Liven up your living space
Try these new ways to mix, match and clash colours for décor with wow factor
Learn how to mix and match unexpected colour combinations
Mix BLUES and BRIGHTS
Blues are often associated with calm, serene interiors, but they can pack a real punch when used in a bold way. A generous scattering of jewel-toned cushions brings this sumptuous blue sofa to life – echo the accents with wall art to pull the look together
Plush large chaise sofa in Dark Blue velvet, £1,279, DFS
Harmonious interiors aren’t just about everything matching. A clever clash, with hues that break the colour ‘rules’ yet work together, can achieve the perfect balance of co-ordinated and quirky. There are no hard and fast guidelines to go by when mixing and matching different shades – in fact, the more rebellious the better – but here are some tricks and ideas to get you started on creating your own colour-savvy schemes.
Use NEUTRALS as an accent
Switch the focus in your décor and use neutrals as a highlight, rather than as the main palette. Painting a taupe section at the top of the wall not only draws the eye upwards for a feeling of space and height, but gives this pretty pink bedroom a grown-up twist
Matt emulsion in Pink Sandstone, Stolen Rose and Brave Ground, £29.16 per 2.5L, Dulux
Make A NEON SPLASH
Even pastel décor can benefit from a touch of fun and energy with zingy additions – just one or two bright details dotted around a room can make all the difference. Subtle flashes of neon pink and quirky accessories inject oomph and personality into this grey-blue and blush scheme
Vivian cocktail chair, £99; Monkey side table, £159; slim metal candle holder, £8; ceramic Tiger head pot, £6; round glass tealight holder in Pink, £10; Orangutan ornament in Gold, £8, all Dunelm
Lift A DARK WALL COLOUR
Deeper wall colours like teal and navy are great for creating a cocooning, snug feeling, but have the potential to feel gloomy, especially in the summer months. Brightening things up with light accessories, like these pastel prints, will give you the best of both worlds
Pastel Floral Leaves wall art prints, from
£25 each, Claude & Leighton
Build A COLOUR STORY
When using multiple colours, add an item that connects them all, says interior designer and author, Emily Henson. ‘Have one or two accessories that link the palette – here, a rug and a wall hanging. Using one piece to link a room’s colour story prevents the urge to add more, which can lead to a chaotic look’
From Be Bold by Emily Henson, £19.99, published by Ryland Peters & Small
Layer IN MONOCHROME
Using only one colour can make even more of a style statement than several. Don’t just paint the walls and add accessories in your chosen hue – find or upcycle furniture to match as well for a strong, confident scheme. For a cosier vibe, add textured and patterned textiles in the same shade, too
Mustard Shorty locker in Lilac, £129, Antipodream
Choose MATCHING MUTED SHADES
Although sometimes considered a faux pas pairing, pink and red can create a sophisticated yet playful look together. The trick is to use the same warm yet muted shades of both, as with this pink and burgundy kitchen, so neither overpowers the other
Poitiers Bordeaux gloss tile, £49.99 per sq m, CTD
Refresh WITH TONAL HUES
Match your wall paint with a completely different shade of the same colour for a complementary clash. Try painting the woodwork or another architectural detail; for example, painting the door in a golden lime hue gives this teal-green dining room its rich, summery freshness
Largo Teal and Brookside Moss paint, from
£24 per 0.94L, Benjamin Moore