When we look at colors we can all tell which ones go well together and which ones clash. But what is the reasoning behind this? Color theory has the answer. People have spent hundreds of years creating and defining color theory and its adjoining color wheel. By studying and understanding the the colors work together we can better design our homes.
Colors are broken down into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary. The three primary colors are red, blue, and yellow and they are defined as such because they cannot be created by mixing other colors together and because all other colors can be created by mixing together a combination of these primary colors. The secondary colors are green, violet, and orange. They are the colors that fall exactly in the middle between each of the three primary colors on the color wheel. The colors that fall between the primary and secondary colors are therefore the tertiary colors. They are typically colors with hyphenated names like blue-green.
Now that the basics are out of the way, here’s how to use color theory to your advantage. Color harmony is one of the main aspects of color theory and describes the relationship between at least two colors that work together harmoniously. These are combinations that result in a visually-pleasing aesthetic. There are also analogous color combinations. These are color schemes that utilize the three colors that are adjacent to one another on the color wheel. The central color usually takes on the foundational role while the other colors fill in as the accents. Complementary colors are the colors on the color wheel that are directly across from one another. Blue and orange or purple and yellow are great examples of complementary colors. They provide huge amounts of contrast.
Colors can also have meanings that are unique to their qualities and activate certain emotions or feelings in the human mind and body. Knowing these natural responses to each color can benefit you in your design journey. For instance, red is a color that has many strong meanings including energy, ambition, determination, and passion. Yellow, on the contrary, is the happiest color on the spectrum and can exude optimism and cheerfulness. Learn the meanings of the colors so that you can better express your own emotional design.
The color wheel and color theory are advanced and aren’t easily learned. However, knowing color theory can make the difference between good and great house design. Learn more in the full article below!
Read the full article here: Color Theory and How to Use Color to Your Advantage