15 Creative Color Palettes for Warm Seasons

Citrus shades make you feel like you’ve just bitten into a juicy orange. Experiment with yellow, red, pink, coral and tangerine to find a refreshing combination that’s not overpowering. Since citrus shades are pretty bright, you might want to add a neutral to the mix. You could also stick to hues within the same color family, such as red and warm pink.

Bold colors are a symbol of the tropics. Transport yourself to an island paradise with lime green, neon yellow, hot pink, deep violet, turquoise and sky blue. These colors are so bright and cheerful that you’ll smile to yourself whenever you enter your redecorated room or try on a Caribbean-inspired outfit.

Summer isn’t just a time for cold drinks and beach getaways. It’s also the perfect time to stroll through the forest while the leaves are bright green or relax at home during a midday thunderstorm. Rustic colors, such as earthy browns, mossy greens, terracotta and burnt orange, bring the woods into your home.

Tart and refreshing, lemonade comes in pale yellow and pink shades with clear ice cubes and the occasional mint sprig on top. Revitalize your space with soft yellows, blushing pinks, crisp whites and subtle greens to capture the essence of this beloved drink. You could even buy lemon-patterned accessories that match your decor.

If you find yourself fantasizing about a beach vacation, try redecorating your space with light blues, soft beiges and foamy whites. You could even use yellows, oranges and pinks to capture the beauty of an ocean sunset. A few touches of teal or navy blue add depth to this color scheme.

Picnics are famous for their bright colors, including green grass, blue skies, yellow sunlight and red-and-white checkered tablecloths. Opt for cherry reds, forest greens and buttery yellows to create a cheerful, playful space that gives you a break from your daily responsibilities. You might even feel like hosting a picnic or brunch indoors.

When you stroll through a garden, you’ll find all the colors of the rainbow: shimmering yellows, bold pinks, romantic purples and lush greens. Start with a green base, then choose a few vibrant shades that remind you of your favorite flowers. You could even pull inspiration from a single species, such as the bold yellows and earthy browns of a sunflower.

With bright orange flesh and soft pink skin, peaches are the ultimate summer treat. They also shine with all the colors of a sunrise. Experiment with cream, apricot, rosy pink and a touch of yellow to make your space feel warm, vibrant and summery–just like the fruit at the farmer’s market.

When you think about it, gold isn’t just an autumn color. Late summer evenings bring the famous “golden hour,” which illuminates the world with a warm yellowish tinge. Try decorating with gold, cinnamon, rusty red and mustard yellow to capture the feeling of dancing outside in the summer heat with insects buzzing in the grass.

Cut open a melon, and you’ll find lush orange, cool green or blushing pink. These sweet, juicy colors create a sizzling color scheme that hints at the tropics. Pair these shades with whites and dark greens, and you’ll have a delicious palette that looks great in your kitchen or bathroom.

Sizzling tacos, spicy curries and salt-rimmed margaritas make the perfect summer meal. These bold dishes also give you inspiration for a new color palette–and if you take a look in your cabinet, you’ll find plenty of rich yellows, muted oranges, deep reds and coffee browns. For more fun, add a dash of silver or emerald green.

After spending a lot of time in the sun, your skin develops a pleasant tan that pairs well with your favorite summer outfits. These sophisticated skin tones also provide the base for a sun-kissed palette. Start with tans, caramels and browns, then try exploring some of the underlying tones, such as coral, chocolate and gold.

If you’re a beach glass collector, you probably have a jar full of teal, sandy white, seafoam green and shell pink hues. These colors also liven up your space with an ocean-inspired palette, transporting you to a world of cool waves, sandy beaches and salty air. Bold orange and deep blue give this color scheme a focal point.

Nobody attends a summer festival to sit quietly in their seats. Instead, they make a scene with neon clothes, shimmering glowsticks, eye-catching jewelry, smoke bombs and tie-dye banners. You can invite this excitement into your house with electric blues, neon greens, cheerful yellows and warm greys. A rainbow tapestry pulls it all together.

Summer rainstorms bring a calm, refreshed vibe that makes you feel like sitting on the front porch with a cup of tea for hours. Surround yourself with this feeling by revitalizing your space with lush greens, dark browns, romantic reds, dainty yellows and a touch of grey that resembles an overcast sky.