Decorating with Bright Colors

Design a balanced room by choosing a split-complementary color scheme from the color wheel. Learn more about decorating with bright colors in this Better Homes and Gardens video:

To decorate with this color scheme, choose one color and then add its compliment and a color near its compliment from the color wheel. This trio creates a high degree of contrast that is less intense than a true complimentray design. The combinations are almost endless.

The room in this video features red orange, yellow orange and shades of blue, which creates a high-energy room without the intensity of a complimentary scheme.

Curtains with a big floral print in all three colors inspired the room’s color scheme. The orange-based yellow carries over to the sofa while splashes of bold coral appear on the accent chair and ottoman.

Add dimension by using different shades of one color. The aqua blue in the curtains is balanceb by royal blue in the rug. The rug ties the complete palette together, while the accent pillows pull in more blue and pops of coral.

Use a neutral background. Pale walls, blinds and whitewashed flooring allowsthe rest of the room to shine.