Moya Donnellan | Color and Design Consultant in Taos

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On the Subject of Iridescent and Colored Metallics.

Consider some of the most beautiful iridescent colors that appear in the natural world: a tropical beetle, peacock feathers, a kingfisher, a geode…….  even the humble pigeon has deep pink and blue iridescent feathers around its neck………these all provide terrific inspiration for metallic interior color schemes for your home. A green metallic with a flash of intense orange, tonal silvers, and grays paired with acidic lemon or green metallic with shots of hot pink and turquoise……… the combinations are endless….. These metallic colors can look wonderful paired with solid colors as shown below.

See below for some color suggestions …….

Multi Tonal Iridescent Colors in Feathers

Kingfisher Launches a Dive by Roger Batt

PPG’s metallic “Abundant Blue” and “Aqua Essence” with Eggshell Teal and Accents of Orange and Lemon

Try this wonderful multi-colored, deep space marble with a deep blue cabinet. Use one, or both, metallics for walls. Include the rich orange and lemon as accents in accessories …..

A Perfect Metallic Wall

PPG’s “Aqua Essence: used as a background for art and collectibles

Iridescent or metallic colors can allow you to use dark colors without the oppressive effect they sometimes can have. Choose an Amazonian beetle green or a dark Mariana Trench blue: the metallic reflective quality gleams in natural and artificial light alike. The green metallic shown is a new take on the traditional hunter green wall which provides a perfect backdrop for black-framed art and an eclectic collection of finds from your travels.

“Aqua Essence “ with deep purple and cream

I tried this color combination in my living/ kitchen space. The purple is a wonderful partner to the metallic green and is an ever-changing color combination as the light transitions from early morning to night………. true purple in daylight morphing to an almost black in the evening and artificial light…..

Silver and Blue Metallics

Silvery oceanic fish inspired me to mix two different silvers and blues to capture the luminous effect of the fish scales. The blue metallic, inspired by water, completed the tonal effect. Try a lemon in an accent chair, home accessories or, for example, embroidery on a cushion…….

Tropical Reef Fish by Robert Kerton CSIRO

Silver-blues and yellow palette……………………

PPG’s “Abundant Blue”, “Foundry” and “Rejoice'“ metallics mixed with flat lemon paint.

Peacock Feathers Combine Iridescent Colors with Neutrals

Photograph “Peacock Feather” by Tony Hisgett, Birmingham, UK

A peacock feather with a mix of neutral and vibrant colors…..

Metallic Neutral Paired with Eggshell Cream. Navy, Blue and Lime as Accents

Cream and white is a classic combination of wall paint colors given a new lease on life with the neutral metallic “Champagne Dreams”. The almost nautical blues and lime can be used as important accents……. in trim, accessories and textiles.