Buzz
Image: Imaginima/Getty ImagesWhether you're updating your space with a fresh coat of paint, wallpaper, or undertaking a full remodel, one of the key factors to focus on is the color scheme. Whatever vibe you're aiming for, the colors you choose are pivotal.
Colors provide an excellent opportunity to experiment with bold design choices. However, certain color combinations simply clash, resulting in a space that feels unbalanced or awkward. Here are five color combos that interior designers suggest you steer clear of.
Red + Green
Marina Hanisch from Access to Design at the New York Design Center cautions against pairing primary colors like red and green. These intense, vivid hues tend to clash, creating a sense of imbalance and making the environment feel chaotic. For a more harmonious appearance, she suggests letting one color dominate while using gentler shades to balance and ground the overall palette.
Colleen Bute Bennett of CBB Design Firm shares a similar perspective. She notes that this combination often evokes thoughts of Christmas, which can make it challenging to dissociate it from a festive vibe, even when used in other contexts. The seasonal association is hard to shake when these two colors are paired together.
Red + Orange
If you're someone who loves bold colors, you may be tempted to try red and orange. However, Darrell Gardner, director of product development at Cort Furniture, warns that this combination can be overwhelming. While each color is vibrant and striking on its own, together they create a space that feels more chaotic than calming. The goal should be to create a space that energizes you, not one that feels like an intense color race.
To achieve a well-balanced space, consider selecting one bold color and pairing it with a neutral tone.
Brown + Gray
Although both of these shades are considered neutrals, they don't always complement each other. Carolyn Cerminara, the founder and principal designer of Cerminara Design, explains that brown and gray can appear lackluster if not thoughtfully combined. “When paired without a splash of color or texture, the result can be a lifeless space," she says. "I always suggest adding texture or a contrasting accent color to inject vibrancy and warmth into the room.”
Bennett further notes that these neutrals each have distinct undertones. “Gray tends to be cool, whereas brown is warm," she observes. "When used together, they can create an uneven or disjointed look if not carefully considered.”
Purple + Yellow
Although purple and yellow are technically opposite on the color wheel, they often clash when paired together. “Personally, I’m not a fan of purple and try to avoid it at all costs,” admits Cerminara.
If you do enjoy these two colors side by side, the designer recommends softening one of the hues or using them as accent tones rather than dominant shades.
Bright Pink + Bright Green
While bright pink and bright green may evoke a Palm Beach vibe, they can be overwhelming if you live in a less tropical area. “This combination can feel overly playful and artificial, like you’ve entered a candy store, which isn’t the feel most clients want,” Cerminara shares.
That said, you can still explore these colors in different, subtler shades. “If you enjoy the idea of pink and green together, I’d suggest opting for more refined, muted tones like blush and olive," she adds. "These hues create a sense of tranquility and sophistication, instead of chaos.”
