1. RED UNDERTONES PAIRED WITH AIRY BLUE AND CRISP WHITE
As primary colors, an initial thought might be that red and blue would clash, and look a bit too harsh one next to the other. However, it’s all about balancing the intensity and undertones to get a harmonious look that feels inviting. And if the unexpected red theory has anything to say about it, is that a touch of red is sure to elevate the look of any space.
2. NATURAL TONES OF PLASTER, TERRACOTTA, AND STONE
Designers’ love of all-natural terracotta, plaster and stone tones seems to be never ending, and for good reason. It doesn’t get warmer, more inviting, and more sophisticated than this. ‘I love using a combination of pink, tan, clay, terracotta, peach and stone to create a modern, yet warm and inviting living space,’ interior designer Matthew Williamson tells.
3. ORANGE AND CINNAMON
It looks as delicious as it sounds. Granted, it is a bold move to paint your walls orange, but keep it looking as natural, warm, and earthy as possible and it will instantly make your home look not only welcoming, but expensive too. Think Hermes orange and you’ll get the idea. ‘Orange will invigorate any room,’ Helen Shaw, a color expert from Benjamin Moore tells me.
4. SAGE GREEN AND HIGHLIGHTS OF BRIGHT PASTELS
Green is one of the most welcoming colors out there thanks to its connection to the natural world that will instantly create a calming atmosphere. For a welcoming scheme choose natural tones like sage green – it’s so easy to live with and there are lots of colors that go with sage green, like fresh, bright pastels.
5. WARM YELLOW AND CLASSIC NEUTRALS
Like orange, yellow might not be the first option for many of us when it comes to painting our walls. But it’s important to remember that we can start small, with accessories, and work our way up slowly, and choose colors that go with yellow to balance it and bring down any intensity that we could find a bit much.