Taking us right back to the 60s and 70s, beachy and vibrant hues of orange are hot in interior décor and fashion alike. As more people take on this bright, playful shade, we see endless contemporary designs, both soft and neutral.
Surprisingly versatile, shades of orange play extremely well when set against turquoise, grey, indigo, teal, lemon yellow, marsala, etc. The options are unlimited.
Accents like pendant lights, armchairs, ottomans, candles, and faux orange trees bring a bright element to the premises while filling any void in the space.
Here are 7 quirky ideas to use orange to accent interior décor.
7 Ideas to Use Orange as Accent in Interior Décor
Regardless of the aesthetic, orange can play along pretty well as a part of a grander color scheme for a spirited and elevating style.
1. Orange wall arts
Whether you like the classic, abstract, or archival, bring in your favorite art to brighten up a space with flecks of orange. Then, depending on the color tone of the space, you can pick the right orange shade to go with it.
For example, orange shades pair beautifully with woody neutrals and blue tones. Look for colors directly opposite to orange in the color wheel. You’ll possibly find some of the most timeless color combinations.
Also, adding museum-quality canvas paintings to interior décor is an excellent idea as it’s unlikely to sag or warp over time.
2. Orange against muted backdrops
Blending orange as an accent color against muted and neutral backdrops creates an amazing relaxing meld. But only with the right shade.
Take your cues from shades like hunter’s orange, matte cayenne, apricot, bittersweet, and sunset orange that sing when combined with muted shades of teal, blue, green, white, and brown. It’s perfect to create a comfy, welcoming evening shade that bridges the spectrum between different tones and textures.
You can also mix burnt orange with flat or matted greens to set up a brilliant color scheme. Then, accentuate it with rich dressers, table lamps, or pillow piles.
3. Pop of orange across the cabin/office in furnishings
Let’s say you’d like to maintain the abundant neutral palette of your cabin or office. In that case, sprinkling some orange in the form of little accents can go a long way in uplifting the liveliness of the space.
Grey, brown walls and couches will welcome tangerine cushions, throws, cube ottomans in the most wonderful way. These tiny furnishings bring along with them both contemporary style and color.
If you’re working with whites, even better! Add a dash of orange to the counters with some shallow yellow lighting for a perfectly complemented look without too much fuss.
4. Contemporary look with orange accent chair, pendant lights
Orange shades with brown undertones like spice, squash, burnt orange create an earthy palette, while shades with red and yellow undertones offer a brighter and livelier look.
Combine grey with brown undertone orange colors for a perfect mix of cool and warm tones.
For example, add an orange velvet accent chair to give a pop of color to slate grey walls or any other neutral background. On the flip side, you can also interchange the colors to stabilize a space with orange-shaded walls.
Or, to create a retro aesthetic, combine some beige, teal, turquoise, or aqua with shades of marmalade. Pendant lights in copper, sandstone finished items work brilliantly well in these shades.
5. Mix’ n match orange drapery in blinds, throw pillows, rugs
Once you’ve decided on the color scheme, choose the right furnishings for a coherent and warm statement in your office or cabin.
One of the best ways to switch the look of a space is by adding blinds or curtains. Orange spice curtains work perfectly to warm up spaces for winters. Or look for an earthy-toned area rug that complements both neutral and bright shades. That way, you can easily shift the color scheme of the space by making changes in small accents.
Use rich silk drapery, russet accessories, throws, coral seats, pillar candles, statement armchairs for the perfect punch of color.
6. Bold orange foyer, pairing with soft neutrals
Orange has many moods. Its two basic tones, red and yellow, are very different elements. While red adds a fiery, energetic vibe, yellow works best for warmth. So, understand the hue which suits your office space the best.
When using orange for public spaces or living areas, orange works best as the secondary or softer shade. Alternatively, use bold orange against absolute neutral shades like white or grey.
Using orange for a foyer is an option only when you’re up for some audacious color combination. Blend some bold orange with turquoise in sitting areas for a superb eclectic, dynamic design.
7. Faux orange trees
Citrus motifs, outdoor trees, and fruity imagery certainly have a lot to contribute to living spaces. Orange trees are fun and poppy and work brilliantly with neutral and tonal palettes.
If having a real citrus plant is too much of a job for you, go for the decorative faux citrus trees. When strategically placed, these fake orange trees or lemon trees fill the space with a summertime burst of color. They look splendid in front porches, kitchen countertops, or to brighten up any bald corner in the space.
Do not overdo trees or plants in any corner. Instead, keep it real by working faux trees as standalone décor pieces. By nature, citrus plants are lush, so keep them free from clutter.
So…
When using orange in décor, balance is key. While its shades work really well in driving away monotony and creating a captivating aesthetic, there’s always the chance of it taking over the primary color. This is common when using stronger shades of orange.
So, before deciding on orange (especially if you have color commitment issues), test the waters by adding some flecks of orange in chairs, couches, cushions across the space instead of painting it all. This trick works for most.
