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When it comes to color, it’s often pick-me-up time in the spring and settle-down in
the autumn. But not this fall: Here’s how to decorate with the latest delectable duos.
Suddenly, it seems, color is everywhere. After years of quiet neutrals and harmonious earth tones ruling the home front, bolder hues are taking center stage. And it’s not just color we’re thrilling over–but daring marriages of color. From the sophisticated aqua and chocolate to tart lime and lemon, strong color pairings are all the rage–and one of the easiest ways to freshen and lend drama to your decor. “People are taking more risks with color and combining colors in more unique ways,” confirms Joann Eckstut, author of The Color Palette Primer: A Guide to Choosing Ideal Color Combinations for Your Home. “Once they see how well strong hues can work, they’re willing to try them, and often love the result.”
By Leah Hennen
Special to HGTV.com
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The potential for pairing colors is nearly limitless,
so don’t let the palettes presented here be the
only ones you consider. Just about any two colors
that you like together can look smashing in your
home (designer Shelly Riehl David combined
soft blue walls, a turquoise vase and vivid coral
in this room), so experiment and have fun. Some
tips for combining colors:
1. Know the color basics.
2. Look for inspiration all around you.
3. Take a cue from nature.
4. Consider context.
5. Don’t go overboard.

Writer Leah Hennen has written for
Real Simple, The New York Times and Parenting magazine, among others.