Your Décor: Orange You Glad?
Possibly the happiest color around, orange is amazingly versatile in interior design. Here's how it can make your rooms positively exuberant
I've got a thing for Frank Sinatra. The voice, the style, the confident smile will always define his legacy. The song "New York, New York" pops into my head every time I fly into JFK airport. One fun fact about Ol' Blue Eyes was his love of the color orange. Frankie said, "Orange is the happiest color." Maybe that's why he was always smiling: He surrounded himself with orange in his homes.
Orange is fun and sassy and usually unexpected. And there are many beautiful shades of it, such as peach, rust, coral and terra cotta. Most people either hate this hue or love it, but even among the lovers there's sometimes hesitation over how to use it. For ideas, see how these great Houzz designers include shades of orange in their projects.
Orange is fun and sassy and usually unexpected. And there are many beautiful shades of it, such as peach, rust, coral and terra cotta. Most people either hate this hue or love it, but even among the lovers there's sometimes hesitation over how to use it. For ideas, see how these great Houzz designers include shades of orange in their projects.
Textiles: Frame them, hang them, display them on a console. Whichever way you choose, an orange textile does its job by contrasting whatever surrounds it. Note the contrast of this poppy orange against the modern shade of gray.
Throw pillows are quick and easy and best of all interchangeable. They are a low-commitment way to bring orange into any mix. Notice how these burnt orange pillows feel earthy against the grass cloth, not punchy. This is why orange is so versatile: It can be neutral and bold.
I think this room is so elegant with its charcoal-tinged walls and curtains. When paired with a dramatic and dark neutral like charcoal, this coral orange is playful and sophisticated. The look works because it is not a contrived palette; it is bold and brave while maintaining the stately feel of the furniture and piano.
The use of orange in this space is so simple, it's silly. These designers are so clever. Orange throws, strategically placed under pillows. Call it a day. These are
the details that make a room simple, practical and memorable.
the details that make a room simple, practical and memorable.
I think this bedroom is dreamy and shows how many colors pair perfectly with orange. Did you notice how many different shades of blue and green look right at home with the orange wall? With orange you can really experiment with color. Trust me, it goes with everything.
Lampshades are a perfect way to add a small touch of orange. Here I used the classic combination of orange and black to add some playfulness to this mostly neutral space. The pattern on the lampshade is an extra layer of detail that makes this deep orange even more appealing.
I think the soft orange on the back of this desk chair is brilliant. It makes the room.
A great way to use orange is in a rug. This yummy shade of orange looks particularly modern in a geometric pattern. This type of flooring pattern will always look crisp against a solid-color sofa or chair.
One of my favorite shades of orange, this rust hue looks clean and inviting with the color repeated in the oversize art and textiles. Try repeating a shade of orange from textiles in your art. This is more of a controlled look, intentional and curated.
This room skillfully uses orange to highlight twin niches with open shelving and accessories. Illuminated niches are a fairly easy detail to include. Not quite an accent wall, they still provide contrast for a special collection or art piece.
Let me know what you think in the Comments section while I go track down some pie — yes, pumpkin.
More:
Guest Picks: Crushing on Orange
Tangerine Tango: 4 Ways to Use Pantone's Color of the Year
Color Combos: Khaki and Tangerine
Let me know what you think in the Comments section while I go track down some pie — yes, pumpkin.
More:
Guest Picks: Crushing on Orange
Tangerine Tango: 4 Ways to Use Pantone's Color of the Year
Color Combos: Khaki and Tangerine
See the rest of this home