Color Combos That are Dating Your Space + Duos We Love Right Now
Check out these color palettes that may be dating your digs and find out the latest hues paint experts recommend using to refresh your space.
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With a new "it" color every season, it's easy for even our most style-savvy readers to fall into a self-inflicted trap of doomed, dated color schemes in their home. One year we’re gushing over mint and coral, the next we’re dying to add some serene upward blue and peach fuzz into our lives.
Having a hard time keeping track of the “in” and “out” hues for your home? We've rounded up the color combinations you need to update (or, better yet, donate) pronto, plus of-the-moment color pairings to replace them with.
In order to get a pulse on the latest color trends, we consulted the pros. Read on to get the inside scoop from Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, and Patrick O’Donnell, global brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, and learn their top color recommendations for the year.
Retire: Turquoise + Chocolate Brown
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/blogs/fullset/Maria/Original-Dated-Color-Combos_Brown-Turquoise.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1498004764479.jpeg)
Turquoise is a punchy hue that doesn’t pick favorites, it plays well with all its fellow colors. That said, even the most versatile colors can become oversaturated. Case in point? Turquoise and chocolate brown. While this pairing appears natural in southwestern-inspired designs, it may feel dated in a traditional or contemporary home.
Try: Light Blue + Brown
![This home is in a lovely neighborhood. The family was looking for a complete renovation of their first floor. The kitchen specifically has an oversized white oak island and a beautiful blue by Farrow & Ball for the cabinetry. Dunes and Duchess table, soft gold hardware, Urban Electric lighting, Marble slab back splash with subtle veining and an immense amount of storage.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/6/11/0/DOTY24_Kitchen-Dining_Moss-Design_Southport-Chic-7.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.862.85.suffix/1718129193087.jpeg)
Jane Beiles
Pair a soft, airy blue with a mid-tone brown to revitalize your interiors. This of-the-moment color combination may make your parting ways with turquoise and chocolate a little easier. “A pairing that is gaining popularity is light blue and brown, specifically through furniture and wooden accents, which creates a coastal-chic vibe that is on trend currently and is one of the reasons why we chose Upward SW 6239, a light and breezy blue, as our Color of the Year, which perfectly showcases this trend!” shares Wadden. And the best part? Light blue and brown is a fresh and inviting duo easily adapted to rustic and refined interiors.
Retire: Coral + Mint
![Small White Dormitory Bedroom Featuring A Bed With Storage](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/blogs/fullset/Maria/Original-Dated-Color-Combos_Mint-Coral.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1498004775113.jpeg)
Coral and mint were the go-to color pairing for adding punchy Palm Beach style to your house. The cheery color combination saturated teen rooms, dorms and bachelorette pads aplenty. And while the lively duet burned bright during its heyday, we find it feels a bit lackluster a decade later.
Try: Blue + Green
![The style of the house is a true 1920's Storybook House which lends itself to being whimsical. Designer, Rhonda Everts took her inspiration from the fairytale architecture and incorporated lots of color and architectural details that are current yet classic. Blue and green is the homeowner’s favorite color combo and it is showcased in unique ways in the various rooms in the home. In the bedroom the blues and greens bring an engaging pattern play that feels light and bright with a clean white backdrop in the bed linens, ceiling and with lots of natural light through the picturesque window seat. The color palette and design details continue into the primary bathroom that enchants with details like the scalloped edges on the custom millwork and mirrors, that adds to the allure of the patterns in the trellis wallpaper and floral fabric on the vanity chair and roman shade window treatments. The living room offers a joyful introduction to the home with glossy green built-in cabinets that offer a compelling backdrop to bold patterned pink fabrics. The myriad of trims and welts add to the luxe and layered look of the space that is designed to bring a smile. A small barrel chinoiserie chair that the homeowner inherited from her mother is raspberry red and inspired the accent colors in the sunroom, and into the bright white kitchen that pops with colorful pendants and boldly patterned window treatments. Bold color with a classic preppy playfulness is in every space, from the outdoor terrace to the wallpapered laundry room. The result is a whimsical storybook of a home!](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/6/12/4/DOTY24_Color-Pattern_R-Everts-Interiors_1920s-Storybook-Home-09.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1718218707646.jpeg)
Greg Premru, Styling by Karin Lidbeck
Blue and green are having a moment and we're smitten with this trendy analogous pairing as it can be toned down and dialed up to suit your taste.
“The old saying goes, ‘Blue and green should never be seen’ — what nonsense! Blue and green pairings can be wonderful bedfellows, but they work best when of a similar 'weight.’” says O’Donnell. “A mid-to-dark green like Calke Green looks lovely when mixed with trim work in Cook's Blue — fresh and vibrant.”
If mid-to-dark tone colors feel like too big of a departure from your beloved coral and mint, fret not. Follow O’Donnell’s recommendations and update your preppy pad with a light-and-bright blue and green of equal weight to achieve similarly sprightly results.
Retire: Black + Hot Pink
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/blogs/fullset/Maria/Original-Dated-Color-Combos_Black-Pink.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1498004782660.jpeg)
Ah, hot pink and black. This once-haute combo reigned supreme during the early 2000s and was often accompanied by a slew of zebra-print textiles and silvery sequins. While we still appreciate the edgy fun this duo brings to a room, it feels a bit behind the times when it comes to on-trend designs.
Try: Black + White
![Neutral Bedroom With Midcentury Modern Chandelier Bedroom With Wood Bed and Bench](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2023/7/19/1/DOTY23_Dramatic-Before-and-Afters_Eclectic-Cottage-15.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1689786696231.jpeg)
Matti Gresham Photography
Put your pink days behind you and achieve a fresh, high-contrast look that will stand the test of time with this tried-and-true duo: black and white.
“One color pairing that will never go out of style is the classic combination of black and white,” shares Wadden. “I especially love recommending this color pairing to homeowners because by just adding hints of a true-black paint color like Tricorn Black SW 6258 in small doses like trims, they can completely transform an all-white space from bland and basic to bold and trendy.”
Also noteworthy? The head-turning color combo works with all design styles, feels at home in any room in your house and pairs well with — quite literally — every accent color imaginable.
Retire: Bubblegum Pink + Lime Green
![Pink and green bedroom with white bedding.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/blogs/fullset/Maria/Original-Dated-Color-Combos_Lime-Bubblegum-Pink.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.436.85.suffix/1498004804425.jpeg)
Once upon a time, pink and purple was the go-to color scheme for tween bedrooms. That was around 1995. Fast forward 10 years and bright, bubblegum pink and lime green were the way to go. These days, this zippy duet feels nostalgic but dated compared to the current pink color combination trends. Bringing us to our next suggestion.
Try: Ballet Pink + Soft Denim Blue
![From the start, the homeowners of this 1930s Tudor had a colorful vision for the renovation of their home. Located in East Atlanta Village, the home had an abundance of original character and charm but was in great need of updates to both the design and function. The homeowners are a creative couple who love antiques and quirky collectables, and it was their grandmother’s fine china collection that provided the inspiration for the overall aesthetic and color palette. The scope of this renovation included the kitchen, mudroom, breakfast nook, living room, bar, powder bath and primary bathroom. Care was taken to incorporate bold colors, patterns, specialty detail and historic elements in a thoughtful way that would pay homage to the original home and celebrate the homeowners’ eclectic style. The galley kitchen provided the function and efficiency they desired, and so the configuration was kept. The dishrack over the sink, a common element from the 1930s, was designed to display the client’s large collection of depression era glass and antique china. The floral cutouts on the cabinet doors and refrigerator panels are also a nod to the 1930s age of the home. The cabinetry in the butler’s pantry and the mudroom were dressed up with a scallop motif, which ties into the brass scalloped hood in the kitchen. The breakfast nook boasts a bold floral dinosaur wallpaper, exemplifying the unique color schemes and patterns throughout the home. The custom mosaic floor tiles, also typical of 1930s homes, were another element that took thoughtful teamwork to execute. The 2” hexagon mosaic tile pattern in the kitchen, mudroom, and butler’s pantry was digitally mocked up ahead of time and hand laid on site. The wall tile pattern in the primary bathroom was meticulously designed and installed. Symmetry and precision are of utmost importance with a pattern like that and the results speak for themselves. The bright pops of color and pattern continue in the living room. Carrying over the pink hues from the kitchen, the walls and brick fireplace surround were painted in shades of pink complemented by light blue trim and crown molding. Though small in space, the powder room packs a punch in terms of design. The colorful “Dinosauria” wallpaper is complemented by Tiffany-style lighting over the sink and grounded with a square mosaic tile floor. This home renovation is truly like no other. It was clear from the beginning that the homeowners had a unique vision for their home, and it was a careful and thoughtful process to execute that. The final result - with so much color and very little white or neutrals tones - gives the entire house a unique, fun, and cheery aesthetic. You can’t help but smile and feel happy in this home.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/6/12/4/DOTY24_Color-Pattern_Copper-Sky-Design_1930s-Tudor-Home-05.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1718218699808.jpeg)
Rustic White Interiors by Robert Peterson
If you unapologetically plastered your tween bedroom walls with pink and lime posies, this color pairing is the perfect update for you. Mid-tone ballet pink and soft denim blue is the ultimate contemporary upgrade that offers the same whimsical, Barbie-adjacent energy to a room without the electric lime shade overpowering the space.
Retire: Fifty Shades of Gray
![Selznick Gray Amy Howard Selznick Gray chalk paint.](http://diy.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/diy/fullset/2017/10/30/1/CI_AmyHoward-SelznickGray-Swatch.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.581.581.85.suffix/1509376430550.jpeg)
Amy Howard
Can you really say you lived between 2015 and 2022 if you never painted a single wall or thrifted furniture some trendy shade of gray? No, no, you cannot. Even the best of us fell under the spell of Agreeable Gray during those years, and now we’re waking up from our collective trance and moving on to warmer hues that just so happen to promote sunnier dispositions.
Try: Warm + Airy Neutrals
![Daniels Park Road, Sedalia, CO Lindye Galloway transformed this 13,500 sq/ft Sedalia, CO residence (just south of Denver) into a French-inspired chateau by weaving in modern luxuries while preserving the estate’s original crown molding, beams, and fireplaces. It was very important to the client and Lindye to capture the countryside living and connection to the land while also creating an inviting yet stately atmosphere. The property sits on a vast 35 acres and includes a 36,000 sq/ft working equestrian facility.](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/6/17/1/DOTY24_Countryside-Escapes_Lindye-Galloway_CO-French-Chateau-11.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.862.85.suffix/1718645531474.jpeg)
Mike Van Tassell
Defrost your walls and set the tone for coziness throughout your casa with soft and airy neutrals. Shades of cream, ivory, almond, mushroom, olive and beige make easy work of reviving gray-washed interiors and breathe new life into homes. The airy, barely-there hues are ideal starting points for a monochromatic color palette and are equally striking when paired with deeper jewel tones within a space.
Retire: Red, White + Black
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What’s black, white and red all over? Stylish spaces and wedding decor alike, circa the year 2004. Like trusty turquoise and brown, this color palette exemplifies that even the most classic or versatile color scheme can be played out with overuse. We appreciate this triad, but 20 years later we're gravitating toward a moodier mix.
Try: Burgundy + Navy
![Navy Blue Victorian Dining Room With Tall Sideboard and Mid-Century Chairs Victorian dining room with blue walls, red rug, and mid-century chairs](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2023/7/13/1/DOTY2023_Color-Pattern_Moody-Maximalist-08.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.85.suffix/1689271598035.jpeg)
Avery Nicole Photography
Bid adieu to the stark contrast of red, white and black, and welcome this equally dramatic update to your design plans with open arms. Rich burgundy and navy are a low-contrast, high-impact color combination that ushers elegance and allure into your bedroom, den or study. The deep jewel tones play off each other, creating a glamorous cocoon within your walls that’s easily enhanced with metallic accessories or soft ivory touches.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to put your paint roller to work overhead. Maximize the moodiness in your burgundy and navy boudoir by coating the ceiling in the same hue as the walls to achieve that jewel box effect.
How to Select a Color Palette
Feeling a bit stuck on how to choose the best color palette for your space? We have some helpful methods to help you get started. Read on for our top tips and tricks on how to distribute colors throughout a room, the psychology of color and balancing undertones in a space.
The Psychology of Color
If you’re unsure how you want a room to look, start your design process by asking yourself how you want that room to feel. Use that emotion as your guiding light when selecting the hues for your space. Each color uniquely impacts your psyche, making it an invaluable tool for cultivating a space that aids you in your goals.
Seeking to transform your bedroom into a peaceful getaway to end each day? Bring on the blue. Red hues are harbingers of motivation and passion, making them a standout option for workspaces, while shades of green grant you a sense of calm and connection ideal for kitchens and living spaces.
Cheery yellow and energetic orange are fitting options for kids’ rooms, while purple tones give off a dramatic, regal appeal that’s quick to elevate any space.
Neutral tones are impactful, too. White creates a crisp, energizing environment that feels inherently positive, and its inky counterpart, black, infuses designs with moodiness and refinement. Cozy brown tones cultivate a feeling of stability and groundedness within a room.
The 60-30-10 Rule
The 60-30-10 method is a fail-proof way to create visual balance (and give the impression of design know-how) in your home. The rule is simple yet effective and doesn’t require you to reach into your pockets to reap results.
First, you select three colors and choose one to be your dominant shade. Cover 60% of the space with this hue to set the tone for the rest of the design. Our advice? Use this color to coat your walls and ceiling, plus one focal point furniture piece like a sofa or bed frame.
Your secondary hue accounts for 30% of the space, which is easily achieved with items like area rugs and armchairs. The final color serves as your accent shade and accounts for 10% of the room by way of upholstery trim, book covers, vases, toss pillows or bookcase tchotchkes.
Monochromatic vs. Contrasting Color Palettes
A monochromatic palette features shades and tones derived from a single base color. The key to achieving a seamless monochromatic palette is ensuring all variations of your selected base color contain the same undertones to ensure continuity throughout the space. Monochromatic palettes are design mainstays, and when well-executed, they aid you in creating a soft, polished environment with minimal effort.
You can create a monochrome palette with vibrant or neutral base colors, but each option yields a different result. A monochromatic red room, though lacking contrast, will feel inherently energetic and bold. But, a monochromatic beige palette will have the opposite effect, yielding a calming, earthy feeling within the space.
Contrasting color palettes use complementary color pairings to yield high-impact yet visually balanced results in a design. Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel and include one primary color and one secondary color.
Create a high-contrast color scheme for your home using traditional complementary colors: red and green, yellow and purple or blue and orange. Other complementary pairs include pink and green or navy and orange.
Basics of The Color Wheel
Learn about primary, secondary and tertiary colors, plus how to choose a monochrome, complementary or analogous color scheme.
How to Balance Cool + Warm Tones
Never underestimate the importance of balancing warm and cool tones in your space. A room outfitted entirely in warm tones tends to feel stuffy and overbearing, while an exclusively cool-toned palette may leave your space feeling sterile and uninviting.
To avoid the extreme in either direction, we suggest first taking stock of your color palette and determining the undertones at play with your base colors. From there, employ accent finishes with a contrasting undertone throughout the space to achieve a well-balanced design.
One of the easiest methods for balancing warm and cool tones within a design is using contrasting metal hardware and light fixtures. Forgo gold and brass metals in your otherwise fiery family room and instead use polished nickel to tame the flames and add shine to the design. Skip the chrome in your white-on-white kitchen and usher richness and warmth into the space with unlacquered brass or copper fixtures.
And, if switching out your hardware feels like a chore — you’re in luck. Upholstered accessories, window treatments and artwork are fantastic tools to weave contrasting undertones into your space without breaking the bank.
How to Match Existing Paint Colors
Whether you're trying to find paint to match an existing wall color or pull your inspiration color from an upholstered sofa, family heirloom or your favorite flower, here's how you can get that perfect color match in a can of paint.