Be Bold: Outrageous Yet Sophisticated Color Combos

Select color fearlessly. Make a bold, sophisticated statement in your home with unexpected color schemes.

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November 25, 2014

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Related To:

Pretty in Pink

Plum, fuchsia and black may not be at the top of every manly man's favorite color list, but when properly balanced the outcome is just as well suited to Jack as it is Jill. The key to mixing these colors correctly is to vary the intensities of the pinks and purples, then use black to break up the two similar hues.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Royal Engagement

Combining violet, dark chocolate and bronze blends regal, metallic and masculine tones. For this combination to work harmoniously, the proper brown must be chosen; opt for black-brown instead of red-brown. The black undertone will allow violet's intensity to stand out while bronze aids in toning it down.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Hollywood Treatment

A classic palette of black, white and navy blue combines the glamour of old Hollywood with the richest of bold neutrals. If black walls aren't your thing, consider white walls paired with black furniture and accents of blue. This will keep the overall look dramatic but give the room a much lighter feel.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

A Great Complement

Kelly green and fire-engine red are complementary colors that we most often associate with the holidays. To give this classic combo year-round utility, throw dark brown in the mix. Depending on which color is selected as dominant, this combination can take on either a masculine or feminine vibe.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Get Juicy With Orange

Charcoal and red-orange is a color combination often found in modern interiors; however, it works just as well in transitional and traditional spaces. This gender-neutral pairing is also an excellent choice for contemporary kids' rooms.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Not-So-Mellow Yellow

Aqua, canary yellow and white can convey many different moods for interiors. Often associated with feminine, youthful or coastal styles, this combo can be toned up or down to achieve a look that varies from sophisticated to juvenile. If both aqua and canary yellow are used as dominants, a space can become garish. But by emphasizing one color over the other then incorporating white or black furniture, the outcome is both energizing and balanced.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Bring On the Drama

Homeowners with a flair for the dramatic may find black and cherry red an ideal color combination for their interiors. Painting walls is an inexpensive and easy task. So, if you want to audition these colors in your home, it's best to use red on walls and black on pricey upholstery. Because black goes with virtually every color, upholstered pieces will fit in perfectly should the red be swapped for another hue later on.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

A Twist of Lime

While many designers consider teal and lime green to be two of the most difficult colors to work with, when used together, they create a look that is fresh and inspiring. Experiment with this high-energy pairing in a small space where you don't spend much time, like a bathroom. Because the blue-green tone of teal is less intense than the electrifying citrus color of lime green, it's best to use teal as the dominant tone and lime as an accent.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Warming Trend

Pumpkin, medium gray and dark brown is an excellent combination for orange lovers too intimidated to use red-orange or tangerine for their interiors. Adding medium gray to the mix prevents the otherwise autumnal palette from being labeled as seasonal.

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Be Bold: Outrageous Yet Sophisticated Color Combos

Related To:

Pretty in Pink

Royal Engagement

Hollywood Treatment

A Great Complement

Get Juicy With Orange

Not-So-Mellow Yellow

Bring On the Drama

A Twist of Lime

Warming Trend

Shop This Look

HGTV Painting Guide

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