Here's proof that opposites DO attract.
If you graduated beyond the blue-and-white palette long ago and are ready for the next crop of bold, fabulous, and truly inspiring color pairings, get excited: We rounded up our favorite unexpected color combinations—are you brave enough to take the plunge? Once you see the polished and balanced design spaces below, you'll feel well-equipped to start experimenting. Some are wild while others are a bit tamer, but all represent a mastery of color theory 101. Discover the best color combination for your own space below.
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Chocolate brown and blue is always a win, but this foyer designed by Elizabeth Roberts is making it look even better than usual.
White and yellow can be almost too cheerful—this cream and marigold combination is softer and a little more mellow as a result, though it still boasts that signature energy you'd expect from a yellow backdrop.
Dark blue wallpaper, black lacquer moldings, and a moody buffet bring depth and texture to the Miles Redd-designed room while the white marble table and lime green upholstered dining chairs ensure levity.
This eclectic contemporary living room is understated and visually soothing, but if you take a closer look, there are plenty of bold style statements. Part of this is thanks to the neutral yet unique color scheme.
Birgette Pearce designed a hidden pantry to keep stored items discrete behind inky sliding doors with textured glass—but once open, the pocket doors reveal a bright red surprise.
A custom turquoise velvet banquette in this contemporary California dining nook designed by Studio Shamshiri is just the right dose color.
Melanie Turner makes a strong case for monochromatic decorating with this soothing green sitting room. The brass accents, burled wood table, and brown marble fireplace facade spice things up.
The velvet-covered banquette serves as plush seating at the dining table, draped in purple burlap from Elegant Fabrics. Designer David Kaihoi's three-year-old daughter sits in the red Tripp Trapp high chair by Stokke in the New York City apartment.
Designed by Jae Joo, this timeless living room is both peaceful and inspiring, perfect for unwinding, socializing, studying, or more. Bubblegum pink arm chairs with a wood frame are a breath of fresh air and the greige walls add more intrigue and sophistication than a simple bright white color would.
The tight prints and splashes of red help marry the playful yellow and turquoise lacquer paints in this wide-open landing that Kati Curtis transformed into a jewel box of a reading nook.
To bring a feeling of nature into a New York living room, designer Fawn Galli used a custom minty green: "I don't think a color should be too saturated or strong on a wall." Pal + Smith chairs upholstered in Safari by Manuel Canovas, a Paley sofa from Profiles, a Fiona Curran Palette carpet for the Rug Company, and a painting by Anne Siems give the room "a sense of storybook fantasy."
Army green and burnt orange are great for anyone who is typically color averse but wants to experiment a bit with less neutral tones.
If you have a little alcove on your porch or a built-in cabana on a pool deck, make it cozy and outdoor-friendly with the right mix of materials. John Houshman added cushions and a rug to soften things up.
A super warm, almost golden material like rattan will balance out a cooler sage and aqua color combination. It's perfect for a tropical location—or anywhere you want to channel a vacation vibe. Add some brass for good measure, as Pheobe Howard did here.
A different shade of red and an extra dose of gold give the above color combination a different spin that we love equally as much. Some warmer neutrals and a contrasting statement bolster pillow upholstered in dusty blue balance it all out.
Black and cream calm pieces down the various shades of pink in this great room designed by Bruce Fox. The lighting casts a golden glow over the whole room.
Give yourself something inspiring to look up at when you're getting ready to dream during a nap or while you ponder your reading material. to look at Artist Rajiv Surendra embellished the black chalkboard paint walls and ceiling in this Montreal writing room to mimic elaborate moldings. It feels fresh and modern, but also classic.
A classic wall mural gets a burst of contemporary energy with deep pink lampshades and a pinstriped sofa in this sitting room corner designed by Miles Redd.
Cherry red walls with a high-gloss finish and brass accents bring maximum luxury to this tea room designed by Marie Flanigan for House Beautiful's Whole Home in Denver. It's perfect for a much-needed quiet moment for one.
Designer Celerie Kemble let her daughter pick the color scheme for this room in their Manhattan apartment. The orange cream walls paired with the deep teal carpeting and accents breeds a lively atmosphere.
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