Not too long ago, if you had asked me what my least favorite color was I would have said, without hesitation, ‘Orange’. I have a feeling I wasn’t alone in that opinion, but I’ve since changed my mind. I think orange gets a bad rap and is under appreciated and under used. I’ve grown to really love this color in all its shades, from vivid citrusy hues to deeper, richer tones. I particularly like it when its paired with blue or turquoise for a striking effect, or grey for an elegant, sophisticated look.
In children’s rooms orange is a great choice. It’s cheery, gender neutral and not too ‘babyish’. Notice how these inexpensive containers add an amazing pop of color to this space, and the solid color rug keeps the bold chair from feeling overpowering and grounds this space nicely.
I would personally be afraid to use orange with black, but this design really pulls it off.
If you’re looking for a color combo that’s cheery and a little out of the ordinary, try pairing orange with pops of pink.
As an accent color, few hues can match the impact of orange. It’s a great choice for an all white kitchen. Throw in a few blue accessories and you’ve got a winning look.
Even though this room has blues, greens and different shades or orange, it works because the saturation levels are similar, and pattern is kept to a minimum.
Looking to highlight an orange accessory? Place it in a room with a neutral color palette and watch it take center stage.
Several patterns are used in this sophisticated bedroom, but it doesn’t look too busy because the palette is muted and the patterns are of similar scale. Check out that beautiful motif on the ceiling!
This picture reminds me of Napa Valley, although I don’t think that’s were it was taken. Have you ever been there? It’s been a very long time, but it’s one of my all time favorite places in the world.
This beautiful, rust colored orange pairs so nicely with the rice floral blue fabric, making this chair fit for royalty!
I’m partial to the citrus tones of orange, how about you? Paired with green, it shines!
Not quite ready for bright orange? Go deeper, richer and perhaps more rustic and showcase your furniture with wood accents for a cozy yet sophisticated feel.
Source
This is one of my favorite rooms in this series. Love the chairs, the painting and the simple floral accents on the shelves. Notice the glass mullions in the built ins and the wood inlay on the floors?
I couldn’t find the original source for this picture, but apparently this is Tory Spelling’s son’s room.
I adore the wall design in this cheerful home office, and it wouldn’t be difficult to do even if you’re not particularly artistic.
Have you ever decorated with orange?
Sharing At
Throwback Thursday
Amy @ StowandTellU says
I helped my sister do her small kitchen, but we choose more of a rust tone with grey on the opposing walls. I have to agree with you, I think orange is under rated. I really like every room you’ve featured here. Conclusion: orange is very versitile, bright or muted, it works for me. I’ll have to earmark orange for future projects, thank you for bringing this to our attention;)
Doreen@househoneys says
You’re welcome Amy, and thank you for stopping by! Have a great weekend 🙂
Brenda Kula says
It was one of my fav colors years ago. Then it wasn’t. Now I’m coming around again!
Brenda
Samantha Angell says
Surprisingly, I actually really like all of these decorating themes- and I completely agree with you that orange is my least favorite color (usually!). Although, I did buy an orange dress the other day, so perhaps I’m coming around on it!
James oliver says
My fave color! It’s in our logo for WeMontage-that’s no accident.
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
I could handle it as an accent piece, but not have a lot of it ( I think my place is too small to handle any one bold color …I’d get tired of it ! : )
Having said that, my autumn decorations are traditional and there is a lot of orange in them, I don’t decorate early, though…I bring them out when the outdoors is echoing that color scheme and then I love the brightness of it all ….but just for that month or so.
Cecilia says
Hi Doreen! I like orange as in Autumn colors. Not sure about bright, all-over orange – I think it looks nice just not my taste! 🙂
I went to Napa Valley once. It’s such a pretty place.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs,
Cecilia
Angela says
Like you, I have never really cared for orange but I’m coming around to it too! I think it’s great for accent pieces! Love your sources…..great inspiration! Have a wonderful weekend!!~~Angela
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
I’m not an orange girl. But I really like the kitchen with the three orange bar stools and the living-room that is all blue with an orange chair. Very inspiring.
Peggy @ Decorating Files says
The last few years I’ve come to love orange. It’s such a fun color to add to a room. Excellent post, Doreen. Love your pics! 🙂
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Love this…I used to decorate with rust and navy in the late 70’s and early 80’s….things always seem to come full circle!
Denyse @ Glitter, Glue & Paint says
I went through an Orange and Brown phase a few years ago. I think it’s a great color. Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursdays.
xoxo
Denyse