Color Theory Complements

Okay, this is going to sound dorky, but, I'm going to say it out loud anyway- I LOVE THE COLOR WHEEL!

Even more embarrassing is the fact that whether I'm admiring a painting, sitting in a restaurant, or flipping through an interiors magazine, I'm analyzing the color scheme and debating the changes or adjustments I'd make if I were in charge. Of course, my favorite moments are those when I see a perfect color combination- my senses fill with awe and all is right with the world.

May sound dramatic, but see if you don't feel that same thing when you look at these rooms created with complementary color schemes (opposite colors on the color wheel). It's the most dynamic approach to design and often the most beautiful. But check it out and decide for yourself...

[caption id="attachment_4431" align="aligncenter" width="314" caption="This gorgeous 'water blue' room is balanced perfectly with complementary details of delightful orange. Even the golden honey wood tones add freshness and light to a serious wall finish. Notice too, that the baseboards are painted to match the walls for maximum wall height and drama. Perfection!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4452" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="Cheerful, simple, light and airy- you couldn't be in a bad mood in these rooms!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4429" align="aligncenter" width="354" caption="You all know I'd paint the baseboards in a darker purple or black tone and give the ceiling some color too. Still, the subtle straw yellow details and guilded elements are a delicious complement to this lovely room."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4455" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="I'm not a huge fan of accent walls, but a well place wall of color can transform the feel of a room"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4448" align="aligncenter" width="354" caption="Nothing brings me more joy than a headboard treatment painted on the wall and this one takes the cake. Sophisticated tone on tone greens with the bright red complement- pure heaven"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4441" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Somehow this room of old fashioned elements is totally current and classic at the same time. It's the mix of patterns and soft organic shapes that makes this room so pretty."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4430" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="Fresh white cabinets with rough hewn floors show off cheerful fabrics and bright storage in this craft room."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4461" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Here's a much softer version of the same complement. Here, white is still a major element, but the soft green yellow walls and pale muted purple tones are heavenly."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4443" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Blue-green and orange-red, it's like an Asian block print brought to the modern world without losing any of the sophistication and magic. Of course, my fav detail is the wonderful block of color on the wall and then surprisingly on the floor. Wish I'd done these rooms!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4459" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Here's the complement in it's opposite- poppy walls with green blue and blue retro furniture and art."][/caption]