WHAT ARE THE BEST COLORS THAT GO WITH LAVENDER?

WHAT ARE THE BEST COLORS THAT GO WITH LAVENDER?

WHAT ARE THE BEST COLORS THAT GO WITH LAVENDER?

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Introduction


Before we dive in, a few notes on using lavender in an interiors scheme. Thanks to its mix of red, blue and white, lavender is calm, soothing and warm – perfect for bedrooms, kitchens and living spaces.

‘Lavender is known for being a calming color that represents tranquility,’ says Californian interior designer Sarah Rosenhaus. ‘The key is to mix in colors and textures that enhance the soothing qualities of the color and draw out its subtle warmth. I wouldn’t avoid any particular color with lavender, but I would be cautious of using hues that are too bright or primary. Opt for rich earth and jewel tones that enhance the quietness of lavender.’

‘The spectrum of lavender from the lightest blush to darker, bluer-toned purple is a broad family and used wisely can be an interesting alternative to pinks and blues,’ adds Patrick O'Donnell, color expert and Farrow & Ball ambassador. ‘But just err on the side of caution and get the tone right as it can be on the chilly side.

1. LAVENDER AND DARK BLUE









 

Purple and blue are analogous colors, meaning that they sit next to each other on the color wheel – and this pairing can therefore lend itself to a calm, subtle scheme. Using lavender with a deeper blue creates a gentle but effective tonal contrast and allows whichever is the accent color to pop. 'This is a wonderful way to bring in tonal play without being too literal,’ says Sarah Rosenhaus. ‘The richness of navy paired with lavender creates a sophisticated mood.’

Because it's not too stimulating, lavender and blue makes for a great palette in a living room or bedroom, where you're largely looking to unwind. In the TV room scheme by Maryland interior designer Stephanie Bradshaw above, she pairs the duo with gray. Because of their tonal similarities, lavender actually shares many of the same colors that go with gray – making this trio a versatile and effective combination.

2. LAVENDER AND ORANGE









 

This pairing makes use of the idea of contrasting hues in color theory: the idea that a deep or bold color from one part of the wheel can be used with a lighter, more subtle shade from another part for an effective scheme. And as the above space by Australian architectural practice Hindley & Co shows, the effect can be really striking.

‘When orange is mixed with warm lavender, it infuses a burst of cheerful optimism into an otherwise tranquil space,’ says New York-based interior designer Lisa Frantz. ‘It’s also great for dining rooms to create a welcoming environment and stimulate conversation.’

3. LAVENDER AND BEIGE









 

Finding colors that go with beige isn't always as easy as it seems, but thanks to lavender's balance of warm and cold undertones, this is a natural duo that acts as a twist on a neutral scheme. ‘It’s a tick-up from a traditional neutral color combo, where the lavender becomes the star and creates a subtle play of warm vs. cool against the beige,’ says Sarah Rosenhaus.

In the bedroom above, designed by Luke Ferran of New York design studio Kevin O'Sullivan, layers of purple through the cushions and bed base allow the light lavender walls, along with the beige headboard and the wood panelling, to play a role as a neutral – a clever way to twist this color on its head.

4. LAVENDER AND WHITE









 

Thanks to its lightness and subtlety, lavender makes for a gentle but effective pairing with white – as the above scheme by Hindley & Co shows. ‘Lavender and white with bits of black is a favorite color combination of mine,’ says Lisa Frantz. ‘Depending on how it's used, it can evoke an Art Deco or Hollywood regency vibe yet still feel fresh and alive.’

It is important, however, to find the right shade of white to make this duo work. ‘Depending on the strength of lavender, at the paler end, opt for cleaner whiter shades to partner with – nothing too drab as this could look dirty rather than empathetic!' says Patrick O'Donnell. 'Something like our delicate Peignoir, a pale-ish lavender/gray colour with muted qualities, would look wonderfully simple teamed with Strong White on your trim and ceiling.’

And for a cooler, more contemporary scheme, choose your lavender wisely too. ‘Lavender is a perfect addition for clients who want a gentle “pop” of color in a more neutral environment,’ says Ashley Macuga of San Carlos design studio Collected Interiors. ‘One of the challenges using lavender is making sure that it doesn’t present too "nursery" in adult spaces. One of our favorite lavenders is Sherwin William’s Imagine, which has a very gray base, ensuring that it looks charming but still sophisticated.’

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