| One of the most important things about colors is | | | | supporting role. |
| how they relate to one another. Colors can | | | | Another complimentary color pattern is to sue three |
| compliment and enhance one another, or they can | | | | colors which are an equal distance from one another |
| detract and clash with one another. This effect is | | | | on the color wheel. This creates a scheme in which all |
| governed by well understood color principles, which | | | | three colors balance one another out with their |
| means that even if you have no taste, you can at | | | | contrasts, and in which a harmonious effect can |
| least use tried and tested methods to help you | | | | emerge. |
| determine which colors go together. | | | | The third tertiary scheme is to use the colors to the |
| A color wheel is a tool which lays out colors | | | | right and left of your main colors direct compliment. |
| according to their relationship to one another. It | | | | These two colors balance one another out, to create |
| starts out with the three basic colors, Red, Green, | | | | a harmony similar to a contrasting two part color |
| and Blue. These colors are then mixed together in | | | | scheme |
| varying levels, to create the many shades which lie | | | | Four Part Color Designs |
| between them on the wheel. In this way a color | | | | When using four colors you have to be careful, as |
| wheel takes every possible variation and lays them | | | | you are getting into a very complex design. Generally |
| out in a gradient. | | | | on the color wheel, a four part harmony is produced |
| Analogous and Complimentary Colors | | | | by colors which are an equal distance apart. |
| The color wheel is useful because it gives you an | | | | However, you have to be careful, as deciding how |
| easy way of understanding which colors go well | | | | much of each color to use is a very exact process. |
| together. Colors which are next to one another on | | | | You should probably try and find examples of spaces |
| the color wheel are analogous. These will be similar to | | | | which use your four colors successfully, to help guide |
| one another, and will generally work well together. | | | | you on your path. This can be done by flipping |
| Colors opposite from one another are complimentary. | | | | through design and home living books. Another place |
| These colors work well when one is dominant, and | | | | to find matching colors is in the designs on wall paper |
| the other acts as an accent, contrasting off of it. | | | | and in fabric. |
| Three Color Designs | | | | Conclusion |
| When three colors are used, there are actually three | | | | The color wheel is an invaluable tool for selecting the |
| different arrangements on the color wheel, which can | | | | right color. It will tell you which matches are |
| give you a matching pattern. The first is to select | | | | potentially good, and which may present problems. |
| three colors which are right next to one another on | | | | However the final look of the space will still have to |
| the wheel. This is generally done by making the | | | | be decided by personal taste, so you should always |
| central color primary, and having its flanks play a | | | | test your colors out before committing to them. |