5 Unusual Color Pairings That Work Really Well
Looking for some colour design inspiration to shake up your interiors? You don’t need to stick to boring, overused palettes anymore. These five unexpected colour pairings will breathe new life into your space, bringing personality, warmth, and sophistication to every room. Whether you’re redecorating a bedroom or sprucing up your living room, these combos are guaranteed to inspire. Let’s dive in!
1. Sage Green + Blush Pink
Soft, serene, and endlessly chic—this pairing is like a spa day for your home. Sage green brings nature-inspired calm, while blush pink adds a subtle touch of romance.
How to Use It in Your Living Room:
- Start with a sage green sofa or accent chair for a neutral yet elegant base.
- Add blush pink throw pillows, curtains, or a soft area rug.
- Gold accents like lamps or photo frames will elevate the look (trust me, this combo loves a metallic touch).
How to Use It in Your Bedroom:
- Paint the walls sage green to create a soothing backdrop.
- Layer your bed with blush pink bedding or throw blankets for that cozy, lived-in vibe.
- Opt for botanical-themed artwork to tie the natural tones together.
Shopping Suggestions:
- Sage green velvet armchair – Perfect for creating a statement corner.
- Blush pink linen duvet cover – Adds texture and colour to your bed.
- Gold table lamp – Stylish and functional, a must-have accent.
2. Coral + Teal
Vibrant, playful, and downright show-stopping. Coral brings warmth and energy, while teal adds depth and richness. Together? Perfection.
How to Use It in Your Living Room:
- Make a teal sofa or armchair the focal point of the room.
- Balance the boldness with coral accents, like cushions, vases, or curtains.
- Pair with a brass coffee table and a patterned coral rug for extra flair.
How to Use It in Your Bedroom:
- Paint a teal feature wall for drama and pair it with coral bedding for a cozy contrast.
- Add natural materials like a wicker headboard or bamboo side table to keep things grounded.
- Include greenery in terracotta pots to soften the intensity of the colors.
Shopping Suggestions:
- Teal tufted sofa – A bold and beautiful centerpiece.
- Coral throw pillows – Easy to swap in for a seasonal refresh.
- Terracotta planters – Add warmth and life to any room.
3. Lavender + Charcoal Gray
This pairing feels like the interior design equivalent of wearing a tailored suit with a hint of lavender perfume: polished yet soft. Lavender’s subtle sweetness is perfectly balanced by the bold sophistication of charcoal gray.
How to Use It in Your Living Room:
- Start with a charcoal gray sectional sofa as your anchor piece.
- Incorporate lavender through curtains, throw blankets, or even a statement rug.
- Wood accents (like a coffee table) add warmth, while fresh lavender in a vase is the perfect finishing touch.
How to Use It in Your Bedroom:
- Paint your walls lavender for a calming atmosphere, and layer the bed with charcoal bedding and soft lavender throw pillows.
- Add metallic accents, like a brass bedside lamp, for a touch of glam.
- Use layered textiles (think a chunky knit blanket) to keep the space feeling cozy.
Shopping Suggestions:
- Charcoal gray upholstered bed frame – Modern and sleek.
- Lavender silk curtains – A subtle yet impactful way to add colour.
- Gold bedside lamp – A glamorous touch to complete the look.
4. Olive Green + Terracotta
Earthy and inviting, this pairing feels like a walk through a Mediterranean garden. Olive green’s calm undertone complements terracotta’s cozy warmth.
How to Use It in Your Living Room:
- Paint the walls olive green and add terracotta-colored cushions or throws to your sofa.
- Use woven textures, like a jute rug, and terracotta pots for plants to amplify the earthy vibe.
- Layer in warm wooden accents, like a coffee table or shelves, for a balanced look.
How to Use It in Your Bedroom:
- Go for terracotta bedding paired with olive green throw pillows and curtains.
- Add botanical prints or nature-inspired artwork above the bed for a cohesive look.
- Consider a rattan pendant light to add texture and warmth.
Shopping Suggestions:
- Terracotta linen duvet set – Perfect for creating a cozy vibe.
- Olive green ceramic vases – Subtle decor that adds depth.
- Jute area rug – A natural foundation for this earthy palette.
5. Navy Blue + Ochre Yellow
Bold, moody, funky and just the right amount of daring. Navy blue sets a dramatic foundation, while ochre yellow adds a vibrant, sunny pop of colour.
How to Use It in Your Living Room:
- Opt for navy blue walls for a dramatic backdrop, then add ochre yellow cushions, curtains, or artwork.
- A navy blue sofa paired with a yellow area rug is another winning combo.
- Incorporate geometric patterns in the decor for a modern touch.
How to Use It in Your Bedroom:
- Paint the walls navy blue and layer with ochre yellow bedding for a bold yet cozy feel.
- Use gold or brass accents to echo the warmth of the ochre.
- Add soft lighting with a warm hue to balance the depth of navy.
Shopping Suggestions:
- Navy blue area rug with ochre accents – Perfect for grounding the room.
- Ochre velvet throw blanket – A pop of colour that also adds texture.
- Gold wall mirror – Reflects light and adds sophistication.
Tips for Experimenting with Colour Pairings
- Start Small: Not ready to commit to a painted wall? Try adding cushions, throws, or small decor items in these colours to test the waters.
- Mix Textures: Incorporate different textures (like velvet, linen, and woven materials) to add depth and interest to your room.
Which Pairing Will You Try First?
So, which of these pairings is calling your name? Whether you go all-in with a feature wall or just add a few cushions to test the waters, these combos are guaranteed to elevate your space
