If decorating with colour doesn't intimidate you, then creating a fresh and striking look is as simple as selecting two colours that lie directly across from one another on the colour wheel. Complementary colour schemes are formed using one warm tone and one cool tone which together create a strong, yet harmonious pair. You can begin by choosing any one of your favorite hues, look up its opposite and get started choosing furnishings and accessories that fall within these colours. You can go the neutral-furnishings-colour-accessories route or chose a few key, larger pieces for a striking statement -- either way, make sure to have fun with your choices!
Blue and Orange
Houzz
Blue paired with orange is the most popular set of complementary colours. If you feel the need for a more calming scheme, try colour mixing soft corals with navy or teal instead.
Style at Home
Red and Green
The Decorista
Of course with the combination of red and green our thoughts immediately
turn to Christmas. To veer away from that, think Kelly Green and
Persimmon instead of boring old green and red, and try integrating
modern patterns and furniture shapes that work to update the look.
Houzz
Purple and Yellow
House and Home
With a neutral backdrop such as white or grey, this colour combo makes a
really unique statement. It's bold yet feminine at the same time.
House and Home
Have you tried any of the above in your home? How daring are you with colour?
Michelle Carangi is a Montreal-based designer who blogs about interior design at Holley & Gill and is the Style Director at Pure Green magazine.
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