Lavender is a versatile color that can be paired with many other colors and styles. In this article, we’ll explore what lavender looks good with in home decor, fashion, and gardening.
Lavender in home decor
When using lavender in home decor, it pairs nicely with a variety of colors that complement its soft purple tone. Here are some top color combinations with lavender for interior design:
| Green | Lavender and green is a soothing, natural color combination. The earthy green helps ground the dreamy purple. Use dark greens like hunter green or olive green for a more sophisticated look. |
| Blue | From light powder blue to navy, all shades of blue coordinate well with lavender. The blue brings out the subtle hints of blue undertones in lavender. |
| White | Crisp white has a clean, brightening effect when paired with lavender. White helps lavender feel more airy and ethereal. |
| Gray | Cool grays like silver, pewter or slate blue-gray complement the soft moodiness of lavender. |
| Yellow | Cheerful daffodil or lemon yellow contrasts nicely with the mellow purple. Avoid pairing lavender with harsh yellow tones. |
| Pink | Feminine shades of pink, from ballet slipper pink to fuchsia, make lively partners for lavender. |
Here are some ways to incorporate lavender and these colors into home decor:
– Paint walls in a soothing lavender hue and add accents in olive green, white or gray
– Choose lavender and white printed fabric for curtains or accent pillows
– Select a lavender sofa or armchair and pair with gray and yellow pillows
– Mix white, lavender and green in floral fabric patterns for bedding or upholstery
– Blend blue, green and lavender glass bottles and vases for a pretty bathroom or kitchen accent
Lavender also pairs well with natural textures and materials like wood tones, rattan, linen, cotton and velvet. The soft purple color works in many styles from modern farmhouse to boho chic design.
Lavender in fashion
In clothing and fashion accessories, lavender is extremely versatile and can be mixed and matched with all sorts of colors and prints. Here are top ways to wear lavender fashionably:
| Black | Lavender and black is a classic combination. Wear a black pencil skirt or pants with a lavender blouse for the office. |
| White | A white sundress or jacket looks fresh and summery with lavender accessories. |
| Pink | Pair a light purple top with faded jeans and pink heels for a girly casual look. |
| Silver | Metallic silver shoes, jewelry and handbags sparkle against lavender clothing. |
| Yellow | For a cheerful spring or summer outfit, wear a lavender skirt with yellow flats and purse. |
| Blue | A navy cardigan over a lavender dress is a sophisticated color pairing. |
Lavender also works well in floral prints and as an accent color in plaid, stripes, polka dots and color blocking. It’s ideal for the spring and summer when soft pastels are popular.
In terms of clothing types, lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton and chiffon in pale purple hues have an airy, feminine vibe. Lavender can also give fall and winter items like cashmere sweaters and velvet blazers a pretty, romantic quality.
Lavender in the garden
In the garden, lavender pairs attractively with many other plants and flowers. Here are top companion plants for lavender:
| Roses | English roses, heirloom roses and floribunda roses mingle beautifully with the purple spikes of lavender. |
| Salvia | Red, white, blue and purple salvia stand out nicely against lavender foliage. |
| Russian sage | The silvery leaves and blue flowers of Russian sage complement lavender’s gray-green foliage. |
| Ornamental grasses | Grasses like miscanthus, pampas grass and pennisetum rustle gently among lavender plants. |
| Thyme | Upright lavender varieties shelter low-growing, bee-friendly thyme. |
| Poppies | Simple poppies in white, pink or red pop against lavender blooms. |
Some other flowering plants that look attractive next to lavender bushes and hedges include:
– Peonies
– Cornflowers
– Bachelor’s buttons
– California lilacs
– Bee balm
– Purple coneflowers
– Dwarf iris
Lavender’s gray-green foliage and light purple flowers also combine well with ornamental grasses. For example, use clumps of miscanthus, stipa or pennisetum around lavender plants to create visual interest.
Include lavender in pollinator gardens along with Salvias, catmint, agastache, monarda, veronica, and nepeta. The nectar-rich blooms will attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds from spring through fall.
Conclusion
With its soft hue and fragrant appeal, lavender has many complementary color combinations across home decor, fashion, and gardening. Go with cool tones like green, blue and gray for a more soothing effect. Warm yellow, pink and red pair with lavender to create cheerful, vibrant displays. Natural textures like linen, cotton and wood also suit the casual elegance of lavender. This diverse and fragrant flower adapts well to all sorts of styles. Whether you’re designing a room, planning an outfit, or planting a garden, lavender is sure to be a pleasant addition.