A Complementary Design

With so many color schemes, it is the opposite of colors that creates a bold design. This relationship of opposites appeal to the interior design professional.

Like in romance, opposites attract in design. In designing a complementary color scheme, there is one example to follow that assists the reader in remembering a complementary color scheme of opposites. The reader could reflect on seasonal holidays as a tool in complementary colors.

In remembering winter, one should think red and green; spring, purple and yellow, and for summer the only remaining primary and secondary colors of blue and orange. Colors do not have to be a primary and secondary color only to become a complementary color. A designer could use a pink and a sea foam green to give the same effect. Another method is by using any other two colors on the opposite ends of the color wheel.

Using Complementary Colors in Design

This method of using two opposite colors is not for the timid or weak. Pairing traditional or opposite colors can create an austere contrast and set a mood of energetic or rich excitement. If the homeowner is more faint-hearted, he or she may want to stay with a less dramatic approach in using colors. For this approach, another way to use bold colors is to accessorize with matching boxes or complementary furnishings. One way to keep this delicate is to use a neutral color with the complementary colors. White shelving, brown hat boxes, or black framing can accent the complement of opposite colors.

As described in many design resources, one should design in 60% light tones, 30% medium tones, and 10% dark tones. This will ensure a proper use of colors for the schemes used in design. Neutrals can assist in this process to follow percentages in the use of tones to accentuate a color scheme if the complementary colors are too intense.

Methods to Adding Complements in Color

A good design process is to use an accent wall color. By using this method, one should break up the dominant accent color with fabric that hangs from the ceiling to the floor. This will cut back on the harshness of the accent color to create a layering of tones. This is a good way to reduce the strong dominance of a color used in bedding to coordinate. Dress a bed with many shades to enhance the depth of design. If the color used on the bedding is also accented on the wall this can coordinate a good design. This method of complementing can be useful in applying color to the floor by adding a rug or flooring to make the room more complete.


A complementary color scheme can be very effective when creating a good relationship between colors and design. This scheme of saturated tone brings out the best in each color and can add depth and a strong sense of style. This deeply bold sense of design can influence the look and by adding accessories, accompanying bedding and a decorative piece of art or flooring can add an attractive complement of romance and a desirable illusion of colors.