- Design Inspo
An Interior Designer’s Guide: Colors That Go With Orange
Roxanne Robinson
When Lorenzo Atkinson, an e-commerce marketing coordinator at Proenza Schouler discovered his 600-square foot studio apartment, the 1905 classic brownstone architecture inthe Bed-Stuy building sealed the deal according to an article in Domino. The beloved home magazine writes it was a New Year’s resolution to start collecting art that turned the charming space into an art gallery, which helped him embrace color. In the article, he said, “Art sets the tone for everything that I have.” he says. “Prior to collecting art, I didn’t enjoy color in so many ways.” Collected works from Black artists such as Theresa Chromati (@theresachromati), Brittney Leeanne Williams, and Devin N. Morris featured vibrant primary colors heavy on blue, red, and green. Atkinson painted each side of his fireplace a different color; orange on the left and navy on the right to play against the art. An orange settee adds another pop of the bright hue to highlight the colorful artwork.
One adage that applies to orange is a go-big or go-home philosophy, as seen in this post from @decor67, which displays a European-style palazzo with an intricately carved wood ceiling. The burnt orange walls play nicely with the warm wood tones of the ceiling decor. A turquoise touch dots a neutral palette throughout the floor and furniture on a painting canvas, further complimenting the orange.
Naturally blue as the color wheel’s complementary color, it is one of the most popular colors to go with orange. Designer Pierre Yoyanovitch plays with that concept with these coordinating armchairs in a Parisian salon. This dining room, created by Julie Hillman Designs, explores a more traditional style mixed with modern leanings. Case in point the pale blue upholstered seating set against chrome base dining table and two large orange tableaus flanking the mantle. A blue-tiled pool by Salva Lopez reflects an orange stucco building in its waters.
Perhaps a bit unexpected is pink, considering both shades derive from red. But pink and orange is one commanding color combo. Textiles maker Dedar Milano offers a new material called chapeau inspired by traditional coats and hats made from woven felt. Here a rainbow of seat pads is placed on modern rustic orange with pink, creating a standout hue duo.
This hand-painted silk wallpaper from Degournay, the wallpaper company that needs no introduction, in two shades of orange and pop of yellow rests amongst a plethora of color in this salon. The room features a yellow oedipe sofa, Golran’s garden of Eden rug, and most striking the flower coffee table whose green ‘petal’ makes the room’s impact come together.
Orange is a go-to shade for giving beige and other neutrals a boost. The artwork – especially the Keith Haring piece – and other decors in this living room by Julie Hillman Designs provide the space a color treat to break up its sleek yet somber neutral color palette. Yoyanovitch uses charcoal grey to anchor walls in this dining area. Dedar Milano offers orange in raffia-effect jacquard, made into drapes that reside next to a textured bare geometric design wall.
