How to Choose a Color Scheme
When planning the color scheme of a room, obviously you will need to consider what colors you want to use in your design. Choose the right colors and you will have a warm welcoming space. Pick the wrong color combination and you will never feel comfortable in the room. To help you choose the right color scheme, we will take a look at the typical color wheel. As we look at the combination of colors, we find the following schemes are used.
The monochromatic color scheme consists of the tints and hues of a single color. This type of color scheme is the easiest to work with and can provide a great look, but does not offer as much diversity as the other schemes.
One typical example of a monochromatic theme is the use of black and white. We have all seen the theme used in modernistic spaces with good success. The stark contrast brings intensity to the space.
Analogous colors are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, and known for their bright cheery effect. This color scheme often represents the colors found in nature. An example would be red, orange, and yellow or purple, blue, and green. The color combinations are easy on the eye and work well to create moods.
The complementary color scheme are contrasting colors such as orange and blue, green with red, or purple and yellow. You will find them at opposite points of the color wheel.
This color scheme often produces vibrant contrasts that work well on logos, but can be overwhelming when used on a large scale. You can feel the energy in the color combinations even as they join for a bright, vivid look.
An alternative to the complementary color scheme is the split-complementary scheme. Choose a main color, look to the opposite color across the color wheel, but utilize the two colors on each side of that color.
For example, red and green are contrasting colors. Choose green, and then add orange and purple, the split-complementary colors to green.
Other color schemes you could consider include the tetradic, which consists of any four colors that have a logical relationship on the color wheel such as using double complements. A neutral color scheme includes such colors as black, white, and gray.
Accented neutral schemes use neutral tones with a bright splash of a strong color such as red, blue, or green.
The last thing to consider is the warm and cool color schemes. A color scheme is warm when considering colors such as orange, red, or yellow. Cool colors consist of blues, purples, and greens.
When deciding the color scheme of a room, consider what colors you are interested in, take a look at the color wheel, and see what works well for you.
You can also search home decorating magazines or websites, or just look around at the colors surrounding your life for inspiration.
