How to Create a Three-Color Decorating Scheme

Selecting an energetic trio of colors will make your interior decorating easier. Learn how to create a three-color decorating scheme using the color wheel in this video by Better Homes and Gardens:

Using the color wheel helps you navigate the triadic color scheme, which uses three colors equidistant from each other on the color wheel. The three component colors have equal intensity and help create a balanced room. The general approach to decorating with triadic colors is to add solids, repeat patterns, and ground with neutrals.

In the example presented in this video, using the triadic color scheme green, orange and purple, a vibrant purple sofa and green side chair pull their palettes from the large scale floral print on the curtains. The burnt orange hue, although it appears primarily in the wall color, creates a bold statement and a cozy room. A variety of solid green pillows on the sofa help bring the bold color in line with the rest of the room. Pillows made from the curtain fabric repeat the statement pattern. Taking a cue from nature, brown accents such as cork flooring, rattan blinds, and woven ottomans are added throughout the room to break up the intense colors.

Try other triadic combinations, such as red/yellow/blue or pink/green/blue, to create rooms that are vibrant without being overwhelming. Play with intensity and texture, and you will have a beautiful room full of color and energy.