Color Crush: Orange

From warm and dreamy to bold and sexy, orange is incredibly versatile! Whether your taste is traditional or contemporary, I promise—there is an orange for you! 

FRESH AND LIGHT

Creamy oranges can create a candlelight inspired glow within a room. A less intense version of any color can be created through the process of “dulling” or “lightening.” Dulling creates a less saturated orange mixed by adding blue because it is the color opposite orange on the color wheel. Lightening is done simply by adding white to color to create a pastel. This orange is great for achieving a soothing, romantic atmosphere. This is an excellent color for brightening up a space—its tones establish the illusion of light.

Good Morning Sunshine by Judy Hintz Cox

145 by Marvin Gutin 

EARTHY AND NATURAL

Earthy oranges (or brown oranges) can transform a space into a European oasis. Think Tuscany’s dirt roads and stone houses. That is why this color is often referred to as “terra cotta” which means “baked earth” in Latin. This would be considered a dulled orange, which is less intense, and extremely warm. This would be the perfect orange for creating a cozy, comforting atmosphere—perfect for a bedroom or library where you might curl up with a good novel and throw.

Aspen Trio by Dave Reiter

CITRUSY AND FULL OF FLAVOR

Bold, bright oranges are perfect for a fresh, modern look. They are often associated with happiness, youth and cheerfulness. This orange is crisp and intense! Artwork incorporating these oranges would be great for a room that gets lots of light and that is often full of people. How about the kitchen, living room—or heck—why not on the back patio!? These oranges are lively, zesty, and energetic!

Evolving Patterns #43 & Evolving Patterns #44 by Laura McClanahan

Orange Falls by Debra van Tuinen

SPICY AND BRIGHT

Spicy oranges are sexy and attention grabbing. This loud color is eye catching and would make an ideal focal point in a room. It adds heat and intensity to an empty white wall. I can picture it hanging dramatically above a bed or fireplace, or in a gorgeous stairway. This orange is the color of confidence and laughter. It’s playful, yet sophisticated. Guaranteed to add life to any lifeless room—you can’t deny that this orange is HOT.

Color Buddha 4663-3 & Color Buddha 4663-4 by Golié Miamee

Aurora Borealis by Caroline Pyle

More than just a fabulous color, the psychology of orange is optimistic and uplifting, ultimately rejuvenating our spirits. I understand that it takes confidence in to decorate with this bold color, but confidence is extremely sexy, so dare to dream in tangerine and add a splash of orange to your décor.

What's your décor color crush?