How interior designers use the colour wheel to help create the perfect colour scheme
Vancouver, BC - June 9, 2010 - One of the most important factors when designing any space is creating a successful colour scheme. Which colours are used will determine the mood and personality of a room and can ultimately make or break a design. The key to colour theory is understanding how primary, secondary and tertiary colours are represented on the colour wheel and how they can be combined without worry of clashing.
Interior designers often refer to a colour wheel before purchasing paint colours, to help create a Monochromatic, Harmonious or Complimentary colour scheme based on a source of inspiration to be used within a space. While the initial colours may be pulled from a piece of art, area rug or fabric, the full colour scheme can be determined with the help of a colour wheel and specific types of colour schemes.
To start, the Monochromatic colour scheme is a combination of one colour used in varying strengths of tints and shades. Simplicity is the key to this scheme and the feel of your palette will depend on which side of the wheel your inspiration is pulled from. A Monochromatic scheme of red-based colours will create a warm and cozy room where using cooler tones will be more relaxed and calming.
A Harmonious colour scheme uses similar tones that are adjacent to each other on the colour wheel. With this option, an interior designer has to be careful to use the same strength of each colour to prevent too much contrast and vibrancy.
For the more practiced designer, the Complimentary colour palette creates the most drama and tension to enhance visual interest. This scheme combines colours that are directly opposite each other on the colour wheel. Examples include blue and orange or yellow and purple. This colour palette works best when you choose one main colour and have the other as just an accent to avoid competition between the two hues.
While there are exceptions to every rule, use of the colour wheel and basic colour theory will help create a successful and confident colour scheme within interior design.
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