The Wheel of Color is one of the most powerful decorating tools available. With a little knowledge and patience, you can use the color wheel to help build decorating color schemes. Color Schemes are logical, balanced relationships of color based on the twelve hue color wheel. Using color schemes eliminates the need for selecting colors based on trial and error. Color schemes are useful in preventing poor color combinations and help establish visual unity.

The color wheel is created in pure color from which every other color is created in Value. Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. Your walls might not be painted the primary color “Yellow” located on the color wheel, however, you might have a value of yellow, called “Buttercream”.

The “home” work was to use the color wheel and dial included in the article to conduct a color study in your own home. By setting the dial on the main color in your room and then adding the accent colors, the color scheme could then be determined on the Key.

Which Color Schemes did you find in your home?

COLOR SCHEMES KEY

Monochromatic Dial A
Analogous Dial ABC or ABCDE
Complementary Dial AG
Split Complementary Dial AHF
Double complementary Dial AGBH or AGCI
Triad Dial AEI
Tetrad Dial AGJD

Monochromatic One single color in various values and intensities of the same color. Monochromatic uses one color with black or white added to produce a range of values. The effect is very quieting, soothing and easy on the eyes.

Analogous Using two or three different colors from the same color family. One color dominates, while the other two enrich the composition. Example: Orange, red orange and pale orange. (Terra cotta, shrimp and copper penny) Or yellow and browned yellow. (Buttercup and caramel). This color scheme gives a softened look with contrast and is a very restful scheme for family rooms and bedrooms.

Complementary These are colors that are found opposite each other on the color wheel. They are two colors that are in total contrast and give high-contrast, by using a warm color with a cool color. Example: Red and green (Persimmon and Sage) Purple and yellow (Eggplant and Custard) The effect is always stimulating and dramatic.

Split Complimentary Uses a color, plus the colors that are on either side of the original color’s opposite or complement color. For example: Selecting Blue, the complementary color would be orange, but the “split’ complementary colors are yellow-orange and red-orange. The effect is a very lively color scheme incorporating an emphasis color, and two other colors, which contrast and compliment.