How to Combine Colors
Because color is a form of nonverbal communication that can radically affect our mood and emotions, it’s crucial to create the perfect color scheme for our space. When you walk into any space, the way your eye translates color and color combinations can affect how you interpret the style, mood and overall comfort level of the space. Learn how to combine colors and use the color wheel to create the perfect color scheme, along with tips on how to incorporate color combinations into your space, in this D.Signers video:
Color Wheel
Color theory is the science about how we interpret the colors we see in the world and how we respond to specific color combinations and proportions and color theory starts with the color wheel. The primary colors (red, blue and yellow) are the building blocks of all other colors on the wheel; they cannot be made from mixing other colors. Secondary colors (orange, green and purple) are created by using two primary colors. Tertiary colors are the six shades that are made by mixing primary and secondary colors.
Analogous Color Schemes
An analogous color scheme uses three or more colors that sit next to one another on the color wheel. Since three colors are used, proportion is important to make sure the space feels balanced. You may want to incorporate a 60/30/10 rule to apportion the colors. For example:
- 60% – walls, accent pieces, rugs and sofas
- 30% – curtains, side chairs and accessories
- 10% – cushions, patterned fabrics, decorative accessories, artwork
It’s important to add some natural texture or metals to add dimension to the space.
If you’re the type of person who wants a neutral palette for the overall look of the space but add pops of color into a room, you can apply the analogous color scheme into your accent elements and accessories.
Complementary Color Scheme
The complementary color scheme is the simplest as it uses two colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel. Typically, one color acts as the dominant shade and the other as an accent. This color combination is high contrast and brings strong energy into a space, so you need to use it in small doses. Add neutrals to balance them out and provide a place for the eye to rest.
Like the analogous color scheme, you can add pops of color into a neutral space. Apply two contrasting colors into your accent elements and accessories.
Monochromatic Color Scheme
A monochromatic color scheme uses tints, tones and shades within the same hue or color family.
- Tints are created by adding white to a pure color.
- Tones are created by adding black and white to a pure color.
- Shades are created by adding black to a pure color.
Unity is one of the benefits of using a monochromatic color scheme; on the other hand, this color scheme has the risk of making the room feel boring, so the most attractive way to complete this color scheme by adding different patterns and textures to break up the monotony and add dimension to the space.
Mixed Color Scheme
Since interior design is not rigid, you can mix and match different color schemes in the same space. For example, you can have your walls, furniture, flooring and the general elements of the space in black, gray and white (monochromatic) and combine it with a contrasting color scheme for your accessories, like pairing a blue ottoman with orange cushions, vases or other types of accessories.
Extra Tips for Adding Colors
- Tie rooms together with accents. Accent colors can change from room to room, but continuing one color throughout the home helps to connect the different spaces. This allows the eye to move around the different rooms and associate one to another using the same color in some of the details, which helps you balance and unify these spaces.
- Use a consistent paint color on the walls throughout the home.
- Add colored prints and textures. Pair them with solid colors in your color scheme rules to create a perfect combination.
