Seriously Cool Color Combos We’re Stealing From the Danish

Copenhagen Fashion Week provides a different kind of Scandinavian style inspo.
Copenhagen Fashion Week Color Palette Inspiration
Photography by styledumonde via copenhagenfashionweek.com

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What do you think of when you think of Scandinavian design? A preponderance of soft textures coated in neutrals? Enough wooden accents to satiate an army of termites? Ikea?

While the concept of Scandi style equating to calm and pared-back interiors that err on the side of minimalist exists for a reason, when it comes to fashion the Nordic countries are anything but. Nowhere is this more evident than with Copenhagen Fashion Week—a weeklong showcase of the best in Danish design, which takes place each August right before a month of fashion weeks officially kicks off in September. And as is increasingly the case with fashion weeks, the best shows take place not on the runways, but on the streets.

Bold colors, playful patterns, and an eclectic mix of silhouettes and fabrics made up the majority of Copenhagen street style. While not everything translates to interior design—kelly-green and scarlet red are all well and good on your clothes but pair them together at home and you risk turning your living room into a Christmas shrine—there were more than a few color palettes catching our eye. Here’s how you can take a few of our favorites and incorporate them into your home come Fall.

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Cornflower Blue and Mustard Yellow

We saw this shade of blue make its debut during the February fashion shows, and we love that the calming hue appears to be here to stay. Instead of simplifying it by setting your blue hue against greys or creams, take a page from the Mykke Hofmann presentation and pair it with a mustard yellow.

Try it out:
Sherwin-Williams “Celestial” Paint
Urban Outfitters Maya Circle Chair, $129
Anthropologie Nala Jacquard Curtain, $68+
H&M Home Glass Soap Dispenser, $12.99
Atipico Kora Vase, $294
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Wine and Banana Yellow

There’s something about the contrast in this winning color combo that makes it oh so appealing. Deep burgundies are a perennial autumn and holiday favorite, but balancing out the richer hue with a pop of lighter yellow is an unexpected twist that makes this duo just as palatable in the spring and summer as in the fall and winter.

Try it out:
Benjamin Moore “Sun City” Paint
Once Milano Linen Napkin Set, $63
The Little Market Striped Basket, $8+
Hawkins New York Linen Bedding in “Plum”, $198

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Watermelon and Pale Mint

You already know that mint green designs reached peak popularity this year—why not counteract your finds with an equally on-trend shade? If you’re over millennial pink, try a slightly more mature tone like watermelon. It’s a bit deeper than its Instagram celebrity of a cousin, but still brings the whimsy to any space.

Try it out:
Sherwin-Williams “Redbud” Paint
Tiny Badger Ceramics Decanter Vase in “Rose”, $65
Hamish Robertson Delta Print, $60
Once Milano Crushed Linen Runner, $63
Anthropologie Serori Dinner Plates, set of 4, $72
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Vibrant Orange and Teal

Play your cards right and you too can bring orange into your home without it looking like a traffic cone. Minimalists may understandably want to exercise caution playing with this statement-making shade and pair it with more subdued neutrals or use it sparingly. Maximalists are sure to love the orange-and-teal combo spotted here on the streets of Copenhagen. The color wheel opposites are a surefire hit when you’re looking to bring the drama with your design.

Try it out:
Behr “Emergency Zone” Paint
Unison Two Tone Velvet Throw Pillow Cover, $75
Yield Glass French Press, $85
Zuo Jonkoping Orange Sofa, $1450
Anthropologie Velvet Louise Curtain in “Teal”, $58+
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Pale Blue, Celery Green, and Tomato Red

When two colors won’t cut it, add a third into the rotation. This almost-primary color palette may seem basic but as we’ve seen earlier this year, sometimes the most basic shades make the biggest statement. Set this bold palette against a whitewashed, clean backdrop for maximum impact.

Try it out:
Farrow & Ball “Cooking Apple Green” Paint
Pigeon Toe Ceramics Beaded Sconce in “Navy”, $269
H&M Home Jacquard Patterned Bath Towel in “Rust”, $12.99
Tictail Zig Zag Vase, $57
Good Thing Clover Pendant, $750
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Tonal Neutrals

Okay, so maybe the Danes aren’t doing away entirely with the stereotypical Scandinavian neutrals. Calming tones of cream, ecru, and soft caramel look instantly put together—and when translated to home decor, it’s a definite way to turn your abode into a sanctuary of sorts. Pairing them together is chromatically significant and chicer than having everything washed in the same shade of stark white Even if you live in a fourth-floor walkup with a mouse infestation and a neighbor laboring under the delusion that she’s the second coming of Cher, proving it with late night karaoke sessions.

Try it out:
Benjamin Moore “Bavarian Cream” Paint
Meridian Baby Alpaca Throw in “Sand”, $199
Farmhouse Pottery Pick and Store Basket, $39
Anthropologie Wrapped Stoneware Taper Holder, $38
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Blush Pink and Baby Blue

Another pale blue moment, this time mixed with the ever-popular blush pink. Soft pastels hit it big this summer, and if you aren’t quite ready to retire this color palette… don’t. These shade particularly lend themselves to feminine styles, with breezy fabrics and romantic silhouettes.

Try it out:
Farrow & Ball “Pink Ground” Paint
Anthropologie Tufted Rainfall Rug, $128+
Parachute Linen Duvet Cover Set in “Blush”, $329+
Unison Linen Aqua Tablecloth, $112
Anthropologie Colorado Footed Bowl, $48
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Brick Red and Mustard Yellow

McDonalds-chic. It’s a thing. It seems as if aside from pale blue, deep golden tones of yellow are another dominant hue for the upcoming season—here, paired with a bold red for eye-catching contrast. Try out this punchy pair in your living room with a rust-hued sofa peppered with jewel-toned textiles.

Try it out:
Behr “Fuzzy Duckling” Paint
Ferm Living Plant Box in “Red Brown”, $203
Anthropologie Freya Glasses in “Amber”, set of 6, $68
Article Burrard Sofa in “Cayenne”, $999
H&M Home Waffled Throw, $24.99
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See more cool color palettes to try ASAP: 8 Cool Color Color Combos Inspiring Team Domino Right Now Amazing Paint Color Combinations Inspired By Our Travels The One Monochrome Paint Idea You Haven’t Tried Yet

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Elly Leavitt

Writer and Editor

Elly enjoys covering anything from travel to funky design (tubular furniture, anyone?) to the latest cultural trend. Her dream apartment would exist on the Upper West Side and include a plethora of mismatched antique chairs, ceramic vessels, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases—essential to her goal of becoming a poor man’s Nora Ephron. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe’s. You will never find her at SoulCycle.