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Every colour has a relationship with all other colours and this is best illustrated using the colour wheel. By gaining a basic understanding of the colour wheel, you will be able to select colour combinations for your home.
There are 4 basic colour categories:
A monochromatic scheme employs one basic colour that is applied in different strengths. For example, you might choose to paint the ceiling in a light blue and use a darker blue on the windows, skirting boards and doors.
An adjacent colour scheme is where two or more colours are located next to each other on the colour wheel. Examples include blue, blue-green and blue violet.
Complementary colours are those on opposite sides of the colour wheel. Examples include red and green, yellow and violet. To prevent these colours clashing it may be wise to select a subtle and a dominant colour.
A triadic scheme employs three colours that are equidistant on the colour wheel. Examples include yellow-orange, or blue-green and red-violet. Unless you’re aiming for a strongly contrasting scheme, choosing one dominant colour and two subtle accent colours will probably achieve the best result.
The harmony and the contrast: a powerful duo
Successful colour combinations often depend on proportions. A light touch of contrasting colour often adds life; too heavy a touch can turn the combination into an irritant.
Colours of same family and contrasting colours
If you use two to four colours from the middle range on the colour wheel, you will achieve beautiful harmony because the colours will be from the same family. For example, pink, apricot, peach and gold harmonize well. Harmonies of blues could include sky blue, deep green and prestige blue, colours that go well together because none is dominant.
Colour Terminology:
Accent Colour - A contrasting hue used to add a visual effect to a color scheme.
Adjoining colours (analogous colours) - are those that are next to each other on the color wheel. When you decorate with adjoining colors you will create a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.
Complementary Colours - Two colours located directly opposite each other on the colour wheel.
Contrasting Colours - Colours that have at least three colours between them on a colour wheel.
Cool Colours - Blues, greens, and purples (called receding colours)
Desaturated Colours - Colour made less brilliant by adding white to them.
Hue - another word for colour
Monochromatic - Using one colour, but incorporating all the tints and shades of that one colour.
Neutral Colours - White, gray, taupe, tan, brown, etc.
Primary Colours - Red, blue and yellow.
Related Colours - Two colours right next to one another on the colour wheel.
Saturated Colours - Bright hues, colour that is not mixed with black, white or gray (for tinting or shading).
Secondary Colours - Colours created by mixing two primary colours together.
Shade - a darker hue created by adding black to a colour.
Split Complementary - Using the two colours on each side of the complement. (i.e. red, yellow-green, and blue-green)
Tint - a lighter hue created by adding white to a colour.
Tone - adding gray to a colour
Triad - Created by using three hues that are an equal distance apart on the colour wheel. (i.e. red, yellow and blue)
Value - The lightness or darkness of a colour.
Warm Colours - Reds, oranges, and yellows (called advancing colours).
Analogous or Related:
Created by using hues (three colours) that are next to each other on the colour wheel. They consist of one primary colour, one intermediate colour and one secondary colour. (Ex: blue, blue-green, green). They all have some of the same "primary" colour.
Complimentary:
Created by using hues that are opposite of each other on the colour wheel. These two colours do not have anything in common with each other.
Split Complimentary:
Created by selecting a hue on the colour wheel and combining it with the two hues on each side.
Double Complimentary:
Created with two sets of complimentary colours. (i.e. yellow and violet, red and green)
Accented Neutral:
White and black accented with a bright colour. (I.e. white, black, red or white, black and orange)
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