Decorating
This Week on Houzz: See Which Surprising Colour Got People Talking...
Not sure what you think of orange? See what fellow Houzzers had to say about using this zingy colour and browse schemes that work it well
We recently asked you whether you liked the colour orange, and the result was a vibrant ‘Yes!’ From dusty sunset to juicy clementine, there’s something about this warming shade that’s captivated us. Could orange be the new black? Here’s what you had to say.
‘Orange looks pretty good outside, too. It contrasts so well with green; it’s a great accent.’ Barnes Walker Ltd – Landscape Architects
Let nature suggest colour combinations
Set against abundant green foliage, the orange feature wall in this dining space is almost like a giant flower petal, lending this indoor/outdoor space a vibrant tropical feel. So if you’re not sure about whether certain colours will work together, look to nature to inspire your palette.
Let nature suggest colour combinations
Set against abundant green foliage, the orange feature wall in this dining space is almost like a giant flower petal, lending this indoor/outdoor space a vibrant tropical feel. So if you’re not sure about whether certain colours will work together, look to nature to inspire your palette.
‘The colour orange is fresher than red but warmer than yellow, so it looks great in all seasons. I love it!’ mscle
Layer tones
If you want to use orange in a neutral-coloured room, incorporating different shades is a subtle way to create depth. Carefully selecting different tones also means the accessories can carry through hotter and colder seasons.
In this neutral living room, the colour of the wood complements the different shades of orange to create a warm mood and ground the space.
Layer tones
If you want to use orange in a neutral-coloured room, incorporating different shades is a subtle way to create depth. Carefully selecting different tones also means the accessories can carry through hotter and colder seasons.
In this neutral living room, the colour of the wood complements the different shades of orange to create a warm mood and ground the space.
‘Orange is a colour much misunderstood – until you try it.’ Style Within Limited
Choose one statement piece
If you want to use orange in your home but aren’t quite ready to redecorate, a bold accessory, such as a rug, painting or piece of furniture, is a safe way to try it out.
The choice of a warm tone for the ottoman in this room works well because it contrasts but doesn’t clash with the sofa. Choosing the same material – in this case velvet – for both pieces links the two, so while the ottoman might be the statement piece, the gorgeous teal sofa won’t be outshone.
Choose one statement piece
If you want to use orange in your home but aren’t quite ready to redecorate, a bold accessory, such as a rug, painting or piece of furniture, is a safe way to try it out.
The choice of a warm tone for the ottoman in this room works well because it contrasts but doesn’t clash with the sofa. Choosing the same material – in this case velvet – for both pieces links the two, so while the ottoman might be the statement piece, the gorgeous teal sofa won’t be outshone.
‘I have orange on my stairs and landings (carpet and curtains)… Also used it as a pop of colour in other rooms with cushions and accessories.’ molly519
Link rooms
Do as molly519 has done and use orange to link rooms together and create a sense of continuity throughout your home. The cool orange stripes along the walls in this photo do just that by drawing your eye up the stairs and tying in with the painting to bring the look together.
Brighten up your space with a striking stair runner
Link rooms
Do as molly519 has done and use orange to link rooms together and create a sense of continuity throughout your home. The cool orange stripes along the walls in this photo do just that by drawing your eye up the stairs and tying in with the painting to bring the look together.
Brighten up your space with a striking stair runner
‘We have an orange feature wall in our study, which is supposed to help a positive work vibe!’ jhriding
Let it inspire you
Orange is such a stimulating colour – perfect for a room where productivity is the main goal. This study shows how you can use bright orange with clean and simple joinery to avoid overwhelming a space meant for creativity and concentration.
Let it inspire you
Orange is such a stimulating colour – perfect for a room where productivity is the main goal. This study shows how you can use bright orange with clean and simple joinery to avoid overwhelming a space meant for creativity and concentration.
‘It’s such a warm and vibrant colour. If you think you’ll enjoy it, be bold – you won’t regret it!’ Avocado Sweets Interior Design Studio
Commit to being bold
In this clinical bathroom, the bold accents give the space extra personality. And, again, these two supposedly incompatible colours can be used together to great effect if you choose the right tones; here, bold and bright work beautifully.
Yes, orange taps are quite the commitment to this sunny shade – but what a striking style statement.
Commit to being bold
In this clinical bathroom, the bold accents give the space extra personality. And, again, these two supposedly incompatible colours can be used together to great effect if you choose the right tones; here, bold and bright work beautifully.
Yes, orange taps are quite the commitment to this sunny shade – but what a striking style statement.
‘[Accent colours] can easily be changed depending on the season/fashion/mood. A bold wallpaper is much easier and inexpensive to swap if you change your mind about it.’ Michele Longoni Interiors
Give overlooked spaces a boost
If you have some wall space that needs a boost, try orange! Basic colour theory says you can’t go wrong with the cool/warm combination of blue and orange, as seen in this cute cloakroom; the two shades sit opposite one another on the colour wheel and are, therefore, complementary.
Also pair bright orange with muted purple, grey or brown – it’s a great accent for rooms with more sombre colour schemes.
See more ways to create a wow cloakroom with wallpaper
Give overlooked spaces a boost
If you have some wall space that needs a boost, try orange! Basic colour theory says you can’t go wrong with the cool/warm combination of blue and orange, as seen in this cute cloakroom; the two shades sit opposite one another on the colour wheel and are, therefore, complementary.
Also pair bright orange with muted purple, grey or brown – it’s a great accent for rooms with more sombre colour schemes.
See more ways to create a wow cloakroom with wallpaper
‘I love orange. Any shade if it. However, I don’t have it in my home at all. Why? Not sure!… Perhaps one day when I’m brave enough to try, I will.’ kpcrlawson
Keep it fresh
If, like kpcrlawson, you love all shades of orange but haven’t yet used it in your home, a lighter shade in a smaller space is a good place to start.
Orange is a great colour to wake up to – if not in your bedroom, then in the bathroom. It evokes fresh citrus notes to kick-start the day, and is also re-energising at the end of the day, helping to dissipate work-related thoughts.
Keep it fresh
If, like kpcrlawson, you love all shades of orange but haven’t yet used it in your home, a lighter shade in a smaller space is a good place to start.
Orange is a great colour to wake up to – if not in your bedroom, then in the bathroom. It evokes fresh citrus notes to kick-start the day, and is also re-energising at the end of the day, helping to dissipate work-related thoughts.
‘Orange is a great warm and cheerful choice. If you’re brave enough, go the whole hog, otherwise accents work very well.’ Reed Harris Tiles
Accent away
Still not ready to take the plunge? A bright lampshade or soft furnishings could be the way to go. Accents and accessories are simple to change if you decide orange isn’t for you after all.
Discover more ways to use orange in your home
TELL US…
How have you used orange in your home – or are you still unconvinced? Share your ideas, advice and photos in the Comments below.
Accent away
Still not ready to take the plunge? A bright lampshade or soft furnishings could be the way to go. Accents and accessories are simple to change if you decide orange isn’t for you after all.
Discover more ways to use orange in your home
TELL US…
How have you used orange in your home – or are you still unconvinced? Share your ideas, advice and photos in the Comments below.
Connect different elements
Being adventurous with colour doesn’t mean it necessarily needs to take centre stage. In this room, the tangerine wall carries other elements of the space, referencing colours in the armchairs, footstool and rug and even tones in the flooring to bring the different styles together cohesively.