The secret to the color wheel is that there really are no secrets.
The color wheel is like a carpenter’s speed square, you can use it for as simple or as complex of tasks set before you. I use my speed square to mark boards and check for square, while some of my carpenter-builder friends use it to cut angles for roofs, stairways, and decks.
Let’s start with the color wheel basics, and how this handy little tool can unlock the mystery of why those interior design Pinterest pins are so darn appealing to all of us.
First off the color wheel is a designer’s best friend. It is a guide to selecting colors that ‘go.’ And by ‘go,’ I mean there is never one exact perfect answer to any one question. That’s the art in design. The color wheel guides you to colors that will soothe, colors that will radiate energy, color combinations that will hit that perfect note of your family’s personality.
We asked these questions about the secrets of the color wheel during the #HossColor chat.
A monochromatic color scheme is fairly easy to remember. It’s a color scheme using just one hue, but varying the value. This color scheme can make a space feel calm and more open. We’ve all seen that ever-popular Pinterest and Instagram DIY project of the drawers painted in the same color, but in different tints or shades. Oftentimes a single color strip is used, and the designer just goes down the strip for the colors. Easy enough, right? (Except for when the paint company includes different base colors for that strip. We’ll talk about this in another chat.)
An analogous color scheme is similar-ish in feel to the monochromatic color scheme. Instead of using different shades of the same color, we are using anywhere from two to five color neighbors on the wheel. So looking at the wheel, you could use the green, blue-green, and blue. A very popular look these days.
Complementary color schemes are quite popular. It’s using colors that are opposite to each other on the wheel. Most sports teams use complementary colors, and a lot of consumer packaging, signage, logos go with this complementary look. It’s a bold way to go in a home, unless you are doing it in a playroom or designing for Katy Perry.
Color triads are real. Select three colors that are evenly spaced from each other around the wheel, and you’ll have made your first color triad. Concepts like cool and warm colors, plus tones and tints will factor into how successful you’ll feel working with a color triad. But, it’s worth playing around with. You never know what you like in the world of design unless you give into your inner curiosity and play a bit.
I’d love to know your favorite color schemes. Please share below or send me a note.
We’ll be on break during the holidays, but I’ll be hosting #HossColor Wednesdays at 1:30pmET starting in January.
Share your questions about color, and we’ll make sure to create a chat designed to help you. -t
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Highly descriptive article, I loved that bit.
Will there be a part 2?