The art of combining colors only seems to be simple. Fortunately, this skill can also be learned. By following a few simple rules you will never again create a clashing combination!
When decorating an apartment or designing a website we often face a dilemma of how to combine different elements. Especially the question of color is a problem for many people. Not all shades harmonize nicely with each other, not all complement each other. Fortunately, the world of color is governed by certain rules, which allow the appropriate matching of colors.
The starting point for the proper combination of colors is to get acquainted with the color wheel. By analyzing it and using a few proven methods you will start to combine colors correctly. Look for three basic relationships on the color wheel: analogous colors, complementary colors and triads.
Analogous colors are those that appear next to each other on the color wheel with equal spacing, complementary colors are those that are opposite each other and the color triad is a triangle inside the color wheel with 3 colors at its vertices. If we follow these simple rules, we are sure to get the desired effect. Selected colors will harmonize with each other.
Despite the rules and color schemes designers, interior designers and fashion designers like to break the established patterns. Very often we come across contrasting, clashing and bold color combinations in stores and catalogs. An example of such color madness is combining red with pink or fuchsia. Despite the first feeling of chaos, this combination is well thought out and results from combining analogous colors.
Thanks to the color triad we can combine three colors with no fear of effect. By moving the triangle on the color wheel, its vertices indicate the colors that go well together. Colors that go well together according to this juxtaposition are, for example:
Complementary colors are at opposite ends of the color wheel. Complementary colors, as the name suggests, complement each other. Their combination creates the impression of a cohesive and finished whole. The effect of a complementary combination of colors is such a combination as
Combining colors according to the principle of complementarity is a solution for brave people who want to go crazy with intense colors. Following this simple rule, we will always be sure that the color combinations we choose are correct.
Monochromatic combination is a combination of different shades of the same color. On a color palette, these colors are placed in one row – upwards – looking from the center of the circle. These colors work perfectly together and harmonize with each other. Deciding to combine them within one room or styling, we are always sure of a match. Monochromatic combination does not have to be boring. A lighter color will create a subtle background, while a darker color will attract more attention. With a color base of the same note as the intense hue, the impression of consistency will be even stronger.
Main photo: Helena Lopes/unsplash.com
