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of Colour > Working With the Colour Wheel
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| By working with
the colour wheel it's possible to create a virtually infinite
number of paint colour schemes. Most of these will fall
into one of four general categories, which colour experts
refer to often using the following words. Here's what they
mean.
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Monochromatic
colour systems use a single colour. This is the easiest
of colour schemes to understand and can give a classy timeless
look. |
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Adjacent colour schemes
explore two or more colours next to each other on the colour
wheel. One of these hues is typically dominant. This scheme
can often be used to create a harmonious restful feel. |
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Complementary colour
schemes combine two colours that are opposite each other on
the colour wheel. |
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Often two colours do not provide enough variety to the eye
and in addition split complementary (three hues)
and double split complementary (four hues) combinations
all create strong dramatic effects.
The benefits of more colours are realised when matching
furniture and other accessories giving a greater flexibility
in choice.
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Triadic colour schemes
combine three hues that are equidistant on the colour wheel.
Once again the basic principle of one dominant colour applies
but this scheme can work equally well with pastels. |
Finally black, white and grey do not appear on the colour
wheel. That's because they are not really colours in the
true sense. They are called neutrals. |
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