How to Use Complimentary Colors for your Home Decor
Debunking the myth of complimentary colors in Interior Design
If you are deciding on a color scheme for your house, then the color wheel is your friend. It basically holds 12 colors, divided into 3 categories: primary, secondary and tertiary and helps us identify how well each color can blend or standout with the other.
The primary colors of red, blue and green are the base for deriving the rest of the colors that we see on the color wheel. The secondary colors are orange, purple, and green made from mixing the primary colors and the third category of tertiary colors are the remaining six shades that are derived from mixing both primary and secondary hues.
And as we break the mystery of complimentary colors for our home decor, let’s first identify them.
Complimentary colors are those that are exactly opposite to the primary colors of the color wheel; red and green, yellow and purple and finally blue and orange.
Complimentary colors can appear to be very intimidating if you’re unsure of handling bold colors. But the trick is knowing how to use them in their right proportion and tincture and you’d be surprised with the number of impressive combinations you can get out of them. These schemes are bold, dynamic and in contrast to popular belief are also capable of creating some stunning spaces.
Let us a take a look at a few splendid complimentary color combinations.
1. Blue and Orange
The relationship of blue and orange is certain to bring out the excitement and comfort in you. A perfect example of why opposites attract and how well they can complement each other.
Where blue in this room is the soothing or the calming element, orange is the icebreaker. The orange and the blue pattern of the ottoman, placed right in the center of the room is strikingly pretty and blends the colors used on the furniture. The neutral shades on the other hand, carefully balance the overall tone of the room.
Look at those desk lamps, are they for real?
Looking for bolder hues? Then take a look at this living room.
It’s the same Blue and Orange complimentary combination but with intense drama and in darker tints. Also notice how neutral shades of natural brown, gold and grey modestly control the vibrancy.
2. Yellow and Purple
Shades of yellow and purple look good in the Spring — bold, vibrant and full of life. We understand that it can be too much to handle for some of us, but again, the thumb rule to use the right tint in the right proportion can never disappoint you.
It is definitely bold and striking but the colors do great job blending in with each other. Also, notice the small yellow trays placed next to the purple chair. Every single element in this picture, from the rug to the furniture, is undeniably pleasing.
Above is the sophistication and royalty of this combination of purple and yellow, balanced by varying shades of greys and whites.
And if you want to see something more subtle — take a breath and look below. 💜
3. Red and Green
What is your first thought when using red and green together, in your room? Well, for a majority of us, it’s the idea of Christmas and festive spirits. But in reality, it is more than just the mistletoe.
The complementary color scheme of red and green is typically stunning and its true that understanding their application in the right tones can take a while.
Professionals and psychologists decode green as the color of relaxation, high energy, growth and symbolic of nature. Red on the other side, emphasizes warmth and aggression. So what does such a combination look like?
Does this living room appeal to you? It doesn’t look overly festive, right? That’s because the diluted tint of green in combination with the off-white walls and additions of navy blue brings in the richness of serenity. Breaking the monotony and adding a bit of drama to this room, are the accent crimson side tables.
It is notable how impeccably these two strong colors have come together and highlighted the features of this modern living room.
Another great composition of the subdued greens and red, is this casual and sophisticated beach house, above.
And just in case, we’ve missed out on the aristocracy of this combination, savor this stunning decor in rich red and royal green by design icon Dorothy Draper.
Pro-Tip: Complimentary Color Schemes can get overwhelming at first, but try to play around with the color wheel and you will surprise yourself with a multitude of choices.
Do you guys have any cool examples of using different colors in your decor? Leave them in the comments below. 🤳😁💕
