Orange: Still Hot, Hot, Hot
Get fired up to bring in more orange with energizing paint, furnishings, rugs and accessories
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
For three straight seasons, orange has ruled the fashion runways. Clearly, the color is still on trend, and now that we’re in the heart of fall, more appropriate than ever. Whether including the bold shade in an outfit or in your home’s décor, orange carries with it an unparalleled burst of energy that can dramatically change the look and feel of your scheme.
On the other hand, because it's such a bold color, it needs to be used correctly to avoid cringe-worthy reactions reminiscent of the '70s. If you're interested in adding the color into your home, check out the following pics for some inspiration from fellow Houzzers.
On the other hand, because it's such a bold color, it needs to be used correctly to avoid cringe-worthy reactions reminiscent of the '70s. If you're interested in adding the color into your home, check out the following pics for some inspiration from fellow Houzzers.
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| There's no doubt about it: orange is a show stopper. Used in this setting, the orange fabric contemporizes the natural wood coffee table and console behind the couch. Mixing orange with organic elements lets it be a statement without overwhelming. |
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by Mosca Photo
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| When your home has a fairly open layout, it helps to distinguish one space from another with different colors or patterns. By using mainly neutrals in the living and kitchen areas, this home's orange dining area with modern floral rug feels separate and distinct. |
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| In this instance, the designer used orange to designate a seating area in this long and narrow living room, using different shades of orange on the wall and sofas to create dimension. Notice how orange was still pulled into the seating area with the dark sofas, via area rug and lamp, to create an overall cohesion. |
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| Create an orange platform to build from by pulling in orange through area rugs or bedding. From there, consider using light colors, like pale pinks or purples, or neutrals to soften the strength of the orange. |
Here’s another example of using sofas to create a platform of orange. The white cushions and light yellow walls neutralize the orange.
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| If you are hungry for orange, go all out, just be sure you have the big picture in mind. White architectural details help balance the impact of orange walls and ceiling, while neutral furniture grounds the space. Such a strong shade of orange with dark, neutral furniture may have felt too heavy: The addition of green velvet chairs feels fresh against the orange and helps the space feel less formal. |
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| This orange is softer than that shown in the previous photo, which helps it blend better with the darker shade of this bed. Neutral bedding and colorful pillows round out the look. |
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| Nurseries and kids’ rooms are the perfect spots to exercise a bold color, since they’re meant to feel a little more playful. A natural wood crib with light bedding tones down orange walls in this nursery. |
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| On the flip side, because orange can be a hard color to wear, fashion stylists often recommend working it in as an accessory vs. a main piece. This rule also works in interiors. Depending on a room's light, structure, size, etc., orange as a dominant color may be overwhelming. In this case, orange throw pillows or side tables will introduce the color and still make a statement. |
by Cristi Holcombe
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In this dining room, orange sets the shelving units and wood floors on fire through accessories and a patterned area rug.
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by H&H Design
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| Instead of painting the entire wall, paint an orange square to act as an accent for artwork or photography. |
Looking for an easy and inexpensive way to sneak orange into your bathroom? Think hand towels. Hang them on racks, fold them on shelves or roll them in baskets to both keep them accessible and display their prominent shade.
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by Incorporated
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| Of course, the orange accent chair is always an option. This chair stands out against pale blue walls, white furniture and a soft, neutral shag rug. |
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| Or, if you have a wooden cabinetry and flooring in your kitchen with sleek, contemporary appliances, consider orange barstools for an unexpected modern addition. |
by Anthropologie
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This wrought iron chair from Anthropologie could work outside on the patio or inside as an accent.
by Design Public
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Scatter a few of these on your couches and chairs for added comfort and a zesty touch of orange.
by Inside Avenue
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Garden stools make for great end tables, and this one also provides pattern and texture.
by Naked Decor
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Incorporate orange and your sense of humor with this Queen Clock from Naked Décor.
by jayesstudio.com
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Need a hint of orange in your entry? This umbrella stand will prove as functional as it is decorative.
Orange color combos:
Khaki and Tangerine
Fire and Ice
Orange and Blue
Pink and Orange
Orange, Purple and Lime
Orange color combos:
Khaki and Tangerine
Fire and Ice
Orange and Blue
Pink and Orange
Orange, Purple and Lime
Ideabook published on Oct. 4, 2011.
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Attached is a bedroom in an orangey terra cotta, with bedding in jewel tones silks.