Burgundy is a versatile and captivating color that can transform any space, but it's often a challenge to pair with other hues. In this article, we delve into the art of decorating with burgundy, exploring the five best colors to complement this rich shade. From teal and hunter green to yellow-greens and creams, we uncover the secrets to creating harmonious and stylish interiors. Join us as we navigate the world of color theory and design, discovering how to make burgundy work all year long in your home.
Teal: A Vibrant Companion
Teal, a cool-toned blue-green, is a perfect match for burgundy. According to Jenna Randolph David, director of interiors at Grossmueller's Design, the opposite sides of the color wheel create a harmonious contrast. Teal adds a vibrant and playful touch, brightening any room with burgundy. Whether your burgundy leans towards red or blue, the color wheel is your guide to finding the perfect complement.
Hunter Green: Muted Elegance
Hunter green, a muted olive shade, creates a beautiful contrast with burgundy, as Linda Hayslett, principal designer of LH.Designs, explains. To avoid a Christmas-themed aesthetic, incorporate additional colors and patterns. Anna Brockway's apartment showcases this combination, where burgundy pillows and an ottoman complement zingy yellow-green walls. This contrast adds depth and visual interest to the space.
Yellow-Greens: Pop of Complementary Color
Angie Hranowsky, of Angie Hranowsky Studio, raves about the combination of yellow or lime yellow/green with burgundy. This complementary color pairing from the color wheel makes burgundy pop and is a winning combination. A yellow accent can truly make the burgundy stand out, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Creams and Blushes: Warmth and Coziness
To maintain the warmth and coziness of burgundy, Hayslett suggests opting for creams, oatmeal, or camel. Working within the same color family at different levels of saturation and intensity, these shades create depth without overwhelming the space. Blush or muted pinks are also excellent choices, adding a subtle touch of femininity.
Midnight Blue: Softening the Bold
Garrow Kedigian, of Garrow Kedigian Interior Design, reveals a surprising pairing: burgundy with midnight blue. The strong, warm, and bold nature of burgundy is counterbalanced by the softness and depth of midnight blue. Benjamin Moore's Evening Dove is a perfect example of this pairing, creating a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere.
Decorating Tips with Burgundy
To make burgundy work in your home, consider these expert tips:
- Use a higher-gloss sheen to prevent saturation and add effervescence.
- Incorporate statement pieces like throw pillows, decorative boxes, or velvet chairs to add warmth and impact.
- Avoid surrounding burgundy with other dark elements to prevent a gloomy atmosphere.
- Play with textures such as linen, mohair, velvet, leather, or high-gloss lacquer to create visual interest.
The Best Rooms for Burgundy
Burgundy shines in various rooms, each with its unique charm:
- Home Office or Study: Intimate spaces like libraries or small offices benefit from burgundy's sophistication and homey vibe.
- Dining Room: Burgundy adds richness and intimacy, especially with warm lighting. Carry the color into tablescapes for a cohesive look.
- Family Room: Larger spaces intended for relaxation can embrace burgundy's cozy and nesting qualities.
- Powder Room: Smaller areas like powder rooms can showcase burgundy's cocooning quality, complementing simple black-and-white floor tiles.
In conclusion, burgundy is a versatile color that can be paired with various shades to create stunning interiors. By understanding color theory and incorporating expert tips, you can make burgundy work all year long in your home, adding warmth, depth, and a touch of sophistication to any space.
