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Where History Meets Sustainability

Color Theory: Part 3

10/1/2024

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A huge part of planning a space is selection of color schemes. How colors interact with each other changes a lot of the mood of a room. That interaction can be controlled in a lot of ways with different schemes. These also make a room feel balanced and intentional. Using the color wheel and its varying tints, shades, and tones makes a place dynamic.  For more information on using the color wheel and color theory basics, check out Part 1; for a comprehensive guide to lighting and color temperatures, check out Part 2!

With starting out, using the 60-30-10 rule helps make a room feel intentional and works as a guide when building different elements. So, 60% of the design should follow one color, 30% should follow a second, and 10% of the design should be accents in another.
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Color Schemes: Monochromatic and Analogous

These are similar but different schemes that highlight a single section of the color wheel. Either it uses a single hue and its varying tones, shades, and tints, or it uses three in a row and mixing these
Monochromatic
A monochromatic color scheme uses a single hue. These work well to emphasize other design factors in millwork, textures, and clear sense of repetition. It's a very harmonious scheme that pairs well with black and metallic accents as it doesn't become overwhelming.
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Analogous
These are color schemes that take a group of colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel.  These can be used to set a really strong mood and give a space a sense of strong purpose, be that a working space or a relaxing space.

Since these are largely one selection of warm or cool hues, it is easy to balance the color tones as long as these fit the purpose of the space.  For instance, cool tones are calming for bedrooms.
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Color Schemes: Complementary and Split-Complementary

These are both color schemes that focus on contrast. Both thrive on the idea that opposites attract.  While one is geared toward three colors, balancing the limited two-color palette works well when tones are varied.
Complementary
This is a simple, two color scheme that requires choosing opposite colors on the color wheel. The strong contrast infuses a lot of energy into a space, but can be calmed down by adjusting the tones of one color. For instance, pure red and green hues have a strong association with Christmas, but muted, sage greens or soft pinks change the mood completely.
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Split Complementary
This is a more complex palette that balances the calm of an analogous scheme with the energy of a complimentary one. A split complementary scheme removes the center of an analogous and flips it to its complement. It can be a calm space with a shot of energy or an energetic one with a strong foundational hue depending on how the hues are balanced.
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Color Schemes: Triadic and Tetradic

The triadic and tetradic schemes are balanced on the color wheel. These are used to create a dynamic space with energy and movement.
Triadic
Triadic color schemes use three equally spaced colors on the color wheel. Each selection is the same type of hue: primary, secondary, or tertiary. This scheme works well with varied tones, shades, and tints.

Tertiary colors should be considered for this scheme in spaces geared toward adults, while primary and secondary schemes work well in spaces designed for kids.
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Tetradic
This color scheme balances among four colors on the color wheel. It is also called a double-complementary color scheme, and can be rectangular or square. It is a really great scheme to use when mixing different styles.
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No matter which scheme a design uses, there are still other ways to balance these and achieve a particular look. And while every individual item doesn't need to fit the color scheme, these provide a good starting point for setting a mood.
Stay tuned for the wrap up in Part 4!
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    Katie Swanson

    I am a parent, creative spirit, and old house lover.  My big passions are sustainable design and preservation.  Bringing these together is key to moving existing homes into the future.

    There is definitely a mix of seasonal craftiness and old house projects with some major technology changes that help make preservation possible.  Along the way, I'm not afraid to share the ups, downs, and budgets.

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