Color Harmony
From Principles of Applied Arts
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Color Schemes
Selecting a Color Scheme
The color wheel can help you in choosing a color scheme for a room or your home by visually illustrating color harmonies.
Monochromatic
Color schemes that use tints and shades of the same color for a look that is sophisticated and elegant.
Complementary
Includes the two colors that oppose each other on the color wheel. Complementary colors enhance the temperature of each other, adding interest and energy to the décor.
Split Complement
Color schemes that combine hues to the left or right of its complement on the color wheel.
Triad
Color schemes that include any three colors equally spaces on the color wheel (red-orange, yellow-green, and blue-violet). Use various shades of these colors – one as a dominant, another as a secondary and the third as an accent color.
Analogous
Uses consecutive colors on the color wheel (yellow, yellow-orange, orange), create a pleasing palette by using one color more than the other two.
The following rooms illustrate various color schemes incorporating paint, floor and wall coverings, furniture and accessories as part of the rooms’ total color composition.
Monochromatic
Elegant and serene, a monochromatic room exudes sophistication when sensuous fabrics such as velvet and silk are paired with cut crystal accessories for added sparkle. The room’s quiet colors were inspired from the tasteful hues in the rug, setting the stage to let architectural elements such as the antique wall sconce and gnarly tree branch as a sense of hushed drama to this neutral setting.
Colors Used: Accent: cabernet 2116-30; Walls: homespun charm 1249; Trim: oyster 2115-70
Complementary
Opposites attract so it is no surprise that complementary colors are pleasing to the eye, particularly when they are as soft and beautiful as the Benjamin Moore® paint colors used in this hallway. A cherished antique settee was our object of inspiration this time. The ethereal pastels with touches of white beautifully showcase the collection of antique treasures while transforming a ho-hum stairway into a mini gallery of family heirlooms.
Colors Used: Walls: light salmon 2175-60; Trim: covington blue HC-138; Accent: glacier white OC-37
Split Complement
Taking our inspirational cue from the colors in the handmade coverlet, we created this richly hued room using split complementary colors for a look that is classic with a modern flair. The deep red shade in the quilt is repeated in the bed pillows, painting, and bouquet of roses, providing an opulent punch color to the creamy yellow room. Elements of the soft green threaded throughout the décor afford a sense of visual rest, giving the room a balanced, finished look.
Colors Used: Accent: bordeaux red 1365; Accent: mistletoe 474; Walls: concord ivory HC-12
Triad
With its nubby texture and triad color palette, the ottoman in this room became the inspirational starting point for this appealing setting. The result is a fresh airy feel that seems to invite the outdoors inside. We moved a rattan chair from the porch to complement the other rattan pieces in the room, adding textural interest through the furnishings, fabrics, and accessories such as the jacquard pillows and handcrafted candles.
Colors Used: Accent: shadow 2117-30; Accent: coral spice 2170-40; Walls: royal silk 939
Analogous
The berries in the floral arrangement and the lamp shades share a similar fiery shade of red-orange that inspired the colors for this room. This analogous color scheme is anything but boring when you select vibrant warm colors such as for punch. Black leather chairs and clean lines throughout the room’s furnishings and accessories balance and anchor this resplendent room.
Colors Used: Accent: fire dance 2171-20; Trim: jack o’ lantern 2156-30; Walls: august morning 2156-40
