Have you ever had a problem picking colours that go together? Never fear!  There is no Right or Wrong when it comes to choosing the colour that you would like to have in your home.  I always encourage people to surround themselves with their favourite colours, ones that make them feel good.  If you are looking for combinations of colours, then there are some basic groupings that you can refer to for ideas to either complement or accent your main colour.

COLOUR TYPES

 

Warm colours

 Warm colours are often said to be hues from red through yellow, browns and tans included.

 

 

 

Cool Colours

 Cool colours are often said to be the hues from blue green through blue violet, most grays included.

 

 

Neutrals

Neutrals include black, white, gray (mix black with white and you’ve got gray) and different shades of beige and brown.

 

 

COLOUR HARMONIES

Complementary

Colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel are considered to be complementary colours (example: red and green).

Analogous

Analogous colour schemes use colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel. They usually match well, and create serene and comfortable designs. ( example: blue, blue-green, and blue purple).

Triad

A Triadic colour scheme uses colours that are evenly spaced around the colour wheel. To use a triadic harmony successfully, the colours should be carefully balanced: let one colour dominate and use the two others for accent. (example: red with yellow and blue).

Split-Complementary
The split-complementary colour scheme is a variation of the complementary colour scheme.  In addition to the base colour, it uses the two colours adjacent to its complement. The split-complementary colour scheme is often a good choice for beginners, because it is difficult to mess up.( example: red-purple, red-orange, and green).

COLOURS

RED

Red is the colour of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, strength, determination as well as passion and love.  Red is a very emotionally intense colour; it enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate and raises blood pressure.

The best place for the colour red would be in a dining room since it enhances the metabolism and creates the feeling of hunger.

Pairing Colours:  Orange, yellow, bronze, off-white, charcoal

 

BLUE

Blue is the colour of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes loyalty, wisdom, confidence, truth, and heaven. Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect.

A good place to have blue would be in a office, since it is a productive colour.

 Pairing Colours:  Silver, yellow, white, cream

 

GREEN

Green, the colour of life, renewal, and nature, is associated with growth, harmony, freshness, fertility, and environment.

The bedroom would be an excellent place for a deep shade of  green as it will create harmony.

 Pairing Colours:  Yellow, tan, teal, cream

 

 YELLOW

Yellow is seen before other colours when placed against black; this combination is often used to issue a warning.  In heraldry, yellow indicates honor and loyalty.  You can also use yellow to buoy people’s spirits

A light shade of yellow is good in the kitchen to induce a cheerful attitude in the morning as well as help create an appetite.

Pairing Colours:  Cream, white, navy, light gray

 

ORANGE

Orange is associated with feelings of joy, warmth, creativity, determination, and fascination.

Orange would be better as an accent colour in the room, since it is such a strong colour and can be difficult to balance out.

Pairing Colours:  Black, all grays, yellow, cream

 

PURPLE

Purple combines the calm stability of blue and the fierce energy of red. The colour purple is often associated with royalty, luxury, power, and ambition.

Using a shade of lavender would work fine in a living room, or as just one wall to create interest in the room.

 Pairing Colours:  White or off-white, green, black, charcoal