Choosing color for your interior part 2, mixing and the color wheel

In part one of our color series we explored the basics and depth of color.  Now for part two we will move forward to mixing and matching color and learn about color harmonies.  Getting colors to work in harmony may sound difficult, but when you think about it you're able to match your clothing when you get up in the morning, why not paint?  Ok, so it's not that easy.  But the following tips and tricks will be your guide to mixing and matching colors in your home like a pro. 

First the color wheel: n.
A circular diagram in which primary and usually intermediate colors are arranged sequentially so that related colors are next to each other and complementary colors are opposite.

Download a color wheel here or create your own.  A color wheel contains 12 colors starting in the middle with blue, red, and yellow.  Then add orange, violet, and green outside the primary colors in the middle.  Finally the last colors are red violet, red orange, yellow orange, yellow green, blue green, and blue violet.

You may already have a color you love for your living room or bedroom walls, this will be your key color.  If you haven't made it that far here are some great sites that offer interactive tools to help you chose a color.  Another option is to stop in your local paint store (Sherwin Williams Roxborough) and browse through the color swatches.  Make sure to buy a small paint sample to try on your wall before committing to a gallon or more of paint. 

***Tip:  Paint your color sample on a piece of foam board from your local arts and crafts store (Michael's Roxborough) so you can move it to different areas om the arts and crafts store (f your home.  Make sure to look at it during different times of the day to get a feel on what the color will look like morning, noon, and night. 

• Valspar Interactive Painter (Lowe's Brand Paint)
• Behr Interactive Painter (Home Depot Brand Paint)
• Sherwin Williams Color Visualizer

Now that you have your key color in mind it's time to chose two or three accent colors.

• Complementary Colors: These colors are opposite each other on the color wheel.  For example violet and green are complementary colors.  This combination of colors plays off of each other well creating a bright, energizing affect.  Beware: too much of this combination can be overwhelming, but in small doses can create an arts and crafts indy look.  Use small pieces of orange (think vases or candles) in a blue room to make it appear brighter.
• Analogous Colors:  These colors are one step away from each other either to the left or right of your key color.  If you chose red as your key color the analogous colors would be red violet and red orange.  This combination adds a small amount of contrast anything less would be monochromatic.  Use this combination to create a peaceful relaxing space.
• Triadic Colors: Three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel.  This combination is very vibrant and full of energy.  Even subdued hues of these colors will have a powerful affect.  Use one color to dominate (violet) and two to accent (yellow orange, blue green).
• Split Complementary Colors: Using one key color and the two colors adjacent to the key's complimentary color. The split complementary color combination is a variation of the complimentary color scheme.  This color combination is much easier for the beginner to pull off.  Try blue, red violet, and red orange. 

There you have it!  When choosing accessories or upholsteries for your space bring a paint swatch with you.  This will save you from having to return items if they don't work well with your color.  If you chose a fabric and want to base the color around it, take a swatch to Home Depot.  They have a tool that will scan your fabric and match it up with paint colors.  When it comes to paint your options are endless.  Choosing a color is not easy, even for the pros.  But remember to relax and let your personal preference guide you.  If a color combination you really love breaks the rules, no worries, do what you want.  It's that simple, choosing a color for your home should be fun and stress free. 

In our final series we will discuss the finishes and sheens of paint, how to go green when painting, and weigh the pros and cons of diy painting vs hiring a painter. 

***Still having trouble picking a color email amanda@sunflowercreationsonline.com with your questions or to schedule your color consultation.***