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Take Aqua to a New Level With These Unexpected Color Combos

August 26, 2015

By: Liz Gray

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When paired with classic navy, blueish-gray and orange, aqua takes on a bold look that feels totally unexpected. Here's how to use aqua in both daring and traditional ways.

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Modern Loft Living Room With Turquoise Accent Wall And Custom Artwork

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Cool Living Room

Aqua walls create a relaxing canvas for this modern loft living room designed by Brian Patrick Flynn.

Mid-Century Modern Wall Art with white sofa and colorful pillows

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Sherbet Shades

Creamsicle-hued wallpaper looks dreamy when paired with a crisp white sofa and darker aqua hues.

Blue and Orange Mid-century Modern Baby's Room With Wingback Rocker

From: Susie Fougerousse

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Bold Nursery Palette

Aqua and orange paired with spring green makes for a playful, gender-neutral nursery palette that will remain appropriate as the child grows.

Tropical Home Entryway With Orange Walls and Aqua Lamps

Photo: Max Kim-Bee. From: HGTV Magazine

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Tropical Colors

An almost-coral hue of orange creates a beachy vibe when paired with aqua in this tropical home featured in HGTV Magazine.

Photo: Mark Lund. From: HGTV Magazine

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Vintage Contrast

An aqua lamp stands out against backdrop of vintage books in yellow, orange and brown hues. See more creative wall art ideas, as featured in HGTV Magazine.

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Pink, Aqua and Orange

A magenta light fixture and pink paisley accent pieces bring a feminine touch to this space, while the drippy watercolor featuring aqua and orange gives the space an eclectic focal point.

From: Emily Henderson

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Modern Color

Designer Emily Henderson gave this classic preppy color combination a modern twist by adding lots of bright white, gold accent pieces and bold magenta in DesignLoveFest blogger Bri Emery's living room.

White Nightstand, Chest, Lamp and Gray Headboard in Blue Bedroom

Photo: HGTV HOME, Sarah Dorio ©

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A Place for Pattern

Bright aqua walls create a bedroom backdrop that's at once uplifting and relaxing. Bold patterned pillows infuse the room with a dose of the unexpected. Photo courtesy HGTV HOME

Victorian Living Room With Blue-and-White Patterned Fireplace

Photo: Coddington Design. From: Coddington Design

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Colorful Artwork

This bright white living room created by Coddington Design gets a colorful focal point from 1970s-inspired artwork filled with aqua, orange, purples and pinks.

Neutral playroom with colorful kid's artwork, couch and TV.

Photo: Kim Cornelison. From: HGTV Magazine

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Easy-to-Add Color

Make a plain cream sofa look inviting (and on-trend) with an aqua throw, an orange side table and colorful patterned pillows. See more of this home featured in HGTV Magazine.

Neutral Coastal Living Space With Sky Blue and Coral Accents

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Sky-Inspired Color

Just like the sky itself, this shade of aqua has a serene, calming presence. Pair it with soft orange accessories for a combination that will look just as at home by the shore as it does in the city.

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Midcentury Kitsch

Paired with brown, blue and orange take on a decidedly retro flair. They're the perfect accent colors for this 1960s-inspired houseboat living space.

From: Debra Lynn Henno

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Traditional Twist

Folk art inspired by sea and sun brings aqua and orange into this traditional living space designed by Debra Lynn Henno.

From: Anastasia Faiella

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Soft Bedroom Hues

Muted versions of aqua and orange add color to this serene bedroom without being too bright for relaxation.