How to Decorate Your Room in Pink & Orange

Pink and orange are lively colors for a girl's room.

Pink and orange make a striking impression in room, whether it's a bedroom, living room, sunroom or conservatory. They are friendly and happy colors but do require simplicity in the overall look of the room. Overdoing any strong pattern or color combination takes the decor from intriguing to overwhelming. Using them with restraint creates an environment that is pleasant and welcoming.

Instructions

Selecting Accent Colors

1. Choose your entire color palette before you begin decorating. The boldness of pink and orange requires tempered coordinating colors. Subtle accent colors tame the brightness of the pink and orange.

2. Stay within the same color family. Pink and orange are in the same family, so select a third color that coordinates. Browns and rusts can be blend with pink and orange. Wood furniture is a good way to include brown in the decor.

3. Add different hues in the coordinating color. For example, if you have chosen brown, choose muted gold, tan, brownish taupe or even a light latte to give depth to your orange and pink without detracting from their pleasing look.

4. Add the neutral tones of white and cream to serve as a backdrop and soften the look.

Start With the Floor

1. Install a wood floor.This is a good way to add brown to your color scheme. Brazilian cherry or red oak carry the color tones that you are using. If you want a lighter wood, look at light maple, which has a slight pink undertone.

2. Lay a scuplted cream carpet in the room. The solid color will not distract from the decor, and the sculpting will add texture. Area rugs in shades of brown or gold can also be used. If an oriental carpet is preferred, look for a champagne Kerman or the silky glow of a Qum.

3. Choose a floor tile for the room as an alternative to wood. Mexican Saltillo clay tiles have the warmth of orange. Porcelain and ceramic tiles come in a variety of colors, and depending on how bold you are, your choices range from cream to mauve. All work with the orange and pink color scheme of your room.

Wall Coloring

1. Select an appealing wall color. This is the easiest of your color decisions, as paint can be custom mixed. Paint stores have myriad color swatches and even provide small color samples for you to test. For those who are cautious, go with the lightest pink or orange tint available.

2. Try being bold. Painting one wall a bold derivative of either orange or pink will make a statement in any room. Do not panic if it looks too bold. Once your furnishings and wall decor are in place, the color will retreat and become a pleasant part of the room.

3. Consider covering the walls with a texture-on-cream wallpaper. This will give the room a distinctly feminine look, especially if you have a pink accent wall. Alternatively, paint the walls a warm cream.

Fabrics

1. Select a main fabric in a pink and orange pattern. Pick up the accent color in the fabric, and follow through in your room's decor with that color.

2. Trim upholstery in an accent color of gold, brown or rust. A fabric welting around a solid pillow or cushion that coordinates with the primary fabric is a subtle accent.

3. Select accent pillows and cushions carefully to avoid pattern conflicts. If your main piece of furniture is covered in a bold orange and pink fabric, use a single color for the additional pieces of furniture.

References

• Benjamin Moore Fan Deck
• Decorating-Cool-Kids-Rooms: The Great Polka-Dot Theme Room