What’s the best way to choose a color scheme for interior design? Your color scheme is a critical element of your décor. Choosing colors also lets you set the mood of the room. A room filled with similar colors, like blues and greens, will have a gentle, soothing vibe, whereas a room with bright, contrasting colors has an active, exciting feel. All colors invoke some type of emotion.
Picking a color palette can be intimidating. One great tool you’ll want to become familiar with as you develop your color scheme is the color wheel. Understanding how colors relate to one another can help you decide which colors you want to pair together to create a room you love. Better Homes & Gardens has a great two-minute video that explains some color wheel basics.
Here are a few types of color schemes for interior design that you can use to craft a beautiful palette for your home.
Complementary Colors
A complementary color scheme is based on two colors which are opposite one another on the color wheel. For example, red and green or blue and orange are opposites on the color wheel. Don’t feel limited to those rigid examples, though. Think of variations of those basic colors. One popular color scheme for interior design based on complimentary colors is a turquoise and a straw or sand color. Another complementary color scheme based on blue and orange is navy and gold.
Split Complementary Colors
A split complementary color scheme is similar to a complementary color scheme. However, instead of using the color across the color wheel from your base color, you would use the colors to either side of it. For example, If your base color is yellow, the complementary opposite is violet. You could create a split complementary color scheme by pairing yellow with blue violet and red violet.
Triad Color Scheme
A triad color scheme is created using three evenly spaced colors on the color wheel. An easy example of this might be to use red, yellow, and blue in a color scheme, perhaps for a toddler’s bedroom or playroom.
You can craft a triad color scheme by playing with shades and tints of colors, too. For example, instead of red, yellow, and blue, you might create a triad color palette with rose, mustard, and a dusty blue. A triad palette creates a dynamic, playful room, and it’s a wonderful color scheme for interior design.
Monochromatic Color Scheme
A monochromatic color scheme uses variations of a single color paired with neutrals to create a palette for its design. For example, a room with a monochromatic color scheme based on the color red would have red design elements, such as curtains or throw pillows. It may also have tints or shades of red, such as pink or maroon. If you’re creating a monochromatic color scheme based on a strong color such as red, be careful not to overdo the use of the color. Crafting a room that has a lot of neutral tones and using the red as pops of color makes for a bold, dramatic room.
Need Help Planning Your Interior Design?
Building a color scheme for interior design based on your favorite hues can be challenging. If you need assistance selecting the best colors for your room, I’m here to help! Schedule a virtual consult with me to start work on a design plan that will bring the elegance, beauty, and functionality to your space that you deserve.