When it comes to color combinations, you may ask yourself, what’s in and what’s out? Which colors can I put together? And which ones may be taboo or clash? Here are some general guidelines you can follow that can help improve the likelihood of color combination success.
COOL VS. WARM COLORS
A traditional color wheel can be a wonderful guide and tool if you are confused about which potential colors could blend well when placed near each other. As a general rule of thumb, colors next to each other on the wheel work well together, as do colors that are opposite each other on the wheel.
Don’t be afraid to blend colors together, either by pairing warm colors with other warm colors, or by pairing cool and warm colors. Have a special outfit or garment pairing you simply love? Consider trying that same color combination in your home. Often, colors that work in fashion can easily translate into fabrics and wall colors that will work well together in the realm of home decor.
TURQUOISE AND ORANGE
Turquoise and orange may sound like an odd pairing, but the color combination can be quite inviting, especially for those looking for a modern, if not hip decor. The blend of turquoise, often viewed as a warm season color, and a more traditional orange, can appear timeless and modern.
BLACK, WHITE AND RED
Black and White is one of the most popular color combinations in both fashion and home decor. Add a pop of red, and you have the recipe for color success. Fun, crisp and clean, this color combination can be used in living spaces or in a kitchen.
YELLOW AND CHARCOAL
Whether it is mustard, lemon yellow or chartreuse, yellow is an innovative, modern and creatively dynamic color when paired with cool colors such as gray, whether it is a light gray or a deeper shade such as a charcoal.
CHARCOAL AND DARK BLUE
This is an instance in which two cool colors work well together. With the shade of blue, don’t be afraid to go with rich and bright tones, as these shades will create an inviting contrast when paired with gray.
DARK BLUE AND BLACK
A few years back, there was a bit of a fashion controversy surrounding this particular color combination, asking the question, can you wear blue with black? The answer according to many fashionistas is yes, and this is a color combination that also often works extremely well when it comes to home decor.
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Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at www.cathyhobbs.com .
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