Some sweet tips on using candy-colored decor in children’s rooms

Yellow, orange, blue, red, pink and green add pizzazz.

By Cathy Hobbs

Tribune News Service
February 12, 2025 at 8:10PM
Candy colors such as orange, yellow and blue help to make for a fun, warm yet fresh children’s space. (Tribune News Service)

Yellow, orange, blue, red, pink and green have a common element. They are candy colors and can be used in interesting, colorful ways to spice up various rooms of a home, especially those that don’t get much light.

Candy colors are often warm and help create a cozy space. Colors such as yellow can be showcased as either light or dark shades, while colors such as orange can add a sense of light and warmth.

Looking for a more subdued color palette? Blue and green introduce a sense of “coolness” but can easily be paired with warm colors for a soothing and calm vibe.

Stripes in various colors provide a graphic, yet sophisticated look in this guest bedroom. (Scott Gabriel Morris/Tribune News Service)

How to use candy colors

Do

Do use candy colors in spaces where you are looking to pair an eclectic mix of colors in the same space.

Do use candy colors in graphic ways such as for bedding, wallpaper and artwork.

Do pair candy colors with neutral elements such as neutral area rugs.

Various candy colors are spread throughout this space through the use of artwork, area rugs and accessories. (Tribune News Service)

Don’t

Don’t pair more than three candy colors in the same space.

Don’t mix candy colors with dark colors such as brown, black or indigo as they can cause candy colors to feel “muddy.”

Don’t ignore the opportunity to use candy colors as accessories such as toss pillows, throws and accents such as vases and small sculpture.

Cathy Hobbs is the owner of the NYC + Hudson Valley-based interior design, home staging firm Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes and the author of the book “Home Design Recipes.”

Shades of orange adds warm citrus colors to this children’s bedroom. (Tribune News Service)
about the writer

about the writer

Cathy Hobbs