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