STYLE & INSPIRATION

Complementary colours to refresh your home

Colour can impact our mood as well as breathing life into any space. From printed wallpaper to bright rugs, statement cushions and eye-catching bedding sets, there are plenty of ways to introduce a splash of colour into your home. But which colours are best suited to each room? And which colours work best together? Our handy colour pairing guide has plenty of ideas to consider when redecorating your space.

Colour pairings to upgrade your space
 

AIt can be helpful to consult a colour wheel when deciding which colours will work best within your space. Shades that sit side by side on a colour wheel are known as ‘analogous’ pairings and work harmoniously together, for example, two different shades of green. Colours placed opposite each other on the wheel are called ‘complementary’ colours and often create a stark contrast.
 

Although some combinations may work better than others within your home, you can go as bold as you like! Ignore outdated design rules regarding colour pairings, like ‘orange and purple don't work together’ and embrace bold tones or print clashes if that’s your style. To help you get started, we've put together some popular colour combinations that will instantly refresh your space. Whether you're redecorating your bedroom, lounge, kitchen or bathroom, we've got plenty of ideas to suit every taste.

Mint green and mustard yellow

Get a mood boost all year round with these springtime hues. This colour pairing looks great in almost any room, including kitchens, bathrooms, living areas and bedrooms. For a subtle take on this design, create a mint green feature wall or go bold with a printed wallpaper. Then, introduce mustard yellow accents with bed linen, cushions, or a statement rug.

Burnt orange and pacific blue

These rich colours combine perfectly to create a vibrant and luxurious interior, perfect for living rooms or bedrooms. A burnt orange feature wall makes the perfect backdrop for a pacific blue velvet sofa and vice versa. If you have wooden shelving, wardrobes or bookcases, why not paint them in pacific blue for a modern update to your existing furniture?

Peachy pink and turquoise

Peachy pink and turquoise hues can turn your space into a tropical oasis, so this colour combination is ideal for bedrooms, living areas or bathrooms. Paint the walls in a peachy pink shade, or add some tropical wallpaper to create a feature wall. Then, choose turquoise accessories to complete the look, from bedding and scatter cushions to bath mats and towels. Enhance the tropical feel with greenery in stylish plant pots.

Rose pink and sage green

These calming pastel tones are popular for bedrooms, living areas and home offices. Paint the walls sage green or choose a floral wallpaper to accentuate the serene effect of this colour pairing. Then, introduce rose pink accessories like accent chairs, curtains, bed linen, vases and lamps.

Viridian green and royal purple

The dark jewel tones of viridian green and royal purple will create a cosy yet luxurious feel in your home, so why not decorate your bedroom or living room in these complementary colours? If you don't want to make the room look too dark, try painting built-in wardrobes, cupboards or shelving in viridian green or royal purple instead. Add a velvet sofa, accent chairs, plush rugs and floor-length curtains with decorative tie-backs for a dramatic and regal feel.

Sunflower yellow and baby blue

Try these uplifting shades for a children’s bedroom or nursery. Paint the walls in sunflower yellow for a cheerful and bright design or choose an illustrated wallpaper to add depth to the room. Then, introduce furniture accents in yellow or blue to tie the whole design together, from cots and toddler beds to baby changing chests of drawers and soft furnishings.

Turquoise and cream

A classic combination, cream and turquoise works for bedrooms, dining rooms, living spaces and bathrooms. Keep the walls neutral with cream paint or textured wallpaper, then add turquoise accessories. Alternatively, you could include a turquoise feature wall or some striking wall art to bring more of this rich shade into the design.

Mustard yellow and charcoal grey

Mustard yellow and charcoal grey is a contemporary colour scheme that looks great in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways and kitchens. Keep things minimal with painted grey walls, or choose a geometric wallpaper to add a modern touch to the space. Consider adding furniture in pops of mustard yellow, such as sofas, chairs, rugs, cushions and curtains.

Coffee brown and navy

Choose coffee brown and navy blue for a timeless and classic design in your living room, bedroom, kitchen, hallway, or home office. Paint the walls in navy blue for a cosy and luxurious feel, or try a feature wall if the space has less natural light. An antique-style brown leather sofa will complement this design, finished with a dark brown coffee table or bookcase. For a more modern take on this colour scheme, choose mid-century-inspired furniture like a minimalist sideboard.

Blush coral and beige

Decorate your bedroom, living room or bathroom in blush coral and beige if you want to introduce a splash of colour to a mostly neutral colour scheme. A blush coral feature wall will brighten the space along with fun accessories like lamps, vases, wall art, rugs and bedding. Opt for beige sofas and armchairs if you'd prefer to invest in neutral furniture.

With so many colour schemes to choose from, there really is something for every style and preference at Next. Looking for more interior styling tips? Discover different ways to style scatter cushions around your home, for a simple yet effective way to add more colour and print to your space.