HARMONIOUS HUES
Choosing complementary colour combinations is an art form that is explained perfectly here – along with the latest pairings
Expert views on how to pair colours to perfection
‘PEOPLE feel nervous about teaming blue and green, but I believe it’s a quintessential pairing. Just imagine the landscape – the endless blue optimism of a summer sky against a green and pleasant land. It’s a classic combination that evokes familiarity and comfort. Make it more dynamic by using glamorous fabrics, such as our Varanasi printed silk taffeta.’ TRICIA GUILD, founder and creative director,
Designers Guild ‘PICK one colour as a foundation – from a favourite artwork, image or piece of clothing – to form the thread that runs through the space. Build your palette around this with complementary or tonal shades. My number one rule is: decorate for yourself, not others – choose tones that you love and you won’t go wrong.’ CHARLOTTE ARCHER, head of brand, Sanderson ‘IN THIS suite at the Crosby Street Hotel (bottom far right), against the orange fabric-covered walls, I used my Friendly Folk design in Melon Orange for the curtains and cushions and in Basil Green on the chairs. Combined with Lewis & Wood’s Tribal in Limpopo on the sofas, this playful reverse colour combination adds freshness to the warm room. A solid orange trim on the curtains and cushions helps to frame the fabric, creating a sense of harmony.’
KIT KEMP, founder, Firmdale Hotels ‘THE COLOUR pairing I keep returning to is multiple shades of brown and white. It is very important to use layers of the same combination to create contrast, depth and the feel of a well lived-in space. I admire the American designer Bill Blass, and his brown and white apartment in New York has been my number one inspiration for many years.’ PAOLO MOSCHINO, co-owner, Nicholas Haslam ‘AS WE move into thinking about pairing colours in 2022, I feel we might look beyond the nostalgic tones of the past year and be attracted to colours that are full of excitement, but somehow familiar. I am keen to use more homely, uncomplicated colours that are full of memories. The combination of India Yellow with Green Smoke epitomises the feeling of optimism so crucial to our homes next year.’
JOA STUDHOLME, colour curator, Farrow & Ball ‘WHEN picking the perfect paint colour, I’m typically on board for moody hues of navy, grey or noir. I love the warm, cosy vibes that darker tones lend to a space. Next, I layer in natural earthy accents such as terracotta, stone, putty and greybeige. Don’t be afraid to walk over to the dark side… just don’t forget your complementary earthy tones.’ MIKEL WELCH, owner, Mikel Welch Designs ‘SCALE really drives how diverse you can be with colour pairings: larger homes can take a looser palette; in smaller homes, it’s best to keep the colours more concise – find three colours that harmonise and use them as a common thread for continuity. I enjoy using ivory, egg-yolk yellows with hints of navy, mixed with copper and metal accents. Old rose pink, nude and orangey tones is also a nice palette – the combination of dull shades creates a calm but sumptuous aesthetic. We’re also using pastel lilac with thistle green and soft amber, which gives a pleasing visual sense.’ CHARU GANDHI, founder and director, Elicyon ‘A CLASSIC yet enduring combination I love is denim blue with aged antique reds. These tones create rooms that appear effortless and stylish, embracing the trend for relaxed living. Our new Portobello collection combines these shades in a curated edit of simple Indienne-inspired block prints and softly coloured embroideries to create fabrics perfectly suited to interiors that are layered.’
ANN GRAFTON, creative director, GP&J Baker ‘GREEN and pink always feel like such a joyful combination to me, reminiscent of the abundance of florals and botanicals in nature as spring turns to summer. I like to keep it feeling fresh and clean with a good dose of white in the mix.’
EMMA THOMAS, Homes & Gardens’ interiors editor