When it comes to color combinations, you may ask yourself, what’s in and what’s out? Which colors can I put together? And which ones may be taboo or clash? Here are some general guidelines you can follow that can help improve the likelihood of color combination success.

Cool versus warm colors

A traditional color wheel can be a wonderful tool if you are confused about which colors blend well when placed near each other. As a general rule of thumb, colors next to each other on the wheel work well together, as do colors that are opposite each other on the wheel.

Don’t be afraid to mix colors, either by pairing warm colors with other warm hues, or by pairing cool and warm colors. Have a special outfit or garment pairing you simply love? Consider trying that same color combination in your home. Often, colors that work in fashion can easily translate into fabrics and wall colors that are attractive in the realm of home decor.

Turquoise and orange

Turquoise and orange may sound like an odd pairing, but the color combination can be quite inviting, especially for those seeking a modern, hip look.

Black, white and red

Black and white is one of the most popular color combinations in both fashion and home decor. Add a pop of red, and you have the recipe for color success. Fun, crisp and clean, this blend can be used in living spaces or in a kitchen.

Yellow and gray

Whether it is mustard, lemon yellow or chartreuse, yellow is a dynamic color, particularly when paired with cool colors such as gray. You can opt for a light gray or a deeper shade, like charcoal.

Charcoal and dark blue

In this combo, two cool colors make an electric pair. Don’t be afraid to reach for rich and bright blues to create an inviting contrast when paired with gray.

Dark blue and black

A few years back, there was a bit of a fashion controversy surrounding this particular color combination. People often asked, “Can you wear blue with black?” The answer, according to many fashion experts, is yes, and this is a color pairing that often translates well in interior design.