How To Paint With The Color Orange Without Going Overboard

Color is a part of everything we do. It grabs our attention and impacts our perception of the world around us. When it comes to designing our homes, we can't help but gravitate towards colors that stimulate our senses. Each color conveys a different meaning and evokes a powerful feeling. Think about how seeing bright yellow instantly boosts your mood. Or how you might feel relaxed and at peace when seeing an earthy green hue. In particular, orange is a unique, warm tone that is showing up in more and more spaces. Whether you're a fan or a tad skeptical about orange in your home, there are lots of practical and beautiful ways the shade can be used.

It is true that an abundance of orange can feel overwhelming, but that doesn't mean the color should only be used sparingly. Orange can serve as a subtle accent that brings a touch of naturalism or can cover an entire wall for visual appeal. The trick is to take note of orange and the many forms it is available in. 

Variations of orange range from darker rustic cider to a vivid tangerine. Selecting a grounded hue such as burnt orange feels fresh and organic rather than overbearing and suffocating. Even terracotta is a part of the desert color palette that will take over 2026 trends. With so many choices, there are countless tasteful ways to use orange that highlight the color's functionality. 

Soothing colors that we see outdoors can create an equally comforting presence inside the home. Burnt orange is the perfect example as it replicates the magnificence of an emerging sunset and softens it to be easy on the eyes. It feels revitalizing in a way that is approachable and digestible due to its unmatched warmth. The under appreciated interior design color is finally having its trendy moment, proving that orange doesn't need to be harsh and can instead look sophisticated and rich in any space. Its stylish qualities are evident when used on furniture or as subtle decor. When using a variation of orange on walls, remember to reserve the color to a single accent wall and pair it with coordinating hues throughout the room. This way, the orange tone can shine without drenching the space.  

Much like burnt orange, classic terracotta makes a tasteful statement. And you don't need to invest in a terracotta tile installation to bring the color's old world charm to your home. Jeremiah Brent considers terracotta to be the perfect color inspo for a beautiful accent wall. It combines the cozy elements of a rustic atmosphere with the chic and exotic inspirations of European and Mediterranean masterpieces. Terracotta touts a fired clay color that looks textural and adds dimension, feeling complex but still earnest to create a homey ambiance.