Interior Design Color Schemes: Complementary and Monochromatic

Complementary Color Scheme
Another way to use the color wheel is via selecting complementary colors when it comes to color schemes. Complementary scheme is the simplest because it involves only two shades. 
It uses two colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel.

Typically, one color acts as the dominant shade and the other as an accent. These color pairings are extremely high contrast so you need to be careful on how to use it. Because they bring a strong energy into your space so it’s a good idea to be used in small doses.

You should think of them as your accent colors and use plenty of neutrals to balance them out and provide a place for the eye to rest.

Also, like the analogue color scheme from the previous article, you can add a pop of color into a neutral general space applying two contrasting colors into your accent elements and accessories as well.

Design Pro Tip: EShine’s dimmable LED puck lighting kits from EShine are best when it comes to accent lighting. Read more here about home and office design use of LED puck lights.

Monochromatic Color Scheme

A monochromatic color scheme uses tints, tones and shades within the same hue or color family. But, what are tints, tones and shades? Adding white to a pure color creates tints. Tints are often associated with pastel colors because they are softer and subtle. Adding black and white (gray) to a pure color, creates tones of a color. Adding black to a color creates shades.

Monochromatic color schemes are derived from a single base hue and extended using its shades, tones and tints. Unity is one of the benefits of using a monochromatic color scheme, but on the other hand, this color scheme has the risk of making the room feel boring, so the most attractive way to complete your color scheme is with texture and print to add movement into the space. It’s also important to add some natural texture or metals to add dimension to the space.

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