6 Unexpected Color Combinations Designers Are Loving Right Now

Brushed Gold and Dark Green

Looking for bold? Go for green and gold. Designer Marissa Van Noy says she’s very drawn to this combo right now. “What I love about this pairing is that it feels both unexpected and timeless at the same time,” she says. “The texture of brushed gold picks up some of those deeper green hues in a way that creates this beautiful, layered effect. It’s rich without being heavy.”

This color combination is also a fantastic way to complement Sherwin-Williams’ 2026 Color of the Year, Universal Khaki, according to the designer. “There’s something really grounding about this combination,” she says. “It brings warmth and a little bit of glamour without feeling overly trendy or like it will date itself quickly.”

If you want a subtler way to bring this combination in, Van Noy suggests using smaller accents. “Think brushed gold lamp bases paired with green velvet pillows, or even swapping out hardware on furniture or cabinetry for brushed gold to complement green walls or textiles,” she suggests. “The key is layering the colors in a way that feels natural, not matchy-matchy. Let the textures do some of the work, and the combination will feel effortless.”

Two-Tone Color Drenching

Interior designer Sarah Scales shares an easy color combo that’s approachable for just about everyone: a light version and a dark version of the same color. “So often people are looking for a complementary color, when just taking one [hue], making it a little lighter or slightly darker, gives great depth. It’s like you’re creating a shadow,” she says.

Creamy White and Natural Walnut

One of the easiest colors to work with is a creamy white because it can complement just about any hue in any room. Interior designer Ashey Ayer says she likes to mix this hue with natural wood tones: “This combination adds an airy feel and brings in natural light,” she says. One way she suggests doing this is with paint and furniture, such as having Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee on the walls, paired with light walnut.

Ochre and Jewel Tones

Interior designer Kaitlin Smith says ochre and jewel tones are a combo she likes putting into her projects. “The warm yellowy glow looks so pretty against colors like aubergine and jade,” she says. “Something about the moody and romantic palette against the warm, earthy tone of ochre is beautiful.”

Not sure how to make this work? It’s easy, according to the designer. “Try using one of these colors on your millwork or walls and the other on your fabrics or furnishings,” she suggests.

High-Contrast Jewel Tones

Mixing up jewel tones can also add fun and sophistication, says designer Lindsey Jamison. “Lately, I’ve been especially interested in high-contrast jewel tone pairings, like emerald green with ruby red or sapphire blue with golden yellow,” she says. “These combinations work surprisingly well because they share similar saturation levels and often sit close together on the color wheel, creating harmony without feeling flat,” she explains.

“Plums and deeper purples also feel like they’re having a moment, especially when paired with warm yellow or mustard tones—a combination I expect to see more of in the year ahead,” she says.

Ombre Earth Tones

Do you like earth tones but are concerned they might look dull? Interior designer Stephanie Hunt has the perfect remedy for this—mixing earth tones to create an ombré effect. For example, she recommends a range from pale blush to dusty terracottas to merlots. “Shades of aqua blues to moodier Adriatic and dark forest greens are also clear winners when it comes to color combinations,” she says.