Put your preconceived notions aside. Orange―the stuff of jack-o’-lanterns and garish ’70s wardrobes―is actually a wonderfully versatile color for home decor
Sunset
1 /17Thomas J. Story
Be bold
Paint a small bedroom in a cheerful hue to make an impact.
2 /17Thomas J. Story
Sprinkle in an accent
Eighteen-foot ceilings and a wall of windows make the first floor of this triplex feel larger than its 576 square feet. Floating orange shelves and a tangerine-hued Sunbrella cushion pop against the neutrals, adding some flair to the light-filled space.
3 /17E. Spencer Toy
Modernize a traditional look
This mantle headboard imparts a sense of tradition, while the tangerine-and-floral wallpaper freshens up the look.
4 /17Thomas J. Story
Provide a focal point
An orange pendant lamp draws the gaze, adding a striking pop of color without dominating the room.
5 /17Thomas J. Story
Add personality
The statement wall acts as a vivid backdrop for an heirloom bookshelf unit housing decorative collections, creating a doubly personal tone in this living room.
6 /17Jennifer Cheung
Take it outside
A stuccoed concrete wall, painted orange and capped with stained redwood, visually warms this backyard lounge. Falling Leaves paint, S-H-240;behr.com. Dark Slate stain;cabotstain.com.
7 /17Thomas J. Story
Make an impact
Having too many colors can segment a space rather than tie it together. Limiting the number of hues allows one to take center stage, as with the orange vinyl love seat in this kids' room.
8 /17Joe Schmelzer
Harmonize a palette
Painting a wall in a pumpkin shade adds warmth and goes well with dark earth tones in this small home workspace.
9 /17Lisa Romerein
Mix cool and warm
Steel columns make this living room’s glass corners—and airy feel—possible. The fireplace and coordinated orange-red furnishings serve as an interesting focal counterpoint, yet keep the room warm and cozy.
10 /17
Create an anchor
A kitchen island covered in stainless steel and painted bright orange anchors this bright kitchen and keeps it fun and fresh.
11 /17
Escape the all-netural trap
This second-floor hallway is a rare hit of color in a neutral-toned house. It represents one of the few real deviations from a largely neutral palette of whites, grays, and wood tones.
12 /17
Sit on it
Selecting vibrant furniture is a clever way to add bright color to a room. These orange dining chairs are stylish and oh-so-cheerful.
13 /17Thomas J. Story
Pay homage to harvest hues
Adding seasonal items from nature is an easy and non-commital way to flirt with a new color palette. Here, red-orange pumpkins mingle with glory lilies, pomegranates, red winter berries, and― most surprisingly― golden and cherry tomatoes.
14 /17James Carrier
Pay a complement
Complementary colors achieve a bold contrast, but it's difficult to strike the right balance. A strong red-orange item―here, Eero Saarinen's Womb chair and ottoman―is perfect amid a wash of softer blues. Accessories in the same vibrant color family help unify the elements.
15 /17James Carrier
Go for a natural tableau
A subtle range of earth tones infuses this scene with tranquility. Accent with elements from nature, such as the potted succulent featured here, to complete the organic theme.
16 /17James Carrier
Brighten up a nook
Create a colorful focal point in a small space by painting your shelves (including the back) a bright color. Here, pumpkin-colored shelves (Kelly-Moore's Deep Spice wall paint, KM3608-5) act as a backdrop to deep brown and burnt orange accessories.
17 /17Thomas J. Story
Speak softly
A coat of apricot paint amplifies the space above the mantel, a natural focal point, without overpowering the artwork hung upon it.