Colour Combinations For Interior Design

Neutrals and blue

Monochrome interiors have been popular for a very long time. The contrast between black and white can be seen in homes from the 18^th century through the 1960s to today. The right combination of blue and a neutral colour however captures the charm and excitement of a traditional monochrome décor, but with a more homely, modern twist.

Blue can sometimes feel like a tricky colour to use in interior design but when you see it in the flesh, it looks fantastic. The contrast with a neutral tone can be dark and classic, or poppy and fun, it all depends on the colours you select. At opposite ends of the spectrum, you could consider indigo and pure white – or turquoise and an ivory, jasmine or even sandstone tone.

To make the most of this striking yet chic colour combination, we recommend you designate either colour as your primary, and the other as your secondary – don’t make a 50/50 split. Dark blue walls with similarly toned blue curtains would benefit from off white lamp shades and cushions. Similarly, a vibrant blue supporting a mostly off-white space will add energy to your décor. We think a sophisticated Roman blind would be perfect in such a room. You could even look to introduce a third colour such as blue grey within your space.

Sage and pink

These colours may seem unlikely bedfellows but trust us, they are as well suited as Morecambe and Wise.

Soft, delicate blush pinks coupled with refreshing sage tones are well know as calming and comforting colour combinations.  One of the reasons why this combination works is the versatility of pink. Shades of pink will work wonders with colours from blues to yellows but when matched with a refreshing green, the result is a space that helps us relax and energise after a long day.

Moreover, this is a combination that will make any home feel contemporary and modern without it feeling over the top. Pinks and greens can also be used in any room in the house, from dining rooms where you entertain guests, to the bedroom where you revitalize.

In the bedroom, for example, you cannot go wrong with lovely green bedding with soft, comforting pink accent cushions resting against the bedhead. A green feature wall and spots of pink in your lampshades will further enrich the overall style of the space. For the windows, you can look for a furnishing that showcases one of these colours or move to something more exciting and use a floral or geometric pattern that celebrates both. Don’t forget you can always add extra pops of green with some well-chosen plants!

Orange and grey

Few colours are as energetic as orange, or calm and collected as grey. This contrast in emotive power makes these colours one of the best colour combinations to use in the home. What’s more, the variety in tone and shade for both colours means you’ll easily find the perfect combination.

One of the easiest ways to find the right colours is imagine a sliding scale where the lighter, more vibrant the orange becomes, the darker the grey. This contrast will help make the most of both colours. If you love anthracite in interior design, limited use of a vibrant orange tone is the perfect accompaniment. On the other hand, if you like soft, cooling grey tones, a cantaloupe or honey tone would work a treat.

Darker, earthier shades of orange are also great to pair with pale grey, those on the spectrum that are almost white. With any of the combinations highlighted in this section, consider using your shades of grey and orange as part of a pattern in a modern window furnishing such as an orange roller blind. Geometric designs tend to offer the best way to enjoy these excellent colours.

Moss and stone

There is an established idea that what works well as part of a lovely snapshot in nature works well within the home. We need only fleetingly imagine rolling hillsides and fog-clad moors to picture beautiful stone flanked by beautiful moss.

This combination, as important as it is in nature, will make an elegant statement in your home. A few years ago there was a movement to use actual moss on the wall however you needn’t be that drastic. Moss green, like the other natural green tones in today’s blog, reminds us of our relationship with nature. This connection can help to create a relaxing and soothing environment.

Similarly, stone greys also remind us of the great outdoors. This shade is elegant without being overpowering and as a result, it is our recommendation that you use stone grey and moss green in almost equal measure. Stone grey furniture, cushions and lampshades combined with moss green walls and a matching green Venetian blind – plus plenty of plants – will make a very cool statement while helping you unwind.

Green on green

While the rest of our examples in today’s blog relate to combining different colours, don’t forget that you can create visual balance and harmony by using differing shades of the same colour.

Green on green is one of the best examples of this. As you’ll have seen, we believe that green is one of the most versatile colours to inject into your interior design. The myriad shades available range from deep, dark bottle greens through to energising eucalyptus and they really harmonise together. Green also affords you the opportunity to play around with fabric.

For the paler shades, consider lighter materials and conversely, darker greens look best when combined with more luxurious, heavier fabrics. A moss green linen lamp shade for example would look striking next to a quality racing green velvet Roman blind. Be sure to think about introducing some plants into the décor too to really knit your space together.