99 Color

Combinations
by RH Rumy
[email protected]
NATURE-INSPIRED
color schemes
01. FRESH & BRIGHT

01
HOW TO USE FRESH & BRIGHT

#F98866 #FF420E #80BD9E #89DA59

Fresh greenery and colorful blossoms make springtime a welcome

sight after a long winter. This color palette features bright shades
of green and coral that will make your design pop. These types of
colors might be used for a spring- or summer-season event poster
or perhaps an advertisement that wants to come across as fresh
and youthful.
02. SUBDUED & PROFESSIONAL

02
HOW TO USE SUBDUED & PROFESSIONAL

#90AFC5 #336B87 #2A3132 #763626

Red and blue are some of the most common colors that businesses

powerful,” while blue says “calming and trustworthy.” This palette

aren’t overpowering. To the conservative blue and gray hues, the

brick red shade adds a burst of extra color that is still professional.
This would work well in any corporate context or for a more
“serious” design project.
03. DARK & EARTHY

03
HOW TO USE DARK & EARTHY

#F98866
#46211A #693D3D
#FF420E #80BD9E
#BA5536 #89DA59
#A43820

Desert landscapes are full of dramatic contrasts, and so is this

color scheme. For an unexpected color combination that is more
toned down than bright and garish, try this pairing featuring
shades of plum and reddish-orange.
04. CRISP & DRAMATIC

04
HOW TO USE CRISP & DRAMATIC

#505160
#F98866 #68829E
#FF420E #AEBD38
#80BD9E #598234
#89DA59

Iceland’s natural beauty is legendary, and this palette tries to capture its
dramatic contrasts. The warm, grayish undertones of the top two colors
contrast nicely with the cooler greens. A range of lighter and darker
shades makes it easy to combine any two or three of the colors and have
them still complement each other.
05. COOL BLUES

05
HOW TO USE COOL BLUES

#003B46 #07575B #66A5AD #C4DFE6

Monochromatic color schemes (made up of the various tints,

tones, or shades of one color) are extremely versatile. While
this palette may not qualify as monochromatic according to the

With a color as multipurpose as blue, this combination could be

used just about anywhere.
06. OUTDOORSY & NATURAL

06
HOW TO USE OUTDOORSY & NATURAL

#2E4600 #486B00 #A2C523 #7D4427

If you have a brand or need a design that emphasizes natural or

“green” qualities, a color palette featuring greens and browns is
a logical choice. Rather than your typical dull shades, this palette
brightens things up with a splash of lime green.
07. WATERY BLUE-GREENS

07
08. PRIMARY COLORS WITH A VIBRANT TWIST

08
09. REFRESHING & PRETTY

09
HOW TO USE REFRESHING & PRETTY

#98DBC6 #5BC8AC #E6D72A #518D9E

a palette almost reminiscent of Easter candy. If the pink makes the

palette too “girly” for your design’s purposes, just leave it out and
opt for the top two aqua shades plus the yellow for a bright, clean
combination.
10. PLAYFUL GREENS & BLUES

10
HOW TO USE PLAYFUL GREENS & BLUES

#324851 #86AC41 #34675C #7DA3A1

The bluish shades at the top and bottom of this selection have
gray undertones, which makes them almost neutral — a great
foundation for playing with more daring tones like the lime green.
11. FRESH & ENERGETIC

11
HOW TO USE FRESH & ENERGETIC

#4CB5F5 #B7B8B6 #34675C #B3C100

The almost neon shades of blue and green balance out the other
two more conservative colors and add a bright freshness that
gives the combination some kick. This kind of scheme might work

businesslike feel with an energetic vibe.

12. SURF & TURF

12
HOW TO USE SURF & TURF

#F4CC70 #DE7A22 #20948B #6AB187

This landscape features both warm and cool colors in both bright
and subdued shades. The beachy, mellow color palette inspired
by it draws from those contrasts for a combination that brings to
mind relaxing island vacations — just one example of how we can
associate color with certain places, moods, or emotions.
13. AUTUMN IN VERMONT

13
14. ICY BLUES & GRAYS

14
HOW TO USE ICY BLUES & GRAYS

#F1F1F2 #BCBABE #A1D6E2 #1995AD

Contrasting warm grays with cool, glacial blues makes for a

dynamic color scheme that’s more visually interesting than your
average combination of drab blues and grays. If you’re in need of a
palette that’s more restrained, instead of opting for navy and dark
gray, try these lighter, brighter hues.
15. BIRDS & BERRIES

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16. DAY & NIGHT

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17. STYLISH & RETRO

17
HOW TO USE STYLISH & RETRO

#75B1A9 #D9B44A #4F6457 #ACD0C0

The muted shades of this color scheme have a vintage vibe, with
the light aqua and gold particularly being colors that were popular
in the 1950s and 60s. But that doesn’t mean this combination looks
dated. These colors (and the mid-century modern aesthetic in
general) have seen a resurgence in popularity and still look stylish.
18. SHADES OF CITRUS

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19. SUNSET TO DUSK

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20. BRIGHT & TROPICAL

20
21. WARM NATURALS

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22. BOLD BERRIES

22
23. SUMMER SUNFLOWER

23
HOW TO USE SUMMER SUNFLOWER

#34888C #7CAA2D #F5E356 #CB6318

This combination has an outdoor feel to it, like a summer baseball

game: you have the red dirt of the baseball diamond, the green

However, it’s more subtle (and has more variety of color) than, say,
the more obvious greens and browns in #6.
24. MODERN & CRISP

24
HOW TO USE MODERN & CRISP

#0F1B07 #FFFFFF #5C821A #C6D166

Pairing black and white with bright, crisp shades of green makes
for a modern palette that is sophisticated without being too
serious. Instead of pairing red or blue with your black and white,
freshen things up with some green.
25. TIMELESS & NAUTICAL

25
FOOD-INSPIRED
color schemes
26. NEUTRAL & VERSATILE

26
HOW TO USE NEUTRAL & VERSATILE

#626D71 #CDCDC0 #DDBC95 #B38867

Neutral colors like the shades of gray and tan here are very
versatile and can be paired with almost anything. A color scheme
of all neutrals, however, can be quite nice, too. Depending on how
you apply it to a design, it can be upscale and sophisticated (think
branding for a luxury hotel) or calming and comfortable (think the
27. CHEERFUL BRIGHTS

27
28. GARDEN FRESH

28
29. SUMMER BARBEQUE

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30. BERRY BLUES

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31. LEMONADE STAND

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32. SERENE & SPA-LIKE

32
HOW TO USE SERENE & SPA-LIKE

#A1BE95 #E2DFA2 #92AAC7 #ED5752

Calming, spa-like greens and blue — great by themselves — look

a little more lively with a splash of raspberry as an accent color.
Adding a brighter or bolder accent color to a more restrained
selection is a nice technique to liven up a color palette and give it a
little extra interest.
33. FUN & TROPICAL

33
HOW TO USE FUN & TROPICAL

#4897D8 #FFDB5C #FA6E59 #F8A055

This happy blend of colors doesn’t take itself too seriously. Have a
summer party invitation to design? Maybe a children’s event poster
or advertisement? A palette like this one will make it clear where
the fun is at.
34. SPICY NEUTRALS

34
HOW TO USE SPICY NEUTRALS

#AF4425 #662E1C #EBDCB2 #C9A66B

Shades ranging from light to dark make it easy to apply this color
palette to a design. There’s enough contrast that you can choose a
background color, a text color, and an accent color or two just from
these four.
35. PASTELS

35
HOW TO USE PASTELS

#C1E1DC #FFCCAC #FFEB94 #FDD475

Applications for a pastel palette will be somewhat limited —

designs having to do with Easter, spring, babies, or tea parties are
pretty safe choices. Pastel colors generally come across as pretty
and delicate, so you’ll want to make sure your design calls for a
similar mood if you want to use a color combination like this one.
36. BOLD & CULTURED

36
37. SUNNY CITRUS

37
38. CRISP COMPLEMENTARY COLORS

38
HOW TO USE CRISP COMPLEMENTARY COLORS

#F4EC6A #BBCF4A #E73F0B #A11F0C

Red and green is one of three pairs of complementary (or opposite)

colors on the traditional color wheel; others include orange/blue
and violet/yellow. When combined, these colors make a striking,
high-contrast impression that can be a little jarring if you don’t use
them carefully. That’s why, for this palette, the reds and greens
have been balanced and toned down (not full saturation like the
red and green you see on Christmas decorations) for a fresher
twist on a complementary color palette.
39. WARM & RUSTIC

39
40. NEON NIGHT

40
41. JEWEL TONES

41
42. POLISHED & INVITING

42
HOW TO USE POLISHED & INVITING

#EAE2D6 #D5C3AA #867666 #E1B80D

Warm grays with a pop of golden yellow is a combination you’ll

see sometimes in interior design and home décor contexts. It’s
primarily neutral (and the warmness of the grays feels calming and
inviting) but the yellow adds some cheerfulness and energy for an
43. FRESH GREENS

43
44. WINTERY REDS

44
HOW TO USE WINTERY REDS

#A10115 #D72C16 #F0EFEA #C0B2B5

Reminiscent of winter berries and bare branches against a snowy

sky, this combination of colors would make a great alternative to
your traditional Christmas or holiday palettes. The rich reds paired
with violet-tinged grays feel festive, but sophisticated.
45. SUMMER FIESTA

45
46. CHOCOLATEY BROWNS

46
HOW TO USE CHOCOLATEY BROWNS

#301B28 #523634 #B6452C #DDC5A2

Who says brown has to be boring? Add some red and violet
undertones, and you have a full, rich color palette that — like these
chocolate cupcakes — feels a little decadent.
47. NATURALLY ELEGANT

47
48. COZY & WARM

48
49. VIOLET SUNSET

49
50. STRAWBERRIES & CREAM

50
TRAVEL-INSPIRED
color schemes
51. GRECIAN HOLIDAY

51
52. BOLD & BASIC

52
HOW TO USE BOLD & BASIC

#000B29 #D70026 #58F5F2 #EDB83D

White, black (or in this case, very dark navy), red, and yellow is
a very common combination. But with these saturated shades,
it certainly isn’t boring. If you’re looking for a bold palette that
doesn’t mess around with unusual colors but that still makes a
strong, eye-catching statement in your design, this type of color
scheme is an easy one to apply.
53. VINEYARD NEUTRALS
54. MODERN & URBAN

54
55. MISTY GREENS

55
56. SUN-KISSED VILLAGE

56
HOW TO USE SUNKISSED VILLAGE

#D24136 #EB8A3E #EBB582 #785A46

painted in warm pastels. You can replicate that sunny, carefree

look with this selection of shades and bring a little of the Italian
57. SUN & SKY

57
58. AQUA BLUES

58
59. CANDY-COATED BRIGHTS

59
HOW TO USE FRESH & BRIGHT

#F47D4A #E1315B #FFEC5C #008DCB

These vibrant hues look like they belong in a candy store, and
they’re sure to give a design some youthful energy. Just make sure

aren’t quiet; they’re out to make a statement.

60. MUTED & ANTIQUE

60
61. CLASSY & TIMELESS

61
HOW TO USE CLASSY & TIMELESS

#16253D #002C54 #EFB509 #CD7213

dark blue and gold is a timeless combination that you’ll see on

elite schools and sports teams. To add a little class to a design, try
some combination of the two colors. (If you can manage to get
your design printed with gold foil accents, even better!)
62. COMPOSITION

62
63. CHEERFUL & FRIENDLY

63
64. NIGHTLIFE

64
HOW TO USE NIGHTLIFE

#00CFFA #FF0038 #FFCE38 #020509

The ink colors that all printers use (cyan, magenta, yellow, and
black; abbreviated CMYK) make a striking combination on their
own, similar to the neon and illuminated signs of a big city at night.
65. COASTAL

65
66. MARITIME BRIGHTS

66
67. VINTAGE CHARM

67
68. UNDERSTATED & VERSATILE

68
69. ARCTIC SUNRISE

69
HOW TO USE ARCTIC SUNRISE

#FFCCBB #6EB5C0 #006C84 #E2E8E4

Blue and gray always work nicely together (and you could certainly
use the bottom three selections of this palette by themselves) —
but the addition of a light coral pink, along with the brighter blues,
gives this combination a little extra sparkle.
70. MEDITERRANEAN AFTERNOON

70
HOW TO USE MEDITERRANEAN AFTERNOON

#8C0004 #C8000A #E8A735 #E2C499

Lunch at an Italian restaurant, anyone? Some of the things most

often associated with Italian cuisine — wine, rich tomato sauce,
fresh handmade pasta — all make an appearance in this color

inclusion of a creamy neutral shade balances out the more colorful

selections; you can use it as a background or base color and one or
more of the others as tasteful accents.
71. HAZY GRAYS

71
72. CITY SIGHTS

72
73. RETRO & RELAXING

73
74. GREEN FIELDS

74
EVERYDAY ITEM-INSPIRED
color schemes
75. DISTINCTIVE & UNEXPECTED

75
76. SLEEK & MODERN

76
HOW TO USE SLEEK & MODERN

#2F2E33 #D5D6D2 #FFFFFF #3A5199

Black, gray, and white are always acceptable, usable colors. But
add some cobalt blue, and those run-of-the-mill neutral shades
become a backdrop for a modern, attractive palette that could
work for any design style, from corporate to trendy.
77. ORANGE ACCENT

77
78. BEYOND BLACK & WHITE

78
HOW TO USE BEYOND BLACK & WHITE

#31A2AC #AF1C1C #F0EFF0 #2F2F28

Red or blue might be common pairings for basic black and white,
but here, a deeper red along with a brighter turquoise blue gives a
fresh twist to a familiar combination.
79. SHABBY CHIC NEUTRALS

79
80. WARM & COOL

80
81. INDUSTRIAL & IN-CONTROL

81
82. AUTUMN ORANGES & COMPLEMENTARY NEUTRALS

82
83. POOL PARTY

83
84. CLASSIC METALLICS

84
85. SUBTLE & VERSATILE

85
HOW TO USE SUBTLE & VERSATILE

#5F968E #BFDCCF #E05858 #D5C9B1

Reminiscent of colors you might see decorating a beach house, this

palette is slightly nautical, slightly faded and vintage, but the hues
included here won’t box you into a certain style. They’re pretty
versatile and subtle, and won’t overwhelm your design.
86. PROFESSIONAL & TRADITIONAL

86
87. LIGHT & NATURAL

87
88. SHADOWY & DRAMATIC

88
89. GOLDEN AFTERNOON

89
90. DARK & HANDSOME

90
HOW TO USE DARK & HANDSOME

#42313A #6C2D2C #9F4636 #F1DCC9

pub or one of those gentlemen’s clubs you see in old movies. If your
design could use some suave sophistication, try out this combination
of rich browns plus a lighter, smoky neutral shade.
91. TECHNOLOGY MEETS NATURE

91
92. CHEERFUL BLUES & PINK

92
93. EXOTIC & HIGH-IMPACT

93
94. BACK TO SCHOOL

94
95. BRIGHT & PAINTERLY

95
96. URBAN LIVING

96
97. 1950S KITCHEN

97
98. SMOKY PURPLES

98
99. TRENDY & METROPOLITAN

99