Complementary Colours

Complementary colours are colours found on opposite side of the colour wheel. The Primary colours complementary colour is a combination of the other two Primary’s mixed together, for example:

Complementary Colours

Red complements Green – which is created through mixing blue and yellow

Blue complements Orange – which is created through mixing red and yellow

Yellow complements Purple – which is created through mixing blue and red

Complementary colours are important to recognise because if they are placed in a room next door to each other they will make the other seem brighter, creating the most contrast.

This can be exploited in your rooms, if you feel confident enough, or it can be a useful tip to know in order to avoid problems

Monochrome

Monochrome meaning one colour. However, you can include different tones of the same colour to stop the scheme seeming to monotonous. For example; should you choose the colour black, any of the different tones desaturating all the way up to white can be used, so this would include the whole grey tonal range (as long as it was exempt of all other colour).

Another way to add interest to a room when using a monochromatic theme is to introduce a variety of textures in that colour.

Analogous Colours

Analogous Colours are a collection of colours found adjacent to each other in the colour wheel, one of which is normally a primary colour (red, yellow or blue).

Analogous Colours

When using an analogous range of colours, one is normally dominant while the others can be varied in intensity to create a myriad of different variations.

Tip : If you are having problems putting colours together, look to nature. Everything in nature has perfect harmony and balance, you will never go to wrong if you use that as a basis for choosing your colours.

Split Complementary

Split Complementary is a variation of the complementary colours, except this uses one of the complementary colours and the two colours adjacent to the opposite complementary.

Split Complementary Colours

For example : yellow and purple blue and purple red (as above)

This provides similar colour contrast to the standard complementary colours but without the tension.

This could be a more viable option in comparison with the complementary colours as you can still achieve a high contrast, but with a smaller chance of creating major issues. Its always worth remembering that these colours should not be used in equal measure and to their full saturation. To get the best effect one should be most dominant and they should range in saturation/brightness.

Triadic Colours

Triadic Colours are three that are equal distance around the 12 segment colour wheel.

Triadic Colours

For example : yellow orange and blue green and red purple (as seen above)

With this scheme one colour is normally used as a dominant, whilst the other two are accent colours. These trios of colour are considered to be more harmonious and balanced than the complementary colours and are a popular choice amongst artists.

Again once the main colour is chosen it should feature the most in the room with the other two colours used sparsely, like on cushions, a vase, a rug etc.

Tip : By using accessories to display the accent colours it also means should you want to update later on, you can easily replace them to give the room a whole new feel, providing not only a cheap option but a quick one to.

To be able to make an informed decision about the right colours to put together you need to have a basic understanding of colour principle. A good place to start is the colour wheel.

The most basic colour wheel contains three segments, each containing one Primary colour; red, blue or yellow.

Primary Colour Wheel

Divide the wheel down to six segments. The three Primary colours are positioned an equal distance apart and in the segments in-between a colour is made from both the combination of both surrounding colours. These are the Secondary colours; purple, green and orange.

Secondary Colour Wheel

Divide the wheel down even further to 12 segments. As before all six colours (Primary and Secondary) are positioned equal distance apart, and in the segments between, a new set of colours are made from a combination of the two surrounding it. These are the Tertiary colours.

Tertiary Colour Wheel

Click Here to see some Unusual Colour Wheels in Life and Art

An understanding of colour is very important when it comes to anything creative, interior design is no exception. Understanding the theory behind which colours will work and which won’t, can often make or break a room. Colour should always be a thoughtful addition to any the room, because not only is it aesthetically pleasing but it is powerful enough to influence the emotions of those surrounded by it.

We have put together a variety of informative pages that should help to increase understanding of this subject and hopefully aid you in developing your interior design ideas.

Cool Colours
Cool colours are said to be the hues from blue green through blue violet. These colours are best used when you want to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.

Blue
Blue is favourite for creating calmness, peace and tranquillity. It is a popular colour for many rooms due to the fact it can go with both traditional and modern styles. Vintage styles can be created using blue with white a floral prints. Contemporary styles can be created using varied tone of blue with fresh whites and pale woods. Shades of blue work well with pastel colours especially soft apple greens. Blue with Yellow is a great combination for creating a sunny Mediterranean style.
Green
Green is the colour used to symbolize nature, balance, harmony and positivity. It creates a relaxing atmosphere when used in various tones. Team with pastels and neutrals to create a contemporary look in a living room or with cream for a country cottage look in a kitchen/breakfast room. Adding black and white to green can create an Art Deco look or why not be bold and try a retro theme with lime green for something a little different.
Purple
Most popularly used in bedrooms, purple is ideal for creating tranquility and best in the home when balanced with whites and pastels. It

Warm Colours
Warm colours are often said to be hues from red through yellow, browns and tans. They are lively, stimulating and domineer over cool colours. Warm colours should not be used as a base colour and are best used when highlighting statement pieces in your room.

Red
As with warning signs, red is a colour which grabs peoples attention, so ideal when used on a feature wall or creating a statement piece in a room. As lively, this colour is best used in social rooms, such as dining rooms, living rooms or open plan kitchen/living rooms. Even small doses can often be more effective, so great for those decorative accessories.
Yellow
Like the sunshine, yellow is bright and exudes excitement so ideal for a child’s room or in an entrance hallway. It is also effective when used to highlight elements of your space
Orange
As a mixture of red and yellow it shares both attributes of these colours. Although Orange is hot and fiery like Red, it is not as aggressive. Orange actually stimulates mental activity, so add splash of orange in a study or children’s playroom. It also works well in a kitchen as is associated with appetite and health foods.

Neutrals
Neutrals are great for creating a light and soft environment and giving the illusion of space. This scheme looks stylish and sophisticated and is great used as a blank canvas which can be injected with colour, prints and patterns for interest. This is ideal as a base colour as allows you to update the room by just using bright accents and accessories. These tones are great when used with warm tones such as rich red, mushroom, and terracotta.

Brown
Being the colour of the earth, use brown to create a nurturing atmosphere. Colours such as Coffee are becoming more and more popular and are best when paired with other neutrals or warm tones.

Black
Black is formal, elegant and prestigious. Black makes other colours stand out so ideal for teaming up with warm shades. Too much black in a space can make the room feel smaller, so this is best used in small amounts. Black is perfect for that formal dining area. Accessories and soft furnishings