Contrasting… Complementary… Colors, Oh My!

Choosing paint doesn’t always mean one and done – as in pick a color, any color, and you’re good to go. Sometimes you need an accent color. Or two or more accent colors! That’s why we wrote up a quick primer on how to combine colors with harmonious results.

Did you know that complementary and contrasting colors are the same thing? They’re colors directly opposite from each other on the color wheel, and according to color psychology, using them together tends to make spaces feel lively and cheerful. It’s an exciting and striking combo, but also a familiar and comforting one. For best results, choose a primary color you’ll use at least 60% of the time and use its complementary color or colors as the accent.

Then there are analogous colors. These are hues that are next to each other on the color wheel, i.e., green, blue-green, and blue. This combo comes in handy when you want to paint two walls two different colors or you have a favorite color you want to decorate around.

Triadic colors are any three colors that are equidistant from each other on the color wheel. Most people who find themselves attracted to triad color schemes have a preference for multiple bright, vivid colors – it’s a very contemporary combo and one that is often used on a backdrop of white.

Not ready to try your hand at color combinations? If you’re leaning toward the one and done method of choosing paint colors, you can take comfort in the fact that a monochromatic color scheme (one hue, different shades) can still be complex!

At Jerry Enos Interior Painting Company, we know the right products for the job. Every Massachusetts exterior painting and interior painting project is different, and unlike other MA interior painting companies, we will always treat your house, building, or surface as one-of-a-kind. Call us for a free estimate at 978-546-6843.

Categorised in: Fun stuff, Interior painting, Painting Challenges