Children's paint sets feature primary and secondary colors.
The idea of color in home decorating raises anxiety for many people. Unfortunate color schemes are embarrassing and difficult to live with. People may invest in paint, furniture, drapes, lampshades, art and accessories only to discover the color scheme doesn't work. That fear of bad results keeps some from starting on decorating projects or ever re-decorating. Work with the same tools professionals use: the color wheel, color scheme applications and design theory. Solve the mystery surrounding color and interior decorating and follow guiding principles to build color combinations with confidence.
Instructions
1. Purchase a color wheel from an art supply or paint store. Use it to become familiar with relationships between colors. Primary colors include red, yellow and blue; secondary colors include green, orange and violet.
2. Note the main color you want to use in building your color scheme.
3. Create a monochromatic (one-color) combination by selecting related colors such as sky blue, slate blue and navy blue. This creates a pleasing effect and is a nearly foolproof method for design. It also works to use two similar colors such as gold and yellow and a neutral color such as cream.
4. Achieve a strong contrast by choosing colors opposite each other on the color wheel. One example is a true red and jade-green combination. Set off the combination with a neutral color such as tan or taupe, and add gold or silver accents.
5. Create a complementary color combination by selecting a secondary and accent color for your main color. For a red color combination, chocolate brown works as a secondary color with yellow as an accent color. A "subordinate color" in design doesn't have to be a secondary color on the color wheel. In this context, it means subordinate to the main color of the color scheme. For example, in a living room the main color might be yellow, with a yellow sofa, ottoman and drapes. The subordinate color might be blue-green, with a blue-green rug and side chairs. The accent color might be gold, with brass vases, statues, drape tie-backs, and gold-framed paintings. That is used sparingly to set off the main and secondary colors.
6. Try out a combination using analogous colors, which appear next to each other on the color wheel. Examples include red with violet and blue; blue with teal and green; or yellow with orange and red.
7. Create your design in two or more color schemes, using the color combinations you like best. Consider how the colors work together and how they achieve the purpose of the design. For example, pastel and neutral colors provide a tranquil mood in a room and bright accent colors add interest and excitement.
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