Colour Combinations

With so many hot hues out there, how do you possibly choose that perfect colour? Bringing your walls to life with a little splash of colour doesn’t have to end with a flip of a coin. Thankfully, there are all sorts of reliable ways to help us pinpoint that perfect palette.

Because colour combinations are endless, and because we all have definite colour preferences, it is important to remember that success really is in the eye of the beholder. One person’s “ rich raspberry” can be described by someone else as “assaulting”. Because light and other factors play a role in how colours look, a colour that is truly lovely in one room is sometimes disappointing in another- no single combination of colours is ever perfect for every room. Some people seem to have an inherent ability and understanding of how colours work and what looks good together. If that doesn’t sound like you, no worries, with a glance at the colour wheel, and a few quick tips, you’ll be able to pick a pleasing paint colour with no problem at all.

When looking at colour schemes derived from the colour wheel, they fall into two categories: related and contrasting. Related colour schemes are composed of colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel and produce very harmonious schemes. Alternately, colours chosen from farther apart on the colour wheel produce contrasting schemes which tend to have greater variety and be a little bit more exciting, particularily if strong chroma is used .

COLOUR WHEEL COLOUR COMBINATIONS USING THE COLOUR WHEEL

Monochromatic: These schemes are derived from a single hue, but with a range of values and different degrees of intensity. Unity is probably the most notable element. The danger in a one colour scheme is monotony, but with the use of textures such as fabrics, woods, stones, or glass, this can be avoided.

Neutral (Achromatic): created by utilizing black, white, or variations of gray. It contains no identifiable hue, only values.

Monotone: created from colours with low chroma . The most typical neutralized or monotone colours include off-white (white with a small amount of any hue), off-black (a rich brown-black), beige, cream, tan, and brown. These are very popular schemes as they are very easy to live with. You can pop in an accent piece or accessory of stronger chroma without changing the neutral scheme, this will add a little visual interest.

Analogous: adjacent, or related colour schemes are produced from any segment of colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel. These colour schemes are very harmonious as they usually have one colour in common. Yellow, for example, is the common factor in orange and green, and by using the intermediate (tertiary) colours of yellow-orange and yellow-green, you can achieve a close relationship with a variety of values and intensities. Usually, one dominant colour should be noticeable.

Complimentary: these colour schemes are probably the most widely used and are created by using colours on opposite sides of the colour wheel. They offer a great range of possiblilities and tend to be a little more lively – by manipulating value and intensity (chroma), the same two hues of yellow and violet, can translate into the bold and beautiful gold and aubergine or the quiet combination of ivory and amethyst - both are complimentary schemes.

View colour Schemes and refer to the colour wheel on this page.

If all this technical jargon isn’t your thing, use the tips and questions below to decipher which hues are best for you.

If possible choose your colour after your other permanent pieces such as flooring , area rugs, sofas and window treatments
Inspiration comes from the things you live with everyday. Look to a favorite scarf or the subtle shades in your favorite flower.
How much light enters the room and at what part of the day? Which direction does it face – north and south light will affect the paint colours differently. Is there a lake reflecting light into the room or the side of a mountain?
The same colour will look differently on a horizontal surface as opposed to a vertical surface. Just as the same colour will look darker on the ceiling as it does on the walls.
Use the same colour trim throughout the house to unify different paint colours from room to room.
Use similar levels of intensity throughout the house when possible.
What’s the mood of the room? Do you want to feel relaxed or energized?
Who uses the room and for what purpose?

Paint is inexpensive and changeable so if you are still undecided I always suggest a brush out . The Benjamin Moore store on Fairview has small paint pots available in most of their colours - definitely worth it!