Colorful Living Rooms: The Basics of Color Relationships

Color does not limit decorating choices. The color wheel is not complete without all colors and notice how they all fit neatly together.  Rather you choose to use contrasting colors, adjacent colors, or mix of all the above, color is something to rejoice and not something to fear.  Decorating Tip: Here is a quick lesson on color relationships. All of these color terms simply refer to the locations of colors on the color wheel and their relationships to one another. 

Contrasting colors, also known as complementary colors, are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. These combinations are Red and Green, Blue and Orange, Purple and Yellow. 

Adjacent colors, also called analogous colors, refers to the use of compatible color combinations that blend well together and are near each other on the color wheel. Such as Orange and Red, Green and Blue, Yellow and Orange, and so on. 

Now, let's view some colors in action. Here is an Idea Book on Colorful Living Rooms. 
 

photos by Traditional Home