Color Harmonies

 The basic techniques for creating color schemes

Because sometimes written explanations are confusing than it seems, let me explain these basic techniques for creating color schemes in a simplest way. 

Complementary color scheme 

• Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel (example: red and green).
• The high contrast of complementary colors creates a vibrant look especially when used at full saturation. This color scheme must be managed well so it is not blindsiding.
• These colors are tricky to use in large doses, but work well when you want something to stand out.
• These colors are not advisable for coloring text.

Analogous color scheme 

• Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They usually match well and create serene and comfortable designs.
• It is often found in nature and are harmonious and pleasing to the eye.

Make sure you have enough contrast when choosing an analogous color scheme.

Choose one color to dominate, a second to support. The third color is used (along with black, white or gray) as an accent.

Triadic color scheme

• It uses colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel.
• tend to be quite vibrant, even if you use pale or unsaturated versions of your hues.

To use it successfully, the colors should be carefully balanced - let one color dominate and use the two others for accent.

Split-Complementary color scheme

• It is a variation of the complementary color scheme. In addition to the base color, it uses the two colors adjacent to its complement.
• This color scheme has the same strong visual contrast as the complementary color scheme, but has less tension.

It is often a good choice for beginners, because it is difficult to mess up.

Rectangle (tetradic) color scheme

• It uses four colors arranged into two complementary pairs.
• This rich color scheme offers plenty of possibilities for variation.
• It works best if you let one color be dominant.

You should also pay attention to the balance between warm and cool colors in your design.

Square color scheme

It is similar to the rectangle, but with all four colors spaced evenly around the color circle.

It works best if you let one color be dominant.

You should also pay attention to the balance between warm and cool colors in your design.