THE COLOR ORANGE

For some reason, I have always loved the color orange being used in interior design. It’s a great color that brings fun and happiness to a room. Orange is compatible with any room and can be used as a base color or a bright pop.

Picture: Martha Stewart

I absolutely love how beautiful this room is. Who would have thought to use orange in such a dramatic bedroom? Blue is a great color to contrast orange with because they are complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel). Without the use of orange, this bedroom would be bland and cold.

Picture: Martha Stewart

A great way to brighten up the usually boring home office is with a pop of color. Here orange is being used to give this space some life and energy. The orange storage boxes are available at IKEA in many different sizes and at a great price point:

Storage Boxes: IKEA

Vase: Alvar Aalto

Another easy way to bring in a pop of orange is with an accessory such as a vase, lamp or throw pillow. This gorgeous vase designed by Alvar Aalto definitely makes a statement. Set it in the middle of a round dining table or on a fireplace mantle. If you have a beautiful vase like this, don’t put anything in it. It stands alone as a work of art!

Throw Pillow: InMod

Toss a modern orange pillow like this on your sofa and you instantly have a brighter room. Throw pillows are a great, inexpensive way to change the look of a room. I recommend buying new throw pillows at least twice a year. You’ll love the change it brings to your home and it won’t cost you a fortune. I love going to Pier 1 Imports to look for throw pillows because they have a great selection and a great price point. Be sure to have at least one patterned pillow in the bunch and don’t be afraid to mix patterns. Here are a couple great patterned fabrics that could be used for throw pillows:

Fabric: Maharam

Fabric: Duralee

Picture: Dutchboy

I love the use of orange paint in this dining room. Paint is another really inexpensive way to change a room into something great. If you’re up to it, you can even change the paint in a room every season. However, use a bright paint color like this in moderation. This room has the perfect amount of orange, without being overpowering. If you’re absolutely in love with the color, go ahead and paint the entire room but then use neutral colors and fabrics throughout the rest of the room.

Picture: Dutchboy

This is only for the daring color lovers out there! Orange is being used as the base color for this room and it makes quite the statement. This room absolutely glows. I love the subtle pattern on the wall behind the bed.

Picture: Sherwin Williams

There are so many shades of orange to choose from that it can be used in any room and with any style of design. Have fun experimenting with orange and incorporating it into your house!