Whether you’re decorating your living room, bedroom, or even your home office, choosing a color scheme can be one of the most difficult aspects of any interior design project. After all, it’s hard to know what will work. But don’t worry. Whether you’re aiming for a dramatic space, something simple, or an aesthetic somewhere in between, we’ve got plenty of ideas for you. Here are 7 color combinations that always look good together.
Becca Stern is an interior designer and co-founder and creative director of Mustard Made. Sarah Latham is an interior designer and founder of Latham Interiors
ocean blue and sage green
Is tranquility your goal? If so, ocean blue and sage green are the ideal color combination, according to interior designer Becca Stern. “With soft gray undertones and gentle pops of color, ocean and sage are a match made in heaven,” she says. “Put them together to create a subtle yet refreshing wash of color, creating a cool coastal look or from the outside in.”
This combination is also a great way to create a quirky aesthetic. Stern suggests pairing pastel colors like blush, butter, and lilac for a “fairy thread look.”
olive green and navy blue
Aiming for a sophisticated vibe? Why not try olive and navy together? “Some things, like chocolate mud cake or brie, are tastier when they’re rich and deep,” Stern explains. “Earth tones of olive are down-to-earth, and bright marine tones of navy are reminiscent of the ocean. When you combine them, you get nature at its best. The highest value is a 10.”
burgundy red and camel brown
Looking to mix fashion and interiors? Interior designer Sarah Latham says opt for classic camel and deep burgundy. “I love the combination of burgundy and camel. Not only does it make a statement in interiors, but color trends are often reflected in fashion,” she says.
Whether in fashion or at home, burgundy is enjoying the moment. The deep colors give a sense of luxury, so please give it a try.
purple and gold
Want to create a space that’s both bold and sophisticated? Consider mixing purple and gold. This combination is especially great for textured textiles. For example, place gold-tone throws and pillows on a purple velvet or chenille sofa. Gold-tone wallpaper and accent fixtures also look great in a bedroom with purple bedding and are very royal.
pink and red
Looking for a powerful color combination? Pink and red are feminine, fun, and bold. Particularly suitable for children’s rooms, but can also be easily used in adult spaces. Painting the walls of a room with a red sofa pink creates a lot of drama.
Do you currently have a paint project in the works? Consider placing a pink rug under your plush velvet couch for a luxurious effect, or a pink and red striped wallpaper. The possibilities are truly endless.
black and white
It’s a simple combination, but black and white go well together. No matter what type of room you’re designing, whether it’s white walls with black molding, a white couch with black pillows, or a print like white and black cabana stripes, this combination is the easiest to put together. If you’re not sure which colors to choose and want simplicity, white and black are a good choice.