Unexpected Hues
I’ve been completely enamored of all of the weird and wonderful color combos declaring themselves out there in Design Land recently. Though Belgian-grey/beige linen look is still a tasteful crowd pleaser, more and more I’ve had a color craving accompanied by an uncontrollable urge to combine the colors in ways I had never before considered.
Go beyond the classic red and blue or orange and green color palettes – I’m lusting for rose planted among nude and grey, aqua splashed with an acidic citron, periwinkle served with a slice of melon, dark charcoal scribbled on lavender.
Design Seeds
Design Seeds is a wonderful blog that captures new and inspirational color equations. They pull colors from everyday sights and objects – I’m always amazed at the beautiful results!
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| Antiquity Tones Image: design-seeds.com |
Aquatic Tones Image: design-seeds.com |
Souvenir Color Image: design-seeds.com |
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| Color Docked Image: design-seeds.com |
Orchid Color Image: design-seeds.com |
Sweet Tones Image: design-seeds.com |
Katie Ridder
Designer Katie Ridder is a real pro at creating these color cocktails. Her wide-ranging color palette is just different enough to make things interesting. From admiring rooms that she creates, I bet she is a fun gal!
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| Macaw Hues Image: design-seeds.com |
Design: Katie Ridder Image: katieridder.com |
Feathered Bright Image: design-seeds.com |
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| Sensuede // Ocean | Ila // Citrus | Istanbul Sunset // Gem | Jaden // Lime |
The injection of red from the light fixtures and artwork brings the whole room to life – the dining room is pretty with just the turquoise and green, but would feel a bit flat. And that quirky red chandelier is a wonder!
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| Seated Hues Image: design-seeds.com |
Design: Katie Ridder Image: katieridder.com |
Crisp Color Image: design-seeds.com |
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| Seismic Sun // Ember | Aiden’s Demi Sofa Como // Olive |
Wisley // Yellow |
The lovely dark and light berry red bold print enlivens the space.
The accent of a yellow-chartreuse is showing up simultaneously in home design and fashion.
The olive color on the sofa is a lovely grey-brown-green mixture that grounds the room with a neutral tone.
The modern lines of the sofa compliment all the exciting color and graphics!
Miles Redd
Miles Redd is another designer who uses the unexpected color combos as a major force for good in his creations. I always reference his design style as inspiration for how to combine color in a fresh way.
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| Floating Hues Image: design-seeds.com |
Designer: Miles Redd Image: elledecor.com |
Color Cove Image: design-seeds.com |
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| Pradish // Kiwi/Grape | Suzani Dial // Astral | Zebra Ikat // Steel | Slubby Linen // Ocean |
There is nothing forced or gimmicky here – just beautiful woods, paint and fabric colors, glass put together to create an enjoyable space in which to gather.
One of my favorites ever!
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| Western Brights Image: design-seeds.com |
Design: Miles Redd Image: milesredd.com |
Patina Hues Image: design-seeds.com |
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| Devin // Adobe | Merlot Way // Poppy | Zulaika // Gem | Sinai Sunrise // Amethyst |
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Take a walk on the weird side… Color can be bold and energizing or cool and calming, and, everything in between. Combined in modern ways, color can also be the element that takes a room from so-so to wonderful.
What are you favorite unexpected color combinations?
What colors say “wow” to you?
