Build Breathtaking Color Schemes With Green's Complementary Colors

When designing a space, choosing a cohesive color palette is one of the most important decisions. The colors you select set the entire mood and aesthetic. Green is a versatile hue that pairs beautifully with a wide range of complementary colors to create stunning, unique color combinations. Whether you prefer vibrant accent walls or neutral, natural tones, green can be tailored to work. By learning color theory and understanding which shades complement green, you can develop breathtaking color schemes for every room.

Red - The Classic Complement to Green

According to color theory, red sits directly across from green on the color wheel, making it green's natural complementary color. When paired together, these two bold hues create maximum contrast and vibrancy. The classic combination of red and green is ideal for spaces where you want an energizing, lively feel. While true red has incredible visual impact, lighter reds can also complement green in subtler ways. Shades of pink, coral and orange have an uplifting, cheerful effect when combined with green. For example, a pale blush pink sofa makes an unexpected counterpoint to a deep emerald green accent wall. Salmon accent pillows liven up a neutral room with green tones. Light peach provides just enough contrast against a cool sage green.

Creative Red and Green Color Combinations

Here are some examples of red and green combinations you can try in your home:

• In a dining room, pair a rich hunter green wall with a bright cherry red statement pendant light.
• In a bathroom, contrast a moody dark green vanity with pops of strawberry pink in the rug and towels.
• In a bedroom, use touches of tomato red in an accent chair and decorative pillows to enliven a serene mint green wall.
• In a kitchen, match deep emerald green cabinetry with a warm terra cotta backsplash.

Orange Hues Add Warmth

Moving around the color wheel, orange sits next to red and offers a slightly softer, warmer complement to green. Green and orange combinations feel energetic, but also give off a cozy fall or harvest vibe. For a bright, fun look, pair vivid tangerine with kelly green. In kids or teen rooms, orange accessories like patterned curtains distinctly pop against a lime green wall. For more subtle accents, try light peach, salmon or cantaloupe orange with pale green tones. An earthy burnt orange bathroom rug grounds a cool celadon green vanity and tile. No matter which orange tone you choose, it's guaranteed to bring light and warmth when combined with various greens.

Vibrant Green and Orange Color Palettes

Here are some colorful green and orange combinations you can implement:

• In a kitchen, couple chartreuse green cabinets with a peach marble backsplash and antique copper fixtures.
• In a living room, match a muted olive colored sofa with throw pillows in shades of cantaloupe and peach.
• In a bedroom, pair lime green bedding with tangerine orange accent walls and decor.
• In a bathroom, contrast cool mint walls with a vibrant persimmon bath mat.

Yellows Brighten and Contrast

Yellow sits next to green on the color wheel, making it an analogous pairing. Different shades of yellow complement various greens for a bright, cheerful look. Soft buttery yellows blend seamlessly with light sage or pistachio green walls, emitting warmth and positivity. Deeper chartreuse and lime greens pop when contrasted with bold lemon or goldenrod yellow. This combination is energetic and feels rejuvenating. Pale yellow linens mixed with deep emerald green furnishings creates an inviting, spring-inspired bedroom. Vibrant daffodil yellow accent walls turn a dark hunter green living room into an upbeat, modern space. The versatile green and yellow pairing adapts well to many different rooms and styles.

Uplifting Examples of Green and Yellow

Here are some ways to successfully pair green and yellow:

• In a living room, match light mint walls with golden yellow accent chairs and throw pillows.
• In a bedroom, couple dark forest green bedding with bright lemon yellow nightstands.
• In a bathroom, contrast cool aqua walls with a bright honey yellow shower curtain.
• In a kitchen, pair sage green cabinets with a glowing amber yellow tile backsplash.

Blue for A Cool Contrast

On the color wheel, blue and green are complementary colors, making them natural partners. The classic combo of blue and green evokes feelings of relaxation and tranquility. Aqua, teal and cyan create an invigorating pop against richer kelly greens or deep forest greens. Navy blue and emerald green together exude elegance and sophistication. Robin's egg blue looks crisp when matched with mossy olive green. Use cool tones like duck egg or powder blue to temper vibrant lime green walls or furnishings. Different shades of blue and green can adapt to any room you're designing. The pairing is versatile enough for bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens or offices.

Soothing Examples of Blue and Green

Here are some inspiring ways to incorporate blue and green together:

• In a bedroom, couple robin's egg blue walls with bedding and decor in deeper hunter green tones.
• In a bathroom, match cool aqua walls with accents of soft mossy green.
• In a home office, pair rich emerald green shelving with royal navy blue walls.
• In a kitchen, combine crisp white cabinetry with a vibrant teal blue backsplash and olive green island.

Purples and Violets for Dramatic Effect

On the opposite side of the color wheel from green sits purple, making the two complementary colors with strong visual contrast. When paired strategically, green and purple create instantly dramatic, luxurious rooms. Deep jewel tones like emerald, forest green and purple evoke feelings of royalty and elegance. Use eggplant purple with hunter green for a luxe dining room combination. In bedrooms, try layering moody green and purple textiles for a soothing oasis. If the pairing feels too bold, temper it with neutral whites and grays. Soft pastel lilacs and lavenders also complement mint, sage and pistachio greens for a charming look. The green and purple pairing adapts well to many different design aesthetics.

Dramatic and Vibrant Green and Purple Combinations

Here are some ways to tastefully include green and purple together:

• In a dining room, pair regal purple walls with forest green curtains and furnishings.
• In a bedroom, match soothing lavender and soft mint green bedding.
• In a bathroom, contrast emerald green tiles with an eggplant purple rug and towels.
• In a living room, combine hunter green couches with pops of lilac and violet in pillows and decor.

Neutrals Balance the Scheme

While colors that complement green create vivid contrast, you can also use neutral tones to provide balance. Classic neutrals like white, black, gray and cream temper green's boldness and vibrant energy. Khaki, tan, beige and light brown have an earthy effect next to rich greens. For example, pair moss green walls with creamy white trim for a pleasant, nature-inspired look. Or, make a crisp contrast with dark emerald furnishings against a snow white backdrop. Use shades of gray to give green a sophisticated, modern feel. Ultimately, adding neutrals allows green's versatility to shine while providing breathing room in the color scheme.

Soothing Green and Neutral Color Combinations

Here are some go-to green and neutral pairings:

• In a living room, match soothing sage walls with white trim, beige carpet and charcoal gray furniture.
• In a bedroom, couple deep forest green walls with crisp white bedding and pale tan nightstands.
• In a kitchen, combine emerald green cabinetry with a white marble backsplash and black hardware.
• In a bathroom, pair muted mossy walls and tile with khaki textiles and cream accents.

Green is one of the most adaptable colors for interior design and decor. Thanks to its prime position on the color wheel, stunning green color schemes can be created by pairing it with a wide range of complementary hues. Vibrant reds, sunny yellows, soothing blues and regal purples all complement green beautifully. Adding neutral tones like white, gray and cream provides the perfect finishing touch. With the right complementary color combinations, green's versatility and flair really comes alive. So embrace green as the foundation for your next breathtaking color palette!