Colour clashes: 7 surprising colour combinations that can add value to your home

Orange and pink

These two playful colours sit so closely on the colour wheel that they aren't typically thought of as an obvious match. Yet when combined, they exude vibrancy and energy. A hot combination of sunset tones that really shouldn’t work but do - and look particularly inspiring in traditional settings. 

Work a vivid and earthy hot orange as the focal point in your design, and complement with varying shades of deep pink to infuse the space with a dynamic and colourful ambiance. Or go for a full-blown colour crush, pairing the juicy vibrancy of magenta with the zesty charm of clementine. To maintain balance, introduce cooler tones like a delicate baby pink into the scheme.

For a more subtle take on this trend, consider incorporating a neutral backdrop, especially in calm spaces like bedrooms. Playful prints and patterns can assist in merging these colours in a more subdued manner, offering a gentler visual impact compared to painting walls in contrasting hues.

Blue and green

‘Blue and green should never be seen’, the age old saying goes. However, we wholeheartedly disagree! The combination of blue and green yields one of the most dreamy and enchanting colour palettes. 

As with pink and orange, green and blue are close companions on the colour wheel, colour neighbours so to speak. Their closeness creates a sense of unity within a scheme, visually tying a room together. And usually, if it works in nature it works on paper, or better, our walls. 

Our favourite combination of these tones? The luxurious and rich clash of emerald green and teal blue. A fusion of modernity and luxury, this pairing exudes an inviting opulence.

The key to successfully combining these jewel tones lies in layering multiple shades to create a cohesive and refined look, delivering a rich and intense visual impact. 

Sapphire, emerald, amber, ruby and amethyst - these jewel tones collectively form a vibrant and luxurious treasure trove capable of elevating any interior scheme. Work in textured materials like velvets and combine them with gold and metallic accessories for elevated glamour.

Lime and purple

Not for the faint-hearted, this combination is a true showstopper. Zesty lime hues are swiftly gaining popularity, particularly in the premium and youth fashion sectors, renowned for their gender-inclusive and dopamine-bright appeal. A vibrant yellow-green radiates expansiveness and exuberance.

But how can this bold pair find harmony within interior spaces? The answer lies in introducing another player: purple. Specifically, a soft, floral lilac-blue tone. These shades infuse a breath of fresh air, counterbalancing the liveliness of lime with a touch of sophistication and tranquillity.

Alternatively, soften the lime tone to a creamy mint green and team with soft purple for a harmonious and spring-like feel.

Yellow and white

A colour as bright and joyous as yellow, is one that will have you waking up to a bright and sunny morning even when it's raining. Traditionally yellow would be used sparingly as an accent colour because of its vibrancy as it can be quite full on. 

The safer bet is therefore to predominantly use pops of white with yellow accents. That said, if you are looking to go bold and make a real statement that provides an impact - then matching a colour as loud as yellow with white - which you may think doesn’t clash with anything, will actually create a striking contrast.

Burgundy and blue 

The two colours are adjacent in the light spectrum and the combination of the two creates a visually stimulating yet harmonious space. The deep, rich tones of burgundy evoke a sense of warmth and luxury, while the calming and versatile nature of blue adds balance and depth to any space.

Whether you choose to go bold or subtle, the burgundy and blue colour pairing can infuse your home with a sense of depth and style that's both inviting and timeless.

For a more daring approach, consider using burgundy as a primary colour and accentuate it with touches of lighter blues, such as teal or turquoise.