First of all, I admit that I thought in an interior over an orange green color combination. Even with my affinity to the color, I was at a loss about how they could be paired well together. But then I spoke to designers, and the overwhelming opinion they shared was that it was an obvious choice, it only requires a little care.
“In the language of the interiors, color is more than decoration-das storytelling,” says Rachel Blindauer, interior designer in St. Louis. “Orange and green, at first glance it may seem unlikely, too bright or brave. But under the right conditions you can create some of the most dynamic and joyful rooms that you can imagine.”
Orange and green are often found side by side in nature: Think of juicy citrus fruits next to lush leaves, autumn leaves or a summer sunset that melts into the tree seesaw. In fact, orange is a natural fit when it comes to the colors with a green climb – and the result can feel surprisingly, fresh and invigorating.
Rachel Blindauer has been an interior design for over 15 years. She visited the School of Art Institute in Chicago, acquired a bachelor's degree in interior design and product design at Kansas State University and continued her studies at the Academy of Art University and the architecture of architecture in London.
So how can you work an orange -green color combination? First, it is the key to create a feeling of balance. Green calms down by nature, combined with growth and renewal. Orange, on the other hand, brings warmth, optimism and an indication of playful energy. “Together they create a dialogue that feels both alive and organic – if you hit the right tone,” explains Rachel Blindauer.
A female green wall with rust-colored pillows or a velvet olive sofa, which is layered against a background of warm, subdued orange curtains, they are examples of schemes that feel layered, lived and sophisticated.
In any case, “The undertones are important,” says Rachel, adding that “steamed, earthy versions of both colors can live more easily than their brightest, saturated cousins.”
But that doesn't mean that they have to shy away from these energetic colors. It's all about knowing your space and aesthetics you want to create. To make the jump, you will find three orange and green color combinations approved by designers below to inspire them.
1. Olive green and terracottaorange
The orange of the terracotta floors is accentuated by the liveliness of the olive grass in this space. Give an overlooked area like a closet to life.
(Photo credit: Design: Maye)
The first (and my favorite) orange and green color combination is a lively olive with terracottaorange. “It is an earthy, refined pairing that feels timeless,” says Rachel.
Alykhan Velji, interior designer and director of Alykhan Velji, in Canada, says, says: “Souped green and oranges can be used beautifully across all types of rooms, but we particularly love to introduce you to rooms in which a brave, unexpected statement can make a big influence.”
As a dining room color or even in your laundry or power room, these are all fantastic places where you can hug this living palette. It brings character and warmth to areas that are often overlooked to “do something special,” says Alykhan.
Layer this orange and green color combination with natural textures such as linen, leather or recovered wood for a minimalist approach.
Alykhan Velji has more than 15 years of experience in the design industry and is a dynamic force in the Canadian design scene. Alykhan was recently recognized as one of the top 100 design companies in Canada. He is known to infuse every project with energy, originality and a sharp eye for timeless style.
Little Greene
Olive
2. Sage green and soft apricot
The soft, sage -green feels almost like a neutral in this dining room and lets the apricot pop in the painting.
(Photo credit: Photo credit: Read McKendree. Design: Chango)
Next: sage green and apricot. This orange and green color combination is lighter, airy and perfect to create gentle energy in high -contracted areas such as winter garden, kitchen or creative studio.
The softer tones create a more peaceful environment that is easy for the eye and longs for a minimalist color palette, only for a hint of color.
Rachel recommends that this palette in colorful dining rooms are stimulated as an “orange appetite and conversation, and Green keeps the atmosphere relaxed”. However, you do not have to limit yourself to a certain room, there are many rooms in which Sage Green and apricots work well.
Try to choose an even softer apricot shadow like the Tuscany from Little Greene in order to have assigned the softness of sage green. This shade of color would fit children's rooms particularly well because “the colors can feel playful and imaginative without overstimming,” says Rachel.
Farrow & Ball
Earth green
Little Greene
Subject: Sage Green Mix
3 .. deep forest green and burned orange
The warm, cream white is the perfect backdrop for the burned orange door and forest green accents.
(Photo credit: New study)
Last but not least, we have deep green and burned orange to wrap our orange and green color combinations. This darker iteration is rich and dramatic and yet incredibly grounded when it is used thoughtfully. You are earth tones.
“Color tones such as deep forest green paired with earthy rust or black-or-or-colored colors create a cozy, inviting atmosphere,” says Alykhan. “These richer tones give a feeling of depth and sophistication, which means that the room feels thoughtful and deliberately warm.”
This combination sings in moody dining rooms, cozy libraries or in inspired offices from Dark-Academia. However, you can also lighten the duo by incorporating burned orange and forest green in neutral color schemes.
Graham & Brown
Arizona Sky Paint
What can be avoided with an orange and green color scheme
Green can also lean into the Teal Color family, which makes a great combination with oranges with yellow under tones.
(Photo credit: Design: SMAC Studio)
While it is clear that orange and green can work together in interiors, this does not mean that this is a pairing that does not require thorough planning, patience and practice.
“If you work with this color combination, it is important to be aware of the tones you have chosen,” says Alykhan. “Lighter pastel versions of green and orange can sometimes feel less coherent or sophisticated when they are paired together. Instead, we recommend that we are leaning into deeper, saturated colors that tend to harmonize nicely.”
The balance between darker and lighter colors creates contrast in the design, which leads to a coherent look. When choosing your preferred orange and green colors, you will find some important things that avoid designers:
- Support: “Neon versions of green and orange together can quickly feel chaotic and overwhelming,” says Rachel.
- One-to-one ratio: Instead of using both colors equally, “let one dominate and let the other play a supporting role,” says Rachel. A color can be used in large doses, such as a wall paint or carpet, and the other should be saved for strategic accent pieces.
- Ignore under tones: Cooled Greens do not always harmonize with warm oranges. Suitable under tones (warm with warm, cool with cool) ensures a coherent look.
Orange and green color combinations can work absolutely, especially if they work with cozy colors, and ensure that the colors harmonize with each other. The pairing can be energetic and lively or soft and reserved. It only depends on how you use them.
And in case of doubt: “I always suggest to weave in many neutral – creamy white, soft beige and natural textures such as rattan or light oak – to create breathing space between the brave moments of color,” says Rachel.