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Decorating Hints and Tips from Camp Bowie Rugs ~~
How to use a simple Color Wheel.
Even the simplest color wheel can be used to explain how colors relate to each other. As you read the descriptions below, you can refer to this chart. The Color Schemes page will also help you apply this information to your decorating projects.
Primary Colors
All colors are made up from three Primary Colors - Red, Blue and Yellow. All colors are derived from these. You can see them labeled on the diagram.
Secondary Colors
Secondary colors are made by mixing two Primary colors. Orange is from Red and Yellow, Green is from Yellow and Blue, and Violet is from Blue and Red. On the wheel they appear half-way between the two Primary Colors.
Tertiary Colors
These colors are made by mixing a Primary Color and the adjacent Secondary Color. Their names reflect the combinations. These tertiary colors are often given more stylish names, like Turquoise or Aqua, Lime, Crimson, or what ever is fashionable at the time.
You can now see how easily the countless other colors come to exist, from just those three Primary Colors.
Types of Color Relationships
Complimentary Colors
These are the colors that appear opposite each other on the wheel. Red is opposite Green, Blue is across from Orange, etc. These colors are said to be Contrasting Colors, as they are the least alike. In decorating, when these colors are paired together, they tend to be visually stimulating, creating a lively atmosphere in the room.
Harmonizing Colors
Another term you will hear is Harmonizing Colors. These are the colors that fall between two primary colors. Looking at the color wheel above, the colors Red-Orange, Orange, and Orange-Yellow, all appear to naturally go well together. They are known as Harmonizing Colors. Using Harmonizing Colors lets you avoid a monotony when using a single color theme.
For additional interest, try variations in textures and materials. This will change the look of a color palette, as the light reflects in unique ways.
Neutral Colors
Our basic Color Wheel above does not show the Beiges or Grays. These well known neutrals are very safe colors for anyone who is not yet comfortable with taking a bold leap into the color world. The neutrals can go with virtually any color scheme, making them great wall color choices for decorating experimentation. Accent pieces, slip covers, floral arrangements, wall dor can all be changed out for a totally different look, without repainting the whole room.