Combine Bold Colors Like A Pro

Bold colors are trendy for Fall 2013. While exciting for color lovers, it can be intimidating to incorporate such boldness into our homes. After all, bold colors stand out – a good thing only when they make sense. Here are tips on how to combine bold colors:

Decide on a color palette.

One or two bold colors are enough for a space. Black is bold and can be used for a sophisticated touch, but keep it tasteful to avoid overwhelming or darkening the space. Black-and-white is a classic pairing and usually doesn’t need more than one other bold color.

When using colors, it’s important to remember some basic principles. Complementary colors, which are opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red and green, yellow and purple, blue and orange), tend to look good together. Analogous colors, which are next to each other on the color wheel, also work well when paired.

For example, the bold kitchen with lime and turquoise is an example of analogous colors.

Once you’ve determined your space’s focal point, you can utilize vibrant colors to accentuate it. In this case, a deep cobalt blue wall is combined with vibrant fuchsia (and a touch of red) to form a striking vignette.

Keeping your focal point in mind while decorating your space, choose where to go bold. A French armchair is unexpectedly covered in red leather, drawing out other accents in the room, like the red in the painting behind it.

Keep bold colors in line with the overall style of the space.

White walls and light floors create a clean backdrop for pops of color. Bold colors are used throughout the room, maintaining the clean lines and fresh feel.

If you love color, go for it! This contemporary space is energized with bold, zesty color (and minimal pattern, so as to not compete). Notice how the large modern artwork ties everything together and helps it make sense.

This dining room’s cottage style is modernized by bold coral chairs. The traditional style of the chairs allows them to be a bold color while still fitting in.

Balance bold colors with neutrals.

Neutral doesn’t necessarily mean natural. These kelly green dining chairs showcase how one bold color choice can complement a neutral palette – one pop, one soothe. Yin and yang in décor, right here.

A light and dark brown color palette exudes sophistication, thanks to the bold mustard and magenta colors that add richness and vibrancy. These colors create a wonderful balance in this space.

When a space is mostly neutral (walls, drapes, rug, sofa), smaller doses of bold neutrals can engage and enliven. Shades of orange, aqua, and fuchsia here bring out and balance muted tones.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.