Colour Inspiration: Orange

Continuing our colour inspiration series, this time, we’re focusing on orange!  Orange can easily be described as a fun and vibrant colour, but I don’t know if it’s necessarily everyone’s favourite. (Or even top 3!).  What about you?  Do you like orange, or are you more of a fan of a muted hue?  Maybe one of these spaces will convince you to change your tone (pun intended).  Let’s dive into some colour inspiration with orange!

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Before we begin, make sure to check out the first colour inspiration post on red here.  I’ll be sharing the rest of the rainbow colours (yellow, green, blue, purple, pink) in the next few weeks.

Orange Inspiration

Here are some orange interior pictures that caught my eye:

Starting with some orange bedrooms, on the left we have the lovely coral Ikat wallpapered space by Blaire Designs, photographed by David Hillegas.  I just love how the beds are tucked under the pitch of the roof!  On the right, a more saturated orange bedroom in the home of Kate and Mal Heppell, photographed by Nikole Ramsey.  The colour used is called Mango, and I love the equally bright bedding.

Although predominantly blue, the orange ceiling, trim and door in the bathroom by Jewel Marlowe provide a great contrast.  And speaking of blue, the built-ins and light orange wallpaper in the dining space on the right by the Rath Project really pop against the ceiling.  (PS: orange and blue go well together because they are opposite on the colour wheel!).

Let’s talk about trim!  Both of these spaces use moulding (and the colour orange), but there is a different effect.  I love the varying heights and box shapes in the sitting area at WeWork, photographed by Seth Powers.  In comparison, the thick moulding and inset wallpaper in the primary bedroom on the right by Cullman & Kravis Associates (photographed by Nick Johnson), creates a more traditional effect.

Not convinced about the colour orange yet… what about the very closely related coral?  I’d consider the two spaces above more coral-esque, a touch more pink than yellow.  I love all the colours used in the living room on the left by Anthony George Home, photographed by Marta Xochilt Perez… that sofa looks luxurious against those vibrant walls!  On the right, the colour orange is used throughout the living room by Meg Braff Designs; however, it doesn’t completely dominate the space.

Finally, two orange examples that can easily work in your home!  On the left, a fun orange accent in the corner (and up the ceiling!) by Stephanie Williams Designs.  A little bit of orange goes a long way and keeping the majority of the room white and grey makes the orange special.  In the living room on the right by Melissa Rufty, the orange walls are much more muted.  It becomes the perfect neutral in this instance!

Orange in my Space(s)

I’d always wanted a burnt orange bathroom, and I finally got the chance to paint one in our first house.

It was the first room we renovated and we paired the space with beige tiles and white accents.  You can see the before tour here, and the full after here.  There are a few things I would have done differently now (including painting the walls a more neutral colour before we sold).  But I didn’t ever get tired of the bold colour :)

In fact, I used the same paint in a few spots at our rental renovation.  Most notably, the inside of the main door!  It’s such a fun pop of colour and is a great contrast against the blue-grey walls and white trim.  The upstairs is rented full-time, so hopefully the tenants like the colours I chose :)

Orange Home Products

Looking to add some orange to your space?  Here is a modified product round-up that was originally posted on my Facebook Page.  (Affiliate links used – thanks for shopping!)

1. How fun would these chairs be!?
2. This orange puzzle is too cute
3. Round placemats that could work all year
4. A cozy plaid throw
5. The most fun dutch oven
6. An orange rug that would brighten up your space
7. Definitely a fall mug
8. A spatula set to make you smile every day
9. The perfect (similar) bib to catch all the food
10. A cute storage locker
11. Honey Clementine? Yum!
12. A terra-cotta planter and saucer

Looking for more orange spaces?

• Orange Living Room Ideas
• 14 Best Shades of Orange
• 15 Gorgeous Blue and Orange Living Rooms

So… do you like orange?  And, if you don’t have any in your house… would you add some?  Paint is such an easy and low-cost way to bring in colour, but you could always start small with an accessory or two.  To me, I feel like orange has such a bright and positive vibe… you’d always be happy!

Of course, you always have the fall and/or Halloween to add some orange to your life.  I do have a few Halloween posts that incorporate orange, but that doesn’t always work all year :)

Stay tuned for the next rainbow colour series post (yellow!).

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