Confused about color?

     The color wheel is one of many helpful tools when trying to decide on what colors to use in a design. The theory of color and the color wheel are used in all areas of design including web design, graphic design and interior design. This explains (in a nutshell) the three common ways to use the color wheel.

Analogous

Analogous refers to the colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel. Usually in three’s, these combinations and their uses in various hues and saturation’s can create a wonderful color scheme. Some examples of this would be “blue-green + blue + blue-violet” , “red + red-orange + orange” or “green + yellow-green + yellow”.

Complimentary

Even though they are called “Complimentary” colors when referring to color theory and the color wheel, these are actually contrasting colors. These are the colors exactly opposite of one another on the color wheel. If done correctly and with caution, these colors work together in designs to create an eye catching combination. The most common use of complimentary colors is red and green, seen mostly during the Christmas season. Sport teams seem to use complimentary colors often as well. The Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears both use blue and orange as their team colors and the Minnesota Vikings use purple and gold, just to name a few.

Color Triads

Color Triads are captured using a triangle on the color wheel. The three points of the triangle make the Color Triads. These schemes make a statement and are the most vivid of the three uses of the color wheel. The most common is the primary colors, red, blue and yellow.

When all else fails…go brown!

Brown is back! I used to associate brown with the 1970’s because it was paired with saturated shades of golds and oranges and usually in large, funky patterns. Not anymore!  The new uses of brown in conjunction with pastels make lovely designs that don’t hurt your eyes. Even though brown isn’t on the color wheel, light shades of every color paired with brown are fabulous.  Pink, a hue of red, and brown or pale green and brown are a couple examples of the current trendy pairs that work together in harmony to make a great pallet for designing.