Color is super important in design. It can make a huge difference in how your design looks and feels. But some color combinations just don't work well together. They can make your design look messy, outdated, or even hurt people's eyes!
As a designer at Ladybug Studio, I want to share the top 3 color combos you should avoid using in your designs. I'll explain why they don't work and give you better options to use instead. That way, your designs will look amazing!
Why Bad Color Combos Happen
Before we jump in, let's first talk about why bad color combinations happen in the first place.
Sometimes designers just randomly pick colors that they think look nice together. But not all colors work well with each other!
Other times, designers get stuck in a creative rut and use the same color combos over and over without thinking. Then the designs start to look dated and boring.
Finally, some color combos that used to look good now hurt people's eyes. Like bright yellow on bright white. Our eyes have changed over time, so some color combos need to be retired.
The good news is, once you know what combos to avoid, you can make your designs pop in all the right ways!
Mistake #1: Bright Green & Bright Red
Let's start with the first big no-no: bright green and bright red. I see this combo a lot around Christmas when people want to make designs feel festive.
But plopping these two bold colors together makes things look chaotic:
Our eyes have a hard time focusing with these competing shades right next to each other. It's like they're shouting for attention!
This combo gives off that look of outdated web design from the 1990s. Not exactly the sleek, modern vibe you want.
Try This Instead
Here are some ways to use green and red together better:
- Mute one color. Try a muted red with bright green. Our eyes relax more when one color takes the lead.
- Add spacing. Give the colors room to breathe. Thick borders helps separate them.
- Use more neutral colors. Shades like beige, brown, or black balance bold colors.
- Make one color an accent. A pop of red on mostly green feels fun but not chaotic.
See how much nicer those look? The colors work together without competing.
Mistake #2: Bright Blue & Bright Orange
Alright, time to talk about bright blue and bright orange. This combo hurts my eyes every time I see it.
Sports teams like the Broncos, Knicks, and Mets lean on this look. I get wanting team colors that pop. But yikes:
These shades vibrate against each other. The whole design feels unsettled and loud.
This combo also reminds people of the 1990s. So not ideal for a modern, sleek look.
Try This Instead
We can still use blue and orange in ways that are easier on the eyes:
- Make one color darker. A navy blue with orange feels more sophisticated.
- Use muted or dusty shades. A pastel orange with a muted teal feels calmer.
- Add a buffer color. Shades like tan, white, or gray separate the colors nicely.
- Use varying saturations. A saturated orange on an unsaturated blue looks more balanced.
See the difference? Those combos let both colors shine without clashing.
Mistake #3: Bright Yellow on Bright White
Old school websites and graphic design loved slapping bright yellow on a white background. But yikes...this hurts to look at!
The super bright yellow vibrates on the white. Our eyes have a hard time focusing. Everything just feels...aggressive.
Yellow on white gives off that cheap, dated look. Like those old "Under Construction" gifs from 1990s websites. Not exactly a modern, premium feel.
Try This Instead
Here are some tips for using yellow on white better:
- Make the yellow darker or muted. A pastel or golden yellow feels easier on the eyes.
- Add a buffer color. Using gray or tan between the colors helps a ton.
- Use varying saturations. Pair a bright yellow with an extra unsaturated white.
- Add visual space. Thick borders and spacing give our eyes a break.
Those combos make the yellow pop without screaming for attention. Much nicer!
Let Your Designs Shine
I hope this guide helps you avoid these rough color combos in your own designs! It takes practice to train your eye on what works. But you'll get the hang of choosing colors that make your graphics pop.
If you ever feel stuck or need a second opinion, Ladybug Studio is here to help! Our team of expert designers can provide professional guidance on colors that wow. Get in touch today to level up your brand.
Together, we can make sure your designs send the right message - with color combos that make you shine. Thanks for reading!