How Many Color Matching Techniques Should One Know?

Matching colors when designing the interior of a home is a rewarding, but often frustrating process. There are four major color matching techniques that every interior designer should know. They are complementary color scheming, analogous color scheming, the use of colors in nature, and the use of colors to create a desired mood or atmosphere.

Color matching techniques are often thought of as abstract or confusing concepts. However, there are two common approaches to deciding upon a color scheme. One method is useful for designers who have one color in mind and are looking for a good match; this method involves complementary color scheming and analogous color scheming. The other method is used by designers who wish to use colors found in nature or are looking for colors that will create a particular mood or atmosphere.

Analogous Color Schemes

Analogous scheming techniques are some of the most common schemes in interior design. This method requires only a color wheel to complete and proceeds as follows:

1. Decide on one color to start with; this step is based solely on personal preference.


2. Using a color wheel, locate both the colors adjacent to your chosen color.


3. Colors adjacent to one another on the color wheel are analogous; an example is orange, yellow-orange, and yellow.

Complementary Color Schemes

Complementary color schemes are similar to analogous color schemes in that they also require only a chosen color and a color wheel to complete as follows:

1. Locate your chosen color on the color wheel.


2. Now determine which colors are opposite to your color on the wheel.


3. These colors are considered to be complementary; examples include red and green, or blue and orange.

Natural Color Schemes

Colors that are present together in nature typically provide an excellent color scheme in interior design as well. Excellent examples include the scheme between the blue sky and white clouds, as well as the shades of yellow, orange, and red present in turning leaves during the autumn season.

Color Schemes to Create an Atmosphere

If you wish to create a particular mood or atmosphere in the design, then you should research colors that are known to foster certain emotions. The darker shades of blue are known for have a relaxing effect and promoting rest. Shades of orange and yellow often promote festive atmospheres and are known to enhance appetite.