The Lowdown in Poppy against an Ocean blue wall.

Seven unexpected color combos

November 05, 2024

When decorating our homes, we often stick with safe color combinations that we've seen before.

But if you're feeling bold and want to add a unique touch of personality to your home, why not try something a little unexpected? It's your space after all, and these combos really make it your own!

From Navy and Lilac to Poppy and Ocean, here are seven unexpected color combinations that you might not have thought of but that surprisingly, totally work!

Mustard + Navy

There's a reason why Mustard and Navy look so good together… they are complementary colors! Our warm, spicy Mustard is the perfect accent color to add a playful touch to a navy-dominated, deep blue space. It's somewhat classic, playing on the strong primary colors, but also a little out of the blue (sorry!) and definitely fun.

The Midi in Mustard image by @plantstodo

The Collector in Navy + The Midi in Mustard by Mustard Made | Ripple Cup by Sophie Lou Jacobsen | Blue Stripe Artwork by The Poster Club

Navy + Lilac

Mysterious and moody, yet elegant and modern, we think Lilac and Navy are a match made in heaven. The contrast between Lilac's soft, dreamy pastel and the dark sophistication of Navy really brings the element of surprise. Lilac is totally on trend and will instantly update and refresh a room, which makes it a perfect pairing with Navy – a classic and timeless color that never goes out of style.

The Mixer in Lilac + The Midi in Navy by Mustard Made | Portable Lamp by MoMa Design Store | Palm Plate by Jones&Co | Candle Holder by GIGI&TOM | Tassel Throw by KIP&CO

Poppy + Ocean

How striking does Poppy look next to Ocean?! This unexpected duo is bright, bold and sure to bring a bucket full of energy to a space. Red will always be a showstopper, so pairing her with something more subtle lets you play with color without overpowering your space. Mixing a soft pastel tone like Ocean with strong, confident Poppy may not be the obvious choice, but somehow it just works!

The Collector in Ocean + The Lowdown in Poppy by Mustard Made | Tablecloth by Hommey | Salt & Pepper Mills by Addison Ross | Per Favore Plate by In The Roundhouse | Cordless Table Lamp by houseof.

Olive + Berry

Pink and green are totally a thing, another complementary pairing on the color wheel. We're really into this one! Olive is an earthy, soothing shade, but when you throw Berry into the mix, she really brings the sizzle (in a good way!) We love to lean in to the pink and green palette by layering it up with some Blush and Sage too!

The Twinny in Berry, The Shorty in Olive, The Midi in Olive, The Ledge Small in Berry + Olive by Mustard Made | Vase by UAU Project | Dessert Plate by Anthropologie | Ruby Artwork by The Poster Club

Mustard + Lilac

The combination of Mustard and Lilac sure packs a punch! They look oh-so-cool next to one another and give off a quirky, sunny vibe. The mix of the retro Mustard clashing with the freshness of the Lilac is unexpectedly energising. We love seeing spaces that truly reflect their owner, and this is a look that says playful and positive. We're here for it!

The Collector in Mustard, The Standard in Lilac and The Ledge Large in Mustard by Mustard Made | Margarita Glass by KIP&CO | Glass Vase by KAS | Artwork by Food For Everyone | Book by Bed Threads

Blush + Poppy

Say hello to the ultimate power couple! Don't save it for Valentine's Day, pink and red will always look good together. These shades sit side by side on the color wheel, creating harmony, but the punchiness of Poppy brings a pop of unexpected passion! Gentle Blush and vibrant Poppy make a showstopping balancing act. Try giving this combo a go with soft pink walls and a Poppy locker. We guarantee it will have Instagram dropping heart emojis all over it!

The Kit in Poppy, The Skinny in Berry, Blush + Poppy, The Twinny in Blush by Mustard Made | Candy Vase by KAS | Striped Candles by FAZEEK | Table Lamp by CULT

Lilac + Olive

When it comes to unique color combinations for your home interiors, one pair we can't get enough of is Olive and Lilac. Looking to level-up from neutrals, but don't want to go too bold? This might just be the duo for you. Olive brings the nature vibes with its grounded green, while Lilac gives the deep tones a lift and creates a personality-packed juxtaposition! This palette works just as well in a cute kids room as it does in a grown-up space. Together it's a surprisingly calming combo.

The Lowdown in Lilac + The Twinny in Olive image by @madly_maximalist

The Kit in Olive, The Lowdown in Lilac, The Twinny in Olive, The Standard in Lilac by Mustard Made | Green Plate by Bonnie & Neil | Two Tone Pitcher by FAZEEK | Stripe Cushion by Lilly & Lolly