Neutral Colors

• Neutral colors can give a restful effect

• Neutrals are often found in nature

• Used alone, neutrals can be boring, so important to include texture and different shades or colors

• Dark neutrals often need white as part of the scheme, or the use of glossy materials

• Give a tailored or serious look

Neutrals, but with a single bright color

added

MONOCHROMATIC

Uses one (mono) main color (chromatic) Tends to be a soothing or restful type of color

scheme Usually uses a neutral color as well, and

wood tones or other accents, as well To prevent boredom, variety in the main

color, and texture variety are important

ANALOGOUS COLOR SCHEMES

Close to each other (or analogous) on the color wheel

Can be soft and soothing or cheerful and exciting– depending on the value of the colors selected

Can consist of two, or up to several, hues

Examples: aqua and blue (spa colors)Ochre yellow and terra-cotta (tuscan theme)

This is only analogous if we just count the

blue and green—otherwise it is

something else!

COMPLEMENTARY COLOR SCHEMES

Opposite from each other on color wheel In strong chroma, complementary

schemes are exciting (or overwhelming!) Can be soft and interesting, if used in

weaker chroma values (less bright tones), such as terra-cotta plus greyed blue, rather than orange and bright blue

Or use one color in strong chroma and one in softer chroma (bright green and soft pink, instead of red and green)

COLOR SCHEMES FROM NATURE

The “Principle of the Elephant and the Hummingbird”:

Bright colors in smallish doses, and larger areas in less-bright colors