When it comes to choosing a colour palette for your home, the best combinations aren’t always black and white. The colour combos that you pick can say a lot about you and make a major impact on the look and feel of your space, so if you’re ready for something a bit more complex, don’t be afraid to mix things up and experiment with interesting and unusual pairings. To help get you started, I found 14 cool colour palettes that you might not have thought of — but that are surprisingly stylish.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
![[image] sunroom with white fireplace, blue walls and yellow accents](https://assets.blog.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/17115132/surprise-colour-palettes-teal-yellow.jpg)
Decorating
14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well Together
September 6, 2020
When it comes to choosing a colour palette for your home, the best combinations aren’t always black and white. The colour combos that you pick can say a lot about you and make a major impact on the look and feel of your space, so if you’re ready for something a bit more complex, don’t be afraid to mix things up and experiment with interesting and unusual pairings. To help get you started, I found 14 cool colour palettes that you might not have thought of — but that are surprisingly stylish.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
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Teal and Yellow
1/14Teal and Yellow
1/14Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
It’s a misconception that bright colours are just for <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kids-rooms/photos/kids-room-colour-palettes-1914043/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kids’ rooms</a>. You don’t have to go all greige to style a grown-up room. Try using lighter shades on the walls with bolder hues as accents, like we did in <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/#currentSlide=5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this <em>Backyard Builds</em> indoor-outdoor sunroom</a>. Soft blue and white walls were the foundation, while pops of yellow brought a sunny boost to deeper shades of teal and turquoise.Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherTeal and Yellow
PHOTO 1 of 14READ LESS -It’s a misconception that bright colours are just for <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kids-rooms/photos/kids-room-colour-palettes-1914043/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kids’ rooms</a>. You don’t have to go all greige to style a grown-up room. Try using lighter shades on the walls with bolder hues as accents, like we did in <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/#currentSlide=5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this <em>Backyard Builds</em> indoor-outdoor sunroom</a>. Soft blue and white walls were the foundation, while pops of yellow brought a sunny boost to deeper shades of teal and turquoise.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Bubblegum Pink and Navy
2/14Bubblegum Pink and Navy
2/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
Alternatively, a statement-making wall colour gets sophisticated balance from dark-coloured details. In this space, bubblegum pink gets toned down with white trim and an elegant navy dresser. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/small-space-decor-rules-to-break-1920270/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8 Small Space Decorating Rules to Break Now</a>Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherBubblegum Pink and Navy
PHOTO 2 of 14READ LESS -Alternatively, a statement-making wall colour gets sophisticated balance from dark-coloured details. In this space, bubblegum pink gets toned down with white trim and an elegant navy dresser. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/small-space-decor-rules-to-break-1920270/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8 Small Space Decorating Rules to Break Now</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Cherry and Turquoise
3/14Cherry and Turquoise
3/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
Red and green is a perfectly festive combination, but that perfection makes it hard to integrate these complementary colours into off-season decor. The solution? Play with the tones. A cherry-red chair and curtain mixed with bold, blue-green walls is a chic combination all year round. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/design-trends-youll-never-regret-1911933/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Design Trends You’ll Never Regret, Straight From an HGTV Expert</a>Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherCherry and Turquoise
PHOTO 3 of 14READ LESS -Red and green is a perfectly festive combination, but that perfection makes it hard to integrate these complementary colours into off-season decor. The solution? Play with the tones. A cherry-red chair and curtain mixed with bold, blue-green walls is a chic combination all year round. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/design-trends-youll-never-regret-1911933/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Design Trends You’ll Never Regret, Straight From an HGTV Expert</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Sage Green and Burnt Orange
4/14Sage Green and Burnt Orange
4/14Photo Credit: Unsplash
Touches of soft-but-rich colour are a great way bring cozy character to an otherwise-neutral room. In a white-and-grey <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/mid-century-modern-living-room-designs-1931568/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mid-century-inspired living room</a> like this, burnt orange and sage green accents deliver warmth and a modern spin on retro styling. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/cozy-living-room-design-tips-1919959/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12 Design Tips for Taking Your Living Room From Cold to Ultra-Cozy</a>Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherSage Green and Burnt Orange
PHOTO 4 of 14READ LESS -Touches of soft-but-rich colour are a great way bring cozy character to an otherwise-neutral room. In a white-and-grey <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/mid-century-modern-living-room-designs-1931568/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mid-century-inspired living room</a> like this, burnt orange and sage green accents deliver warmth and a modern spin on retro styling. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/cozy-living-room-design-tips-1919959/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12 Design Tips for Taking Your Living Room From Cold to Ultra-Cozy</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Navy and Marigold
5/14Navy and Marigold
5/14Photo Credit: Unsplash
Kids’ and teens’ rooms are the perfect places to play with pattern, texture and — of course — colour. While your first instinct might be to reach for a super-bright shade to achieve a fun feel, a cool mix of navy and rich yellow makes a dynamic duo that can grow with your child. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/paint/photos/best-colours-paint-childs-bedroom-1928921/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The 10 Best Colours to Paint Your Child’s Bedroom</a>Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherNavy and Marigold
PHOTO 5 of 14READ LESS -Kids’ and teens’ rooms are the perfect places to play with pattern, texture and — of course — colour. While your first instinct might be to reach for a super-bright shade to achieve a fun feel, a cool mix of navy and rich yellow makes a dynamic duo that can grow with your child. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/paint/photos/best-colours-paint-childs-bedroom-1928921/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The 10 Best Colours to Paint Your Child’s Bedroom</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Black and Red
6/14Black and Red
6/14Photo Credit: Unsplash
What’s black and white and… red all over? A distinctively stylish colour palette! Black and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/12-stylish-ways-to-add-canada-red-into-your-kitchen-1901703/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">red</a> might seem like a hard combination to pull off, but these strong hues can be really sophisticated, especially when they’re proportioned well with a neutral base, as this kitchen showcases. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/commonly-confused-design-terms-1913769/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9 Common Design Terms You're Misusing (Here's What They Really Mean!)</a>Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherBlack and Red
PHOTO 6 of 14READ LESS -What’s black and white and… red all over? A distinctively stylish colour palette! Black and <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/12-stylish-ways-to-add-canada-red-into-your-kitchen-1901703/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">red</a> might seem like a hard combination to pull off, but these strong hues can be really sophisticated, especially when they’re proportioned well with a neutral base, as this kitchen showcases. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/commonly-confused-design-terms-1913769/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9 Common Design Terms You're Misusing (Here's What They Really Mean!)</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Violet and Periwinkle
7/14Violet and Periwinkle
7/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
Purple is a regal hue, but saturated shades like violet can be hard to match. Instead of looking for an opposite colour, try turning a single notch on the colour wheel towards a deep or medium blue — like this character-filled violet dining room with periwinkle-striped accents. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/dining-rooms/photos/dining-room-lighting-trends-2020-1932768/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Dining Room Lighting Ideas That'll Shine in 2020</a>Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherViolet and Periwinkle
PHOTO 7 of 14READ LESS -Purple is a regal hue, but saturated shades like violet can be hard to match. Instead of looking for an opposite colour, try turning a single notch on the colour wheel towards a deep or medium blue — like this character-filled violet dining room with periwinkle-striped accents. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/dining-rooms/photos/dining-room-lighting-trends-2020-1932768/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Dining Room Lighting Ideas That'll Shine in 2020</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Forest Green and Yellow
8/14Forest Green and Yellow
8/14Photo Credit: Unsplash
There’s nothing more energizing than nature, which is why lush greens can be bold — but still grounding. With leafy greens as a base, citrus-coloured accents can evoke a botanical feel that’s full of personality. Can’t wait to go green? Try adding some <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy-to-care-for indoor plants</a> to your space for instant green-gratification.Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherForest Green and Yellow
PHOTO 8 of 14READ LESS -There’s nothing more energizing than nature, which is why lush greens can be bold — but still grounding. With leafy greens as a base, citrus-coloured accents can evoke a botanical feel that’s full of personality. Can’t wait to go green? Try adding some <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-to-care-for-indoor-plants-1926218/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy-to-care-for indoor plants</a> to your space for instant green-gratification.Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Sky Blue and Peach
9/14Sky Blue and Peach
9/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
Sky blues are a timelessly soothing choice, but calming colours can feel a bit bland if they’re left on their own. If pale blue is your hue, try embracing peachy-tone details for a pop of interest that’s still somewhat soft. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/foolproof-decorating-tips-hate-decorating-1938756/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">17 Foolproof Decorating Tips for People Who Hate Decorating</a>Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherSky Blue and Peach
PHOTO 9 of 14READ LESS -Sky blues are a timelessly soothing choice, but calming colours can feel a bit bland if they’re left on their own. If pale blue is your hue, try embracing peachy-tone details for a pop of interest that’s still somewhat soft. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/foolproof-decorating-tips-hate-decorating-1938756/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">17 Foolproof Decorating Tips for People Who Hate Decorating</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Lavender and Olive
10/14Lavender and Olive
10/14Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
This combination might not <em>taste</em> great together… but they look surprisingly chic when you’re going for an eclectic design — like <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/see-what-happens-when-a-boho-chick-meets-property-brothers-chic-1912923/#currentSlide=3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this boho kitchen</a> designed by the <em>Property Brothers</em>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/colour-blocked-kitchens-1902724/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">These 10 Colourful Kitchens Will Inspire You to Make Bold Decorating Moves</a>Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherLavender and Olive
PHOTO 10 of 14READ LESS -This combination might not <em>taste</em> great together… but they look surprisingly chic when you’re going for an eclectic design — like <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/see-what-happens-when-a-boho-chick-meets-property-brothers-chic-1912923/#currentSlide=3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this boho kitchen</a> designed by the <em>Property Brothers</em>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/colour-blocked-kitchens-1902724/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">These 10 Colourful Kitchens Will Inspire You to Make Bold Decorating Moves</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Orange and Denim Blue
11/14Orange and Denim Blue
11/14Photo Credit: Unsplash
Even though nothing rhymes with orange, there are actually plenty of colours that visually thrive beside it. Pumpkin orange, for example, is an unexpected way to punch up a more muted tone like denim-inspired blue. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/expert-paint-secrets-to-sell-home-1914452/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Best-Kept Painting Secrets to Help Sell Your Home Faster</a>Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherOrange and Denim Blue
PHOTO 11 of 14READ LESS -Even though nothing rhymes with orange, there are actually plenty of colours that visually thrive beside it. Pumpkin orange, for example, is an unexpected way to punch up a more muted tone like denim-inspired blue. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/expert-paint-secrets-to-sell-home-1914452/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Best-Kept Painting Secrets to Help Sell Your Home Faster</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Black and Yellow
12/14Black and Yellow
12/14Photo Credit: Unsplash
If you’ve been avoiding this colour combination because it makes you think of bumblebees, rest assured: when used strategically as high-contrast accents, black and yellow can be a bee-utiful combination. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/things-every-stylish-home-has-1923996/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">11 Things Every Stylish Home Has (It’s Not What You Think!)</a>Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherBlack and Yellow
PHOTO 12 of 14READ LESS -If you’ve been avoiding this colour combination because it makes you think of bumblebees, rest assured: when used strategically as high-contrast accents, black and yellow can be a bee-utiful combination. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/things-every-stylish-home-has-1923996/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">11 Things Every Stylish Home Has (It’s Not What You Think!)</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Magenta and Charcoal
13/14Magenta and Charcoal
13/14Photo Credit: Getty Images
Deep, rich colours are a fast-track to cozy-town. Jewel-toned purples lend surprising contrast to dark charcoal grey (particularly in an <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/expert-paint-secrets-to-sell-home-1914452/#currentSlide=9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">imperfection-disguising matte finish</a>) for a luxurious look. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/steal-worthy-bedroom-decorating-ideas-1924403/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Steal-Worthy Bedroom Decorating Ideas</a>Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherMagenta and Charcoal
PHOTO 13 of 14READ LESS -Deep, rich colours are a fast-track to cozy-town. Jewel-toned purples lend surprising contrast to dark charcoal grey (particularly in an <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/expert-paint-secrets-to-sell-home-1914452/#currentSlide=9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">imperfection-disguising matte finish</a>) for a luxurious look. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bedrooms/photos/steal-worthy-bedroom-decorating-ideas-1924403/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Steal-Worthy Bedroom Decorating Ideas</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Mustard Yellow and Brown
14/14Mustard Yellow and Brown
14/14Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Wood is a naturally rustic, stylish material to work with, but the right colour-pop accents can elevate its look for an ultra-cozy feel. In this cabin-inspired <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/#currentSlide=29" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">workshop for <em>Backyard Builds</em></a>, we used a mustard-yellow art piece to contrast with soft brown wood for a warm look. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">All the Backyard Inspiration You Need Right Now, From Landscaping Ideas to Backyard Studios</a>Decorating14 Colour Palettes That Go Surprisingly Well TogetherMustard Yellow and Brown
PHOTO 14 of 14READ LESS -Wood is a naturally rustic, stylish material to work with, but the right colour-pop accents can elevate its look for an ultra-cozy feel. In this cabin-inspired <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/#currentSlide=29" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">workshop for <em>Backyard Builds</em></a>, we used a mustard-yellow art piece to contrast with soft brown wood for a warm look. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/photos/all-the-backyard-inspiration-you-need-right-now-from-backyard-landscaping-ideas-to-backyard-studios-1938180/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">All the Backyard Inspiration You Need Right Now, From Landscaping Ideas to Backyard Studios</a>Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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