Home Paint Combinations: Best Colour Pairings

Uns Hobbs says… 

Remember, red and blue are both dominant colours. So, you can either embrace their boldness for a striking scheme or balance their intensity by incorporating other shades. To soften the look, introduce neutrals, browns, greens and yellows. Natural elements and vintage pieces also help create harmony – rattan furniture and lighting are ways to add warmth and texture. The same goes for natural wood, marble, and aged brass with a rich patina. Plants are another great way to balance the space.

When choosing paint colours, consider the function of the room, the natural light and the desired mood. For example, in a bathroom where you want to feel energised, opt for uplifting blues with stronger reds. In a living space, a rusty red and muted blue – or even a soft, pale blue – can create a more relaxed feel. We are working on a project right now where we are using blue on the woodwork, and red prints and solids in the window treatments and sofas. Testing paint samples is essential, as natural light can reveal unexpected undertones.

Smaller-scale prints can add texture without overwhelming a space. If you’re worried about a room feeling too busy, opt for these over large-scale patterns. That said, larger prints can still work if balanced with solid colours on curtains, sofas, and headboards to provide visual rest.

Always go for a mix of solids and print. Solids offer breathing space, while prints add depth. Stripes, florals and geometrics can be layered together for an eclectic yet cohesive look. To avoid an overly curated feel, introduce additional colours – browns and greens help ground the scheme. Sometimes, however, the best approach is to go all in, using just red and blue for a bold, primary statement. We did this in a bathroom project and the effect was definitely bold, albeit softened by plants, marble and an antique vanity unit.

Earthy neutrals like warm whites, soft beiges and muddy browns complement red and blue. Natural materials such as oak, rattan and aged brass help tone down bold colours. A sisal rug, an antique wooden table or green accents – whether through paint, fabrics, or plants – can subtly counterbalance the strength of red and blue.

If you’re hesitant, start small. Add red lampshades to blue lamp bases, introduce patterned cushions, or use a statement armchair with a red-and-blue print. Artwork is another easy way to bring in these colours – we often use picture frames to add playful pops of colour without overwhelming the space. A classic blue-and-red print we use a lot is GP & J Baker’s Poppy Sprig in denim, which works in nearly any scheme.