furnishings, such as the curvy sofa covered in a flecked bouclé (Raf Simons) and pink porcelain side tables (Djim Berger), which stand out against the gray-painted boiserie.
30
Accented in Emerald
David Tsay
Los Angeles–based designer Peter Dunham combed through flea markets and auction houses across the world to find the antique fabrics and colorful pieces to fill this Newport Beach living room.
Emerald tones in the vintage chintz on Syrie Maugham armchairs and Flemish tapestry on the round ottoman informed the calming color palette of the space. The verdant drapery and shade fabric (Tassinari & Chatel) pops against creamy walls.
31
Mediterranean Splashes
HELENIO BARBETTA
Blue and green glassware and furnishings echo the sparkling Mediterranean outside in Milanese landscape designer Marco Bay's Portofino farmhouse. Handmade terra-cotta floors and tiles crafted in Tangier, Morocco, nod to the rosy tones of the landscape and fruits hanging from the trees in the home's garden.
32
Island Spirit
MELANIE ACEVEDO
In the living room of this Bahamian getaway, designer Miles Redd needed to find a way to ensure the sunny yellow shades and watery tones worked together rather than competed for attention.
His solution was to use art as a color equalizer.
"Not only does art help a room feel complete, it can make soft colors feel less wan and stronger colors appear more mellow," says Redd. The painting "So To Speak" by Doug Argue hangs over a sofa in a Osbourne and Little fabric. The yellow linen fabric seen on the ottoman and lamp shades is from Pierre Frey.
33
The Turquoise Coast
Thomas Loof
Sharp shades of turquoise and red make a powerful statement in the living room of this Hamptons home designed by Katie Ridder. Playing off the colors of the graphic, hand-painted Iksel wallpaper, Chinese red pillows and a Jim Thompson sofa fabric headline the room’s vibrant palette. A bold chrysanthemum print by Bennison Fabrics covers the club chair and ottoman.
34
Pretty in Pastel
Annie Schlechter
Soft yellow accents playfully mingle with green and blue hues throughout designer Meg Braff’s Long Island living room.
A floral print by Lee Jofa covers the pair of club chairs and complements the green-patterned Bernard Thorp drapery fabric. Braff’s vintage goatskin-lacquered coffee table by Karl Springer boasts an exotic finish, which is emblematic of Springer’s 20th-century style.
35
A Maximalist's Jewel Box
Björn Wallander
Vivid jewel tones shine in the sitting room of this Sig Bergamin–designed Miami apartment with the help of sand-colored textiles. Among the nearly two dozen patterned fabrics Bergamin used in this room, a fabric by Braquenié serves as the trim on a George Smith sofa. The solid tan-colored sofa fabric comes from Peter Fasano. The ottoman is covered in a Lee Jofa fabric and the bolster tassels are from Samuel & Sons.
36
Sunny Disposition
Amy Neunsinger
Cheerful yellow walls and neutral yet lively patterns set a whimsical tone within this midcentury living room designed by Mark D.
Sikes. Exuberant walls in Farrow & Ball’s Citron and a geometric rug from Patterson Flynn Martin make this room that talk of the house. An ikat fabric by Pierre Frey covers the armchair by Hickory Chair Furniture Co. The floral drapery and tufted sofa upholstery is by Lee Jofa.
37
Rust Reinvented
Annie Schlechter
A soft rust velvet sofa pops against blue and white textiles throughout the casual and ultrastylish family room of Meg Braff. James Mont-style horseshoe chairs, upholstered in a ticking Malabar cotton, channel the curvy, low slung forms of the Ming dynasty. A rattan chandelier from Currey & Company hangs at the center of the media room with Katie Ridder wallcovering decorating the walls.
38
A Robin's Nest
Thomas Loof
In this New Jersey home designed by Miles Redd, subtle pink florals are amplified by lacquered robin’s egg blue walls in the living room.
An exaggerated pelmet disguises a low window and draws the eye upward with the help of treatment fabric by Fisherman’s Fabric. The custom tufted sofa is in a Brunschwig & Fils silk velvet. The wall color is Bird’s Egg by Benjamin Moore.
39
Lights of Gold
NICKOLAS SARGENT
Designer Cindy Rinfret uses gold leaf lighting by Currey & Company and ultramarine furnishings to play off the entry’s domed, Moroccan-influenced architecture within the Kips Bay Show House. The 1970s Jansen palm tree acts as a tasteful nod to the living room’s Palm Beach setting. The patterned grass cloth wallpaper and panels were designed in collaboration with Nicolette Mayer. The drapery fabric is by The Shade Store.
40
Shell Tones
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
Echoing the soft tones of a seashell collection, pinks and creams make for a romantic setting in this Palm Beach living room designed by Susan Zises Green.
Claremont fabrics cover the custom sofa and both pairs of armchairs with pillows in Fortuny fabrics. A pair of Daniel Barney lamps top side tables by John Rosselli Antiques. A framed artwork by Belgian artist Diane Petry hangs above the sofa.
41
Notes of Dior
Melanie Acevedo
Taking a few tricks from Christian Dior’s decorating legacy, historian Maureen Footer pairs far-flung artifacts with contrasting lime green and red tones in her fanciful New York apartment. The living room’s custom sofa is in a Bergamo fabric with Urban Archaeology sconces hanging above. A Bryan Burkey artwork sits between two windows dressed with Brunschwig & Fils damask shades.
42
Splashes of Green
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
Youthful energy bursts from this Palm Beach living room with the help of apple-green seating.
Designer Bunny Williams covers antique Italian chairs in a bright Zimmer+Rohde fabric. Bradmore armchairs in a Quadrille print surround a Bernd Goeckler cocktail table. The custom curved sofas are from Liz O’Brien.
43
Lacquered Lifestyle
Simon Upton
Overlooking New York’s Central Park, this Hampshire House apartment designed by Tammy Connor boasts classic cosmopolitan style with a punch of blue lacquer, accented with mossy green and brick red. The tilting oculus of the family room brings natural light in the adjacent stairwell. The John Saladino X bench in a Kyle Bunting hide perfectly matches the George Smith armchair. The Ferrell Mittman sofa is in a Peter Dunham Textile stripe, and the custom rug is from Beauvais Carpets.
44
A Balancing Act
Kevin Spearman Design Group
Dark furnishings and a creamy white palette gracefully work together, creating a surprisingly soothing living room in this Tel Aviv home.
Designer Kevin Spearman covered Rose Tarlow armchairs in a Loro Piana fabric. The sofas are from Dmitry & Co., and the rug is by Beauvais Carpets.
45
Stripes of Blue and White
J. Savage Gibson
A classic seaside palette and warm-weather textures make for the perfect getaway in this Phoebe Howard–designed Palm Beach living room. An Abaca rug by Patterson Flynn Martin ties the room together, while Richard Serra artwork acts as the room’s main focus. Howard covers the McGuire armchairs and daybed in a blue-and-white Bennison fabric. The custom sofas feature a C&C Milano stripe, and the curtains are in a Raoul Textiles print.
46
Purple Reign
Max Kim-Bee
Designer Colette van den Thillart incorporates varying shades of purple and cream to accent the delightful curves in the living room of her Toronto home.
A Marvic Textiles crewel dresses a 19th-century Italian chair. The roman shades are Nicky Haslam for Turnell & Gigon, and the Italian glass lamps are custom.
47
Green with Envy
Thomas Loof
Black-and-white patterns have never looked so vibrant in the verdant green living room of this Washington, D.C., home designed by Alessandra Branca. The room’s sofa and chairs are from the designer’s Casa Branca collection, and the chairs are covered in a Schumacher fabric that pop against the lacquered green walls. The 1940s lacquer cocktail table is from Maison Jansen and artwork is by Ellsworth Kelly.
48
Into the Woods
Simon Upton
Crisp lines and natural materials enable rich textures to shine throughout the Atlanta home of architects Bobby McAlpine and Blake Weeks. Stark white furniture and warm wood-paneled walls work together to create a dramatic contrast in the sitting room.
A Paul Ferrante lamp sits on an antique French altar-boy seat. The sofa and screens are by McAlpine Home for Holland MacRae. The cocktail table is from John Saladino.
49
Velvet Dreams
Thomas Loof
In Diana Ross’s former apartment on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, riots of color make a powerful statement against glossy lacquered walls and mirror insets. Designer Jeffery Bilhuber incorporates saturated shades of plum, French blue and olive green throughout the living room to add a contemporary spin in the historic apartment. A Caio Fonseca artwork hangs above a custom sofa covered in blue Cassaro fabric, which is flanked by brass cocktail and side tables from Michael Dawkins Home. The rug is from Holland & Sherry.
50
Plaid Chic
Eric Piasecki
Designer Anthony Baratta embraces the impactful power of plaids in the black, white, and red living room of this Utah mountain home.
Ralph Lauren Home checks decorate the custom chairs and ottoman while a custom-painted Kevin Cross trunk accents the home’s warm palette. The walls are in White Dove with ceilings in Yarmouth Blue, both by Benjamin Moore. The custom mantel is by Thomas W. Newman.
51
Metallic Motifs
Francesco Lagnese
Deep purple upholstery stands out against luminous metallic walls in a quaint Upper East side apartment designed by Nick Olsen. Missoni chevron-covered spoon-back chairs frame a John Salibello cocktail table. The curtains in a Manuel Canovas satin silk reflect the sleek Roger Arlington wallcovering. The custom sofa and armchairs are in a Holland & Sherry velvet, and the rug is from Eskayel.
52
Sunshine Yellow
Melanie Acevedo
Vivacious yellow walls and an emerald Décor de Paris velvet sofa flourish in the living of this Miles Redd–designed Manhattan apartment.
The colorful Sultanabad rug inspired the room's rich palette. Redd covered the pillows in a Clarence House leopard silk velvet. The 1930s French coffee table is from Todd Alexander Romano.
53
Lush Living
Max Kim-Bee
Designer Ashley Whittaker infuses earthy greens and browns and outdoorsy imagery into the family room of this Upper East Side townhouse. A piece of art by Carol Greenan Bouyoucos and a Les Indiennes wall fabric serve as the room’s focal points. The custom sofa is in a Brunschwig & Fils wool and flanked by custom lamps with shades in Rogers & Goffigon stripe. The custom ottoman is covered in a Schumacher fabric.
54
A Rustic Revamp
Joshua McHugh
In this lively New York living room designed by Nick Olsen, rustic wood beams and painted floors perfectly frame vivaciously upholstered furniture in shades of green, blue, yellow, and red.
A Bennison Fabrics crewelwork covers a Ann-Morris armchair and ottoman. The walls are painted in White Dove by Benjamin Moore.
Sarah DiMarco Sarah DiMarco is the Assistant Editor at VERANDA, covering all things art, design, and travel, and she also manages social media for the brand.
The combination of colors in the interior - how to combine colors, examples from the photo
The walls are the background that sets the atmosphere of the house, so the choice of color is a responsible matter. Repainting / regluing is a rather laborious and not very pleasant process. Therefore, many fears and doubts are born. What if the interior is too dark/cold/bright/sterile?
As a result, most people settle for the most "safe" and proven option. Most often it is “beige” (What? Warm color, goes with everything). How to stop being afraid of color and how to make a beautiful interior in your favorite colors? What are the rules for color combinations? Let's figure it out.
Color will help us. nine0003
A bit of theory
The color wheel model, designed by the Swiss artist Johannes Itten, will be an excellent cheat sheet in the selection of a harmonious color solution. The Itten circle consists of 12 parts. This is a table of three primary colors (red, yellow, blue), three additional (composite) colors, which are formed by mixing the primary (green, purple, orange) and six tertiary colors, which are formed by combining the primary with additional ones. All colors can be divided into cold and warm. nine0003
Neutral colors (black, white, gray, ivory, brown, beige) are included in a separate category. They go well with other colors from the circle, as well as with each other. Use them as a background for other colors (for example, you can make walls in neutral shades, but bring color into the interior with furniture, textiles or bright posters) or add accessories in neutral tones to “dilute” the main color a little.
How does it work?
It's very simple.
There are only six canonical schemes (selections) of color combinations in the interior. Let's look at them with examples. nine0003
1. Analog triad
This is the simplest and "safest" option. 3 consecutive colors are taken from the palette. Use shades of these colors in interior design and you are guaranteed a calm, beautiful interior.
2. Complimentary combination
Complementary colors are colors that are at diametrically opposite ends of the circle. One of the colors will be the main, contrasting color, you can emphasize the details of the interior. If you are afraid that it will be too bright, dilute the room with neutral colors to a level that is comfortable for you personally. nine0003
3. Contrasting triad
It looks like a complementary combination, only two neighboring sectors are added to one of the colors. Decorate the apartment in these colors, and leave the contrast for small interesting details. Or, on the contrary, make one color the main one, and use the other two, closer ones, for accents.
4. Classical triad
This is a more complicated version. A combination of three colors equidistant on a circle. Here, one color is usually taken as the basis. The other two are used for accents. If you are afraid that it will come out too colorful, dilute it with neutral colors “to taste”. nine0003
5. Rectangular/square pattern
Use two pairs of contrasting colors. It is important not to overdo it, otherwise the interior may turn out to be colorful. It would be more correct to choose one main color and three additional ones.
The square scheme is a variation of the rectangular scheme, but the colors used in it are located in a circle at an equal distance from each other.
This scheme is not for everyone. Interiors with a large number of colors are bright, interesting, but eventually tiring. This approach is a good way to design oriental or boho style interiors. nine0003
Could it be easier?
Possible. If combinations from the circle are still intimidating, the easiest and safest option is to choose one color and combine it with neutral companions.
It will turn out simple, stylish, minimalistic and modern.
Dark-light
We finally decided on the colors. But how to choose the right tone? Dark? Light? And how to combine them? Shade compatibility depends on the task.
You can, for example, take selected colors of very light tones. The interior will be light and delicate. This is a great solution for children's design. nine0003
And you can use the most saturated colors. This will make the room bright, atmospheric, inspiring and energizing, so this option is not very suitable for the bedroom. There it is better to use more calm tones.
And you can take one or more soft shades and one - saturated. Colors "work" together, complementing and emphasizing each other. Against the background of delicate pastel colors, a bright color will sound in a completely new way. Try it!
Color combination in the kitchen
Warm colors are best for the kitchen.
For example, orange, yellow and red - they improve mood and improve appetite. They can be used as an accent on one of the walls, an apron, and also on appliances, furniture and accessories. Neutral white, beige, gray and black work well as companions for such bright, cheerful shades.
If the kitchen windows face south, it is better to refuse too warm tones, as they increase the feeling of heat and stuffiness. Pay attention to the no less winning combination of brown and green. It creates a cozy atmosphere and makes us a little closer to nature. nine0003
The combination of colors in the bedroom
The color scheme of the bedroom should help you relax and sleep sweetly after a hard day. Pastel colors are the best. Pay attention to such colors as milky, gray, sand, chocolate, gold, delicate lilac, blue, pink and turquoise, which can be harmoniously combined with each other.
Bathroom color combination
The bathroom is where we start and end our day.
Here it is important to find a balance and choose a color scheme that will invigorate and delight in the morning, and relax and soothe in the evening. The most popular solutions are: white with blue or blue, white with beige and gray, white with chocolate. But it is better to avoid green - in the bathroom it will be associated with mold and dampness.
As a rule, the footage of the bathroom is not large, so you should avoid the abundance of too dark or bright colors that visually reduce the space. Instead, there are light and muted shades with a couple of catchy accents. nine0003
There are millions of successful combinations for a cozy and beautiful home. Bright, juicy, tender, airy, inspiring, bewitching. Do not be afraid! Experiment! Even if suddenly the chosen color on the walls does not turn out to be ideal, this can be fixed. Choose accessories in the right color or “dilute” with large accents of neutral tones. Use the tips in this article and surround yourself with your favorite color.
It's better than "beige", right?
The combination of colors in the interior: 5 tips, ideas, photo
A large-scale renovation or a small "pumping" of the interior - in both cases it is important to choose the right colors that will please the eye and blend harmoniously with each other. We will figure out how to do this together with an expert
Photo: piqsels
Interior coloring directly affects our mood, behavior, and well-being. Busting with red can lead to discomfort, green tones are calming, and pink or white harmonize the mood. Blue color has a positive effect on health, orange can add courage, enthusiasm and stimulate appetite [1]. nine0003
Colors set the atmosphere in a room and help express the owner's personality. So choosing a palette of wallpapers, furniture, textiles for a room or the whole house is quite a responsible task.
How to combine colors and shades so that after the repair you don’t want to redo everything, and the range of colors brings pleasure - we tell in our article.
adv.rbc.ru
- Fundamentals
- Trendy colors
The expert in this article:
Elena Mizotina, founder and head of the Gm-interior studio
Color combinations in the interior: principles
looked harmonious.
Color wheel
The color wheel is a special visual scheme that helps to determine the correct combination of colors with each other. Most models consist of 12 colors. There are also more detailed options - from 24 or more shades. nine0003
Photo: Unsplash
Colors are divided into three main types:
- The main ones are red, blue and yellow. These colors cannot be obtained by mixing others.
- Secondaries: orange, purple and green. Obtained by mixing primary colors.
- Tertiary: Six shades made by mixing primary and secondary colors.
There are several ways to use the color wheel. First of all, you need to choose one main color, which will become the base for the interior palette. It is complemented by two or three other colors. nine0003
If you don't want contrasts, it's better to choose three colors in a row on the palette. For bolder color schemes, complementary combinations are suitable: colors located on a circle opposite each other. The third color is easiest to choose according to the principle of a contrasting triad - two complementary colors plus a third, located next to one of them. Usually, calmer colors are made basic, and the brightest is used to decorate details and place accents.
Elena Mizotina, designer, founder and head of the Gm-interior studio:
- The color wheel is a kind of cheat sheet with basic color schemes, it is very convenient to select harmonious combinations of shades with its help.
It implies the presence of the original, base color, and you need to start from it. And then you can choose colors that blend well, or look for bold, contrasting triads.
The color wheel makes it possible to create unmistakable combinations. For example, if we take a light tone as a basis and want to achieve contrast, we select dark shades using the color wheel. The right color combination is an important aspect of any interior. nine0003
Color temperature
Colors are divided into warm and cool colors. Reds, yellows, oranges, beiges, or creams are warm. Blues, greens and grays are cool. Hues are grouped by temperature on the color wheel. When cold and warm colors are mixed, hybrids are formed - such, for example, is purple.
Warm bright colors stimulate emotions and are considered to be best used in common areas such as living room, dining room, kitchen. Cool, on the contrary, soothe. The blue side of the spectrum, along with browns, grays and cool whites, creates a sense of tranquility and helps focus, and is perfect for an office, nursery or bathroom.
Also, cool colors contribute to a restful sleep, so they are recommended to choose for the bedroom. nine0003
Photo: Unsplash
When choosing a color temperature for a room, consider the size of the room. Using an intense warm color in a small space runs the risk of making it look smaller. And an excess of cold shades in a spacious room can make it too strict and neutral, “soulless”.
The 60/30/10 Rule
This is a classic decor rule that helps create a color palette for a space. It indicates the ratio of the three main colors that were chosen for the interior. It is necessary that the dominant shade prevails in 60% of the room - it is logical to choose it for the color of the walls. The secondary color should occupy approximately 30% of the space - textiles, paintings, shelves, part of the furniture. The remaining 10% is a color accent, which is expressed in accessories, small details. nine0003
Black and white
Choosing white as the basis of the interior, you can fall into the trap: without color accents, the room will look cold and soulless.
Photo: Pexels
It is also important to remember about weather conditions: in countries where there is little sun and much of the year is cold, white walls can look uncomfortable. Therefore, “warm” support is needed in accessories, textiles, and furniture.
Whiter than white: how to create an interior in total white style
Too much black can make a space gloomy and austere - it is important that it is not overloaded with dark accents. nine0003
Black and white interiors are more common in public areas - offices, hotels, restaurants. You can also choose it for your home, but in this case, a variety of shapes and textures is important so that the interior does not look boring.
50 shades of black: how to create a total black interior
Neutral colors
Afraid of making a mistake with the color, many choose a neutral solution - beige and its shades. But it is this color that requires a thoughtful and careful attitude: without proper accents and interesting combinations, a room in beige tones risks looking boring and faceless.
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Photo: Piqsels
The advantage of beige shades is that they are very flexible, they are easy to combine with other brighter ones. Pairing options range from warm red-brown and milk chocolate to cooler dark grays and stone tones, light beige and white. Neutral colors rarely evoke emotion on their own, but they provide a sophisticated and elegant backdrop for a more intense main color.
Elena Mizotina, designer:
- Choose the base color you like. You can choose white, beige, gray, but remember how many shades each of them has. In order for the interior to play, all its components are important - from the color of furniture to textiles, from interior pillows to the dimensions of the room, and so on.
If you like saturated colors, you can make one accent wall in the room. If you want variety, but lack courage, accents can be made using textiles, paintings, accessories, various textures.
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When you are bored in a monochrome interior, but don't want contrasts, you can use different shades of the same color, adhering to the 60/30/10 principle.
Trendy colors of 2021
All shades of green
This year, most trend-setting companies are betting on muted palettes and pastels. Also in the spotlight are warm brown, bright and juicy blue-blue, red-pink shades. A wide range of green shades is especially good: herbal, emerald green, bottle green and even bright lime. nine0003
Green is popular in interiors today. Thanks to the variety of shades, everyone will find something to their taste in the green palette. Also in favor of green is its ability to “chameleon” freely fit into various color schemes and decorative styles, always refreshing them. Specific combinations of shades of green depend on the nature of the interior and personal preferences.
Photo: Unsplash
Natural forest colors will look good surrounded by cream, yellow-orange, brown shades.
Emerald is best used for accents in the room, and olive is appropriate in any interior. nine0003
Red-pink shades
Sophisticated red-pink shades look trendy in the interior, if you choose the right textures and combinations for them. The style in which the interior is decided is also important. Terracotta is appropriate in loft-style interiors, brick is more suitable for southern, oriental motifs. Both of these colors go well with milky, beige, cream. If you want contrasting solutions, you can choose blue, green colors.
Burgundy will perfectly accentuate a classic interior, while pure red is suitable for bright, contrasting details. It is also important to pay attention to the lighting in the room: in natural and electric light, the color looks different. You can combine burgundy and red with natural shades of wood, with blue and brown. nine0003
Photo: Unsplash
Shades of pink provide a varied palette, from bright fuchsia to pastel peach.
They are easy to fit into any interior, they look good with different colors and provide ample opportunities for creativity. Pale pink is good as a neutral background and harmonizes perfectly with rich colors. Bright fuchsia looks unusual and bold in combination with green, orange, blue. But if you want calm options, you can balance the pink interior with woody shades, gray, beige. nine0003
Coral: how to use the Pantone Color of the Year in the interior of apartments
Shades of blue and blue
Shades of blue and blue are still in fashion. They can ennoble and refresh any interior. Deep dramatic blue can be used in small spaces: the boundaries will visually dissolve and the room will look intimate and cozy.
Photo: Unsplash
Soft blue has a calming effect and adapts well to different combinations, tasks and formats. When used with white, it creates the atmosphere of a seascape, and as a single color block, it can add air to a space.
It is also easy to combine with other pastel shades: pale lemon and soft pink. For a more modern interior, combinations with rust and terracotta are suitable. nine0003
Blue of Blue: interiors in Pantone 2020 Primary Color
Pantone Colors 2021
Gray is a versatile neutral. It goes with most shades and can work as a blank canvas for any interior fantasy. Pale and medium grays can balance out the brightest tones of orange and dark yellow.
Gray softens yellow, resulting in a relaxing and pleasant decor that does not look boring. Combined with bright yellow hues, gray can create a feeling of vivacity and stimulate the workflow. nine0003
The combination is perfect for when you need a warm, modern contrast. But if you want a softer effect, you can choose natural tones of pebbles and stone, which are in harmony with the natural shades of sand, chalk, as well as materials such as linen and light wood.
