The Unexpected Color Combo That's Dominating Design Trends

There really isn't a color combination that you can't make work with a little creativity, but as fads and trends are leaning towards designing your home with what feels good, more and more color duos are becoming popular and even coveted. From pink and green to blue and orange, there really are no rules on what you can mix and match within your home. However, while unusual color combinations are having a big moment generally, the combo of two primary colors might have you in a tizzy. Red and yellow can create a truly unique aesthetic that is both vibrant and stylish, and there are so many themes that can work with these tones. Whether you just want to bring some bold statement shades into your rooms or you have a vintage design in mind, combining various hues in red and yellow will give your home the refresh it needs in a lasting way.

Both of these colors are rich and can be either dramatic or subdued, but they certainly bring visual interest to a room or entire home. When paired properly and in a balanced way, the duo can elevate a space unlike any other combination. Because of their place on the primary color list and due to their bold hues, this is one color combination that will transform your home's interior. And, because the eye can comprehend them more easily than other colors, it will really make a statement for guests and house members alike.

When you use yellow in your home, you're introducing elements of happiness as well as creating an energetic ambiance that permeates each room. Red is the color of passion and love, so together these colors help your decor by making it full of good vibes. If you're picturing cherry red and lemon yellow, those are not your only options. In fact, playing around with various shades of each color will give you very different designs and aesthetics. For example, for a more vintage aesthetic, opt for deep reds and pair them with golds and mustard yellows. This will create a more dramatic finish that feels cozy and inviting. If you want a villa style space, go for more bright and bold reds and yellows.

Even cottagecore or rustic themes can use this combination — just opt for more subdued versions like butter yellow and faded red. Add wood elements to help combine them. If you want a more grounded, natural palette, clay reds can work well with warm, earthy yellows, and this will result in a very unique look that gives a bohemian vibe. If you want more of a moody design, use ochre yellow and then paint furnishings or cabinets in a dark red for a spin on the gothic aesthetic. Because of the deep hues of both, you've got a dramatic palette that doesn't come off as tacky. As a creative way to incorporate red while also utilizing yellow, this trend can really cover a variety of aesthetics or themes, too.

The key to any combination is to pick one of the colors to be the base and then accent with the other. This allows you to find that ideal balance but also really allows the colors to flow. For example, choose a calming yellow paint for your walls or an accent wall, then find furnishings that feature red to bring warmth and style to the room. Add in touches of both shades in throws, pillows, rugs, curtains, and various other elements so that the space is balanced. If you've ever considered trying the DIY-fueled trend primary play, this offers a different take on it and can suit a variety of home themes.

When using red and yellow, also consider the various elements and furnishings already present in each of your spaces. For example, what natural materials do you have already? If you use a lot of warmer, darker woods in your rooms, then a warm red or yellow base will work well to create a cozy atmosphere. If you have a lot of metallic accents or furniture, use maroon and butter yellow to complement golds and coppers. For silver, try raspberry shades and mustard yellows.