Use your personal taste and the color wheel to choose color coordinations.
Colors can be fussy, and matching up a desired atmosphere with desired colors can prove to be a difficult task. However, there is no need to feel intimidated; with some inspirational pieces and basic knowledge of color, the suitable color coordination can be achieved. Familiarize yourself with some basic color terms: "hue" is simply the name of the color, while "value" refers to the degree of darkness or lightness present in the color, expressed by tones, tints and shades. "Intensity" refers to the color's degree of strength and purity; for example, pure red is bright and intense, while mixed colors have a lower intensity. Most importantly, get familiar with the color wheel, a key tool for coordinating colors.
Be Inspired
Begin with an inspiration piece, such as a favorite rug, art piece, vase, pillow or anything that contains a color or colors that are attractive to you. If you are still at a loss, look in your closet and see what your wardrobe has to say about your color tastes: bright and relaxed or classic and muted. Depending on the piece, take a picture or remember the color to help you coordinate furnishings and paint colors.
Complementary Color Coordination
Complementary colors are found directly opposite of each other on the color wheel. For example, hunter green and burgundy go well together, or match up blue shades with orange, gold, rust or brown hues to create a complementary color scheme.
Analogous Color Coordination
Analogous colors are found next to each other on the color wheel. For example, blue, blue-green and green would create an analogous color scheme. Other color options that follow this principle are blue-violet, violet and red-violet, or red-orange, orange and yellow-orange.
Warm and Cool Color Coordination
Warm colors are yellow, orange and red; cool colors are violet, green and blue. This format of color coordination is about finding balance by mixing warm and cool colors. Begin with two cool or two warm colors, then mix in one warm or cool color (opposite of what you started with). For example, try yellow, rust and blue, or navy, blue and red.
Monochromatic Color Coordination
Monochromatic color coordination is popular for passionate, one-color enthusiasts. Choose your favorite color and find it in different tints, tones and shades. The intensity of this color coordination varies from dark to light. You might surprise yourself with just how many different variations of one color you find. For example, different variations of orange include jewel tones, warm taupes, pale corals and rich, deep browns.
Tags: color wheel, Begin with, Color Coordination, color coordination, color coordination, color find
