As previously promised, we will attempt today to delve a bit deeper into colour theory. Whether you are staging property before listing it on the market for sale, or simply planning to change the look of the home in which you currently live, colour theory is an important tool for the making of a pleasing home scape. We hope this will be one of those blogs you return to from time to time for more information.

To begin with, let’s look at the basics. Get out your colour wheel (if you don’t have one look online) and let’s look at six ways you can choose to combine colours to make your home speak eloquently to others.

1. The Monochromatic Colour Schemeis a scheme that uses just one basic colour. In order to create interest, you can combine variations of lighter and darker saturations of the same colours. This creates a very sophisticated and elegant look that is pleasing in its simplicity. You might imagine neutral gray in several of its values as a good example of a Monochromatic Colour Scheme
2. A Complementary Colour Schemeis one in which two colours that exist on opposite sides of the colour wheel are used together. A palette such as this one will include warm and cool colours in contrast to each other. This kind of plan can be quite dynamic, featuring colours that are used in the same saturation. Even though the basic pillars of the scheme are very different, there is a harmony between them that creates a sense of balance.

3. The Analogous Colour Schemeis a scheme using three colours that are adjacent to each other. While it sounds pretty stuffy, an analogous scheme is a very relaxing one that evokes calm and serenity. This is the easiest colour scheme to find in nature – a field of daisies or the colours in a seascape painting are excellent examples.  To use this colour grouping, you’ll want to remember the 60 + 30 + 10 rule, using the primary colour with the two remaining colours as accents in their proper ratios for the most pleasing results.
4. A Triad Colour Schemeis a colour palette that puts three colours that are spaced evenly around the colour wheel to work for you. A triad colour scheme uses very different, contrasting colours like red, yellow and blue or orange, violet and green. This is another grouping that works best when you use one dominant colour while the other two colours find roles as accents.
5. Split-Complementaryis a colour scheme that uses three colours. This is a bit trickier since you will select your primary colour, and then use the colours on either side of its complementary shades (the colour directly across from it on the wheel) as your other colours. This scheme is not as vibrant as the complementary colour scheme, but the split-complementary plan creates less tension.

6. The Tetradic Colour Schemeis one that uses two sets of complementary colours. In this colour grouping, you’ll have four colours to work with. They are located in a rectangular placement from each other across the colour wheel. Working with so many colours can create an opulent display, but it is probably one that comes later in your development as a designer since it requires a bit more skill to get the balances right. Still, by carefully using the 60 + 30 + 10 rule, you can bring a tetradic colour scheme into harmony. When you are staging property, instead of using the most vibrant blue, green, yellow and red, try using muted versions of these tetradic colours for a happier, more pleasing result.

It’s easy to see that selecting colours for your home can become quite an elaborate artistic game. Let us assure you that when you bring into the project the equally intricate matters of value and the element of balance between warm and cool colours you will understand why a bit of education and practice helps create the best decorators.

We suggest you simplify this whole process by calling in one of the professional experts at Urban Chic Property Design. Preparing to list your home for sale — the act of staging property –combines art, science, and marketing skills. With the correct balance of these skills, you can realise the most lucrative home sale possible. Call us today and see.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of Taubmans.