Understanding Color Harmonies and Your Home

Here are the most popular color harmonies:

• Analogous colors are colors right next to each other on the color wheel. These colors work well together when you want to limit contrast and create a calm, serene color combination. These combinations usually include three colors.
  
  
• Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. Complementary combinations only involve two colors, for example red and green. These colors in combination generate the most contrast, especially when used in their purest, most vibrant form.
  
  
• A triad is where you select a color and instead of using its complement, you use the two colors on either side of the complementary color, which results in a three-color combination with less contrast.
  
  

While there are more color harmonies, these three are the most effective and most frequently used for exterior combinations. The relationships ensure balance and are pleasing to the eye. Keep in mind that not all colors should be used in equal amounts; one color should dominate, or take the leading role, with the others playing a supporting role while maintaining their own uniqueness.

Warm vs. Cool Colors

Colors are separated into warm and cool tones, based on their position within the color spectrum. Reds, yellows and oranges make up the warm side of the spectrum, whereas blues, purples and greens encompass cooler tones.

• Warm colors evoke excitement.
  When juxtaposed to their cooler counterparts, warm colors appear larger, more prominent and easier to view.
  
  
• Cool colors are relaxing and calming.
  Cooler tones are used more often in northern areas of the country, while warmer colors are more prominent in the south. This is a result of the quality of natural light in each area and the colors found in each natural environment.