Want to make a bold statement with colour combinations that are guaranteed to work? Contrasting colours - also known as complementary colours - hold the key. These are colours that are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel and which, when used together, intensify one another.
1/4 Colour-zoned kitchen
Here, a classic green and red scheme is used to differentiate between a kitchen's cooking and dining zones, while still maintaining a strong link between them.
2/4 Bold blue-and-orange living room
Not for the faint-hearted, blue and orange make a strong statement, even when used in moderation.
Sky-blue walls and upholstery looks sharp teamed with tangerine accents but, if in doubt, use chocolate brown to tone them down and endow a similar living room with a Seventies vibe.
3/4 Vibrant purple and yellow living room
Nothing adds a burst of sunshine to a room like a piece of bold yellow seating, especially when it's set against a backdrop of soft purple.
This mimosa yellow velvet armchair is a bright and brilliant touch. Team with dark blue drapes and neutral accents to ground the look... just a little.
4/4 Traditional green-and-red decor
For a less intense look that still works the complementary colour look, try a combination of rusty red and forest green. In a traditional dining room, aged or antique wooden furniture further softens the style.
-
‘Städdag’ is the Swedish cleaning method I’ve been using to clean my home for months — this is why I’ll never clean any other wayThe Scandinavians (and now me) swear by it
-
Dunelm has just launched a heatwave-busting bed sheet that's only £9 – it will help eliminate hot and sweaty nights during the heatwaveToo hot and sweaty at night? Your bed sheets could be the problem, and Dunelm has a solution
-
The one-year decluttering method is the key to clearing garden clutter this bank holiday – experts say it’s one of the simplest approachesBanish garden clutter with this simple and effective method
