Notonthehighstreet searched the furthest reaches of the globe to bring the latest emerging trends from around the world right to your doorstep.

Their eagle-eyed sellers have been busy designing, making and sourcing the best in global interiors using natural materials, authentic patterns and brilliant colour. It’s time to take your cultural nod up a notch and join them in adding some of these unique touches to your own home.

Global influence of colour

Introducing global influences into a room is all about finding the right balance of colour. A bold palette is key, but playing with unconventional colour combinations is even more important. Rather than looking at opposing colours, try pairing shades that are closer to one another on the colour wheel.

Orange and pink – while not obvious choices – are perfect colour matches. Inspired by sumptuous Indian fabrics, the combination of two bright, warm colours creates a fun and playful palette.

That being said, too many similar colours can create a lack of contrast. Be sure to introduce a supporting colour (along with black, white and grey) as an accent. We’ve found that gold, brassy tones lend themselves perfectly to an otherwise loud colour scheme.

Taking inspiration from around the globe means one thing: variety. Not limited to a single look, you really do have the world at your fingertips.

Take advantage of the melange of textures, prints and materials available to you. Like a traveller returning from lands afar with trinkets and treasures, discover the best of their wanderlust collection.

Which cultures use orange and pink as colours?

The use of orange and pink varies significantly across different cultures, each attributing unique meanings and significance to these vibrant hues.

In many Eastern cultures, particularly in India, orange is a highly revered color, often associated with spirituality, warmth, and energy. It is prominently featured in religious ceremonies and festivals, symbolizing purity and the sacred.

The color is frequently seen in the robes of Hindu monks and during celebrations such as Diwali, where it represents joy and festivity.

On the other hand, pink is often linked to love, compassion, and nurturing in various cultures. In Western societies, it is commonly associated with femininity and is prevalent in celebrations like Valentine's Day, where it symbolizes romantic love and affection.

In Japan, cherry blossoms, or 'sakura,' which bloom in shades of pink, are celebrated during Hanami, a festival that signifies the transient beauty of life. This connection to nature emphasizes the cultural appreciation for beauty and the fleeting moments of existence.

Furthermore, in the context of indigenous cultures, such as those in certain regions of Africa and the Americas, orange and pink can carry different connotations.

For instance, in some Native American cultures, orange is used in art and textiles to represent the earth and its resources, while pink may symbolize health and well-being. The meanings ascribed to these colors can be deeply rooted in the community's history, beliefs, and connection to the land.

In modern contexts, particularly in fashion and design, orange and pink have gained popularity as trendy colors that evoke feelings of creativity and playfulness. Various cultures worldwide embrace these colors in contemporary art, interior design, and branding, reflecting a blend of traditional significance and modern aesthetic preferences.

Overall, the cultural significance of orange and pink is rich and multifaceted, demonstrating how colors can transcend mere visual appeal to embody deeper meanings and connections within societies.

Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.