Copper + Teal Color Trend

Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2019

Sherwin-Williams announced their Color of the Year for 2019 and I was on pins and needles, because, uh…color is my thing! So, I was pleasantly surprised when Cavern Clay was chosen, a copper/clay, soft burnt orange color. My Longhorn husband was pumped! Ha! Also, it’s perfect timing, because Cavern Clay reminds me of pumpkin spice and all things fall.

Honestly, I tend to be drawn to cooler colors, so I was kinda thinking, “Well that’s nice…I do like it for an accent.” But then, I received my West Elm catalog in the mail and what do you think was on the cover? Yep. The cooper/clay color, BUT paired with a bright blue/teal wall and chair…smitten. Teal is one of the accent colors in my home and I love it paired with the copper/clay color! It is also worth noting that last years Sherwin-Williams COTY for 2018 was Oceanside, a gorgeous bright teal color.

Not only is copper/clay showing up in interior design/decor, but it’s popping up in fashion as well. I have mentioned before that fashion usually dictates the next interior design color trend and it continues to prove true! So, of course I was not surprised when my Anthropologie catalog arrived with tons of copper/clay and teal (along with dusty rose!) clothes for fall.

Why the Copper + Teal color combo works

In case you are wondering (or curious) why the Copper + Teal color combination just seems to work, it’s because it happens to be a complementary color scheme. If that sounds like a foreign language, allow me to explain. On the color wheel the colors that are directly across from each other are called “complementary” colors. They are essentially made for each other! Orange + Blue are one of the three different possible combinations. Yellow + Purple and Red + Green are the other two combinations.

*Sidenote: See the Rugh Design Color Wheel (completed with ALL of the Sherwin-Williams colors from the paint deck) for other complementary color scheme combinations.

Decorating with Copper + Teal

Well, the obvious way to incorporate either of these two colors into your space is to paint an accent wall. Cavern Clay is so pretty on the wall and would be perfect in an entry. I love it paired with a gray-toned entry table and dusty blue/gray artwork. The pop of antique brass on the lamp works beautifully with Cavern Clay!

Like I mentioned before, the 2018 SW COTY, Oceanside is a gorgeous teal color and would make a perfect accent wall to coordinate with copper accents and furniture. Teal is bold for an accent wall, but so rich. I love the thought of using it in a dining room along with copper-colored chairs. Or, keep your walls neutral and use teal and copper in small ways like artwork, accessories, pillows and rugs. The nice thing about accenting in these trendy colors in small ways is that you can change them out when the trend wanes or when you want to change up your look.

Not only does the copper color look gorgeous, but the actual metal copper accents are totally on point paired with teal. Of course, JoJo is on trend, including a segment on copper accents for the kitchen in the 2018 Fall issue of The Magnolia Journal! If you are feeling fearless, I love the idea of using a teal color for the kitchen island with copper bar stools like the inspiration picture below. Notice the lighting is also in copper!

Lastly, don’t forget upholstery in cooper or teal to punch it up a notch in your living room. Add some accent pillows and a fun cocktail table and you are set to go!