When decorating your home, you will inevitably encounter the need to correlate several colors with each other. There are several basic rules, knowing which you can easily equip any room. The article presents a table of color combinations in the interior, as well as many useful tips and theoretical materials. In this article, you will learn about:

• color wheel and the principle of its construction;
• tones that are used in a particular style of interior;
• how to combine them in the interior;
• how to choose shades and how to combine them.

We wish you a happy reading.

Theoretical aspects of color combinations

Each designer knows the basics of color interaction, and if you decide to design an apartment yourself, you should also understand this.

There are aromatic colors, these include white, black, gray and chromatic. The chromatic circle is a diagram that consists of the primary colors red, blue and yellow. By mixing primary colors, secondary tones are obtained.

The main shade and those that are formed from it are called related, there are four groups: yellow-green, yellow-red, blue-red and blue-green. They harmonize well with each other, as they consist of an admixture of the same primary colors.

In adjacent quarters there are related-contrasting shades, their combinations allow you to get the richest range. If you combine colors located through one sector, then they usually cause discomfort. Opposite each other in quarters color wheel contrasting colors are arranged. Their combination is used when it is necessary to draw attention to a certain place in the interior.

Table of color combinations in the interior depending on the type of room

Since color affects the psycho-emotional state of a person and the biochemical processes in the body, in rooms with different purposes, the combination of shades in interior design will be different.

Particular attention should be paid to the choice of palette when decorating such rooms as a bedroom and a children's room, as they are intended for relaxation. With the wrong design, a person will not be able to relax normally, both physically and psychologically. Below is a table of color combinations in the interior, compiled by our designers.

Room name	Recommended palette of color combinations
Kitchen	Soft and calm tones: yellow turquoise.
Hallway	Tones that enhance mood and digestion of food: green, beige, yellow, silver, as well as their combination with red and blue.
The combination of colors in the interior of the living room	Neutral, soft tones that are diluted with bright accents.
The combination of colors in the interior of the bedroom	Pastel colors and shades of purple. Please note that the bedroom is a personal space, so there are no restrictions, and it is made out at the request of the owners.
Bathroom	Light colors with a bluish tint, as they give a feeling of freshness and purity.

What is a color wheel, by what principle is a palette of color combinations in the interior built?

Professional designers know how to choose the right palette of color combinations in the interior, so their work looks attractive and harmonious. To do this, they use a tool called the color wheel. What is it?

It is called the conditional representation of the visible spectrum of sunlight, which denotes various options colors. Various theories have emerged over the years, so there are several circles:

In the sectors of the circle, the shades are placed almost in the same order as in the spectrum of visible light, and for a bunch of extreme tones, a conditional purple hue is additionally used.

For a better understanding of the correct compatibility, it is necessary to build a color wheel. A person distinguishes three basic tones: yellow, red and blue. All others are obtained by mixing the main ones with each other, as well as the main and derivative shades. By mixing the primary colors, composite ones are obtained, and the remaining empty cells are filled with tones of the third order.

A little more theory about the combination of colors in the interior - a photo of a table of cold, warm and neutral shades

Everything that surrounds us has its own color, and each tone has a certain effect on the body. The color wheel has several parameters and according to one of them it is divided into cold, warm and neutral. Next, let's talk about the combination of colors in the interior, a photo of tables with shades is attached.

warm colors

Most often, the circle is divided in half, all shades of yellow are perceived by us as warm. They subconsciously evoke a feeling of warmth, coziness and comfort in a person, therefore they allow you to create a pleasant and hospitable atmosphere in the room. We associate such tones with summer. As a rule, this is:

• yellow;
• Orange;
• red;
• violet.

All shades that are close to blue are considered cold. They are associated with winter, help to create a feeling of coolness and freshness in the room, seem clean and distant.

Shades that do not make a person feel warm or cool are called neutrals. If they are located next to warm or cold shades, they smooth out their effect and make the color softer.

This whole classification is conditional, pure colors can only be found in the picture, in nature they smoothly transition from one to another, so red can be both warm and cold.

Color combinations in the interior - layouts for different styles

When creating a certain design, you must take into account not only your wishes, but also know and follow certain rules. Only in this way will you be able to properly arrange your premises and prevent serious and gross mistakes.

Before you study the layouts of color combinations in the interior, we recommend that you pay attention to the main points of the correct design design:

• choice of base;
• the right combination warm and cold tones;
• warm colors are used to create coziness in a large room;
• in a small room, it is better to use cold tones, this will visually enlarge the room;
• when decorating a kitchen or dining room, keep in mind that shades can both enhance and depress appetite;
• in the bedroom, the color palette of color combinations in the interior should provide a comfortable stay;
• for each interior style, experts recommend using certain tones;

Each style has its own color scheme for combining colors in the interior. The table below reveals all the recommended shades when decorating a room.

Style name	Recommended Shades
Classical	Different colors, but must be white.
Provence	Blue, pink, light milky.
Eco - style	Brown and dirty green.
High tech	White, black and metal color.
Baroque	Any pastel colors.
Modern	Green, blue, brown-beige.
Minimalism	White black.
Pin-up	Yellow, pink.
Loft	Green, red, orange, blue.
Country	Light yellow, brown, sandy.
Futurism	Light green, white, ultramarine, lemon yellow.

Options for combining colors in the interior

Color plays a huge role in creating an interior, with its help you can create comfort and coziness, visually increase or decrease the space, so you need to take such a question as a combination responsibly.

This option is considered universal. Classic shades are used, these include beige, gray and white. By combining these tones with others, you can create a classic solution that will always look modern and beautiful. In this case, you will not need to constantly change the interior of the room when buying new furniture, replacing flooring or other elements.

Triad or combination of 3 colors

The use of three primary colors that are always harmoniously combined with each other and can be used equally. The combination of red, blue and yellow causes a surge of emotions and cheerfulness. If they are used in their pure form, then a bright and saturated solution is obtained. If you use halftones, then the design of the room is less aggressive and more comfortable.

The use of a triad helps to fill the room with energy, so this solution is used for decorating the living room, sports facilities and children's rooms, and this design is not recommended in the kitchen or bedroom.

This option involves the use of 2-3 types of shades, which are located side by side in the color wheel. You need to choose the appropriate one in which you decide to decorate the room and choose several tones in the color wheel to the right or left of it. This solution is simple and original, and picking up two or three similar colors is easy.

With a complementary combination, contrasting shades are used, they are located opposite each other on the color wheel. With a separate-complementary solution, instead of the color opposite, choose the shade that is next to it. This allows you to create contrasting solutions, but they are not as intense as with a complementary combination.

Tetrad or combination of 4 colors

In this case, the scheme consists of the main color and there are two more that complement it, and the fourth serves to highlight the accent. This creates quite interesting effect that evokes positive emotions. Basically, such colors are preferred by young people or people who are in constant motion and fast rhythm.

Color magic or gradient effect in the interior

The gradient in the interior is a modern solution used to decorate different living spaces. It is based on a smooth transition from dark to light tone. This method can be used in the design of various interior details.

The gradient effect helps bring freshness and excitement into the room. Usually designers use various shades blue, as it is he who gives a beautiful combination of colors in the interior.

We select a combination of shades for different places in the room - a table with recommendations

To create a comfortable and cozy space in the room, it is important to choose the right color schemes when decorating the ceiling, floor and walls. With the help of a competent combination, you can even breathe light and air into a small room, and make a large room warmer and more comfortable. Further in the article is another table of color combinations in the interior, which will help you choose the design. different places in the room.

Floor, wall and ceiling design options	Recommended Solutions
Contrasting combination	The walls are made in bright colors, the floor is dark, and the ceiling is light. You can visually change the size of the room, hide the existing flaws and highlight the advantages.
Actual Gradient	The ceiling is light, the walls are a little darker and the floor is dark. The transition from dark to light tones allows you to create harmony, this design is suitable for any room.
Light and air	The walls and ceiling are light, the floor is dark. Suitable for small rooms with low ceilings.
Opposites	The ceiling is light, the walls are dark, the floor is light and vice versa. This option can be used in rooms with low and high ceilings.

The psychology of color, or how does it affect us?

Studies have shown that color affects a person's mood through his subconscious. Perception is influenced by such factors as the state of health, age, social status of a person and his character.

On women

Women are more sensitive to the perception of color and shades. There is no clear distinction between “male” and “female” colors, since each person is individual. Despite this, there are tones that women prefer more:

• blue, it has a calming effect and is loved by both women and men;
• green, associated with nature and the feminine, symbolizes health and tranquility;
• turquoise, this shade is one of the most beloved among women;
• purple - it is a representative of the "female" color, emphasizes the mystery and mystery of a woman;
• pink tones are associated with women, but this is rather not a preference, but a pleasant rule;
• lilac is also considered “feminine”, it evokes feelings of romanticism and nostalgia.

With age, color preferences change, women prefer pink more and green is less preferred than when they were younger.

For men

It has been found that men perceive approximately 30% less shades than women. Often women are outraged that men cannot appreciate their efforts when choosing a color, but this is due to physiology, since for them pumpkin and peach colors may not differ from each other.

Most men prefer blue and its different shades. Some scholars believe that they symbolize it with clean water and clear skies. In addition to blue, men love green, but unlike women, they prefer colder tones. Traditionally, they love black, and most men cannot stand purple and pink.

For children

Newborn babies see everything in black and white and only after 2 months they begin to distinguish other colors. At the age of 2-5 years, they can already distinguish the entire visible spectrum.


Children are attracted to everything bright, so they love pink, red, yellow tones, such preferences last up to 10 years, after which the child may already like the blue tone and all its shades. Girls prefer pink, purple, while boys prefer blue and its shades.

The combination of colors in the interior: curtains and wallpaper, as well as furniture - how to combine?

In most cases, textiles are bought when the room has already been renovated and the furniture has been arranged. In this case, when choosing the right fabrics, there are many difficulties that affect the combination of colors in the interior. Curtains and wallpaper, as well as furniture, are much easier to pick up at the same time.

If you choose furniture and textiles, first decide on the basic shades that will prevail in the interior. Now the combination of gray in the interior and purple is in fashion. In this case, the furniture can be gray, curtains are best. beige colour with a pattern of gray or purple hue, decorative pillows are made from the same fabric as the curtains, and the carpet is also taken in the same color.

The procedure for selecting the color of furniture and textiles will be as follows:

1. determine the first and second base shades;
2. wallpaper is bought in a light shade of the first color;
3. furniture in two different colors of the second option;
4. curtains should be made of fabric with a pattern consisting of the first and second colors;
5. the same fabric will be for decorative pillows;
6. pillows can be made from a fabric of a rich first color.

This is a conditional algorithm and each designer can develop his own, but if you are new to this business, then be guided by the described technology and you will be able to properly design your home design yourself.

What colors won't match?

There can be no categorical answer to this question. Modern fashion is distinguished by extravagance and creativity. If earlier the combination of green in the interior and red was considered tasteless, now you will not surprise anyone with this.

When creating a classic interior, experts do not recommend combining cold and warm tones, but there may be small bright inclusions. If you want to combine contrasting colors, then do it better with halftones.

10 facts about the possibilities of color in the interior, which you definitely did not know!

Consider 10 interesting facts about the influence of color in interior design:

Video - we will fix the material on the combination of colors in the interior!

The combination of colors in the interior - 15 photos

In shades of brown

In the recreation area

city ​​apartment

Modern style

Cool blue tones

In red color

Relax zone

In a room with a fireplace

AT country house

Green shades

In the cottage

In the kitchen

In the photo room

cozy atmosphere

Thinking through the details of the design of the room, you should pay Special attention color solution. A successful combination of colors in the interior will cheer you up when you return home. Pleasing to the eye shades will allow you to relax after a hard day and enjoy the rest.

The color scheme of the home environment creates a certain atmosphere in the house. Strict tones of finishing materials in the office set you up for work and help you concentrate. Pastel colors in the bedroom are conducive to relaxation. The combination of colors indicates the tastes and preferences of the owners. How to choose the right combination?

The concept of the color wheel

The right combination of colors can be found using the color wheel. The color wheel contains the colors of the light spectrum. It is based on the Itten color wheel. The artist Itten singled out 12 colors and placed them in such a way that the contrasting tones were opposite each other.

The colors of the light spectrum can be obtained by combining in equal proportions the three primary colors: red, blue and yellow.

The result is secondary shades. When mixing primary and adjacent secondary color a tertiary tone is formed. The resulting combinations (secondary and tertiary) together with the primary ones form a circle of 12 sectors. The gamut of the color wheel can be increased by including countless shades and tones of primary colors.

How to choose the right combination?

Choosing the right combinations:

1. The analog color scheme for interior design contains a rich base color and its shades. On the color wheel they are located side by side;
2. The colors in the interior that belong to the same temperature are well combined. Blue, green and purple, as well as their shades, belong to the cold range. Red, brown and yellow together with midtones make up a warm palette. Cold and warm colors divide the circle in half. Black, gray and white are classified as neutral tones. The table of color combinations in the interior will help you choose the optimal combination;
3. You can use contrasting colors in the design of the apartment. On the color wheel, they are located opposite each other. In this case, one shade should be bright and saturated, and the other (complementary) more calm. The combination of light green and purple looks beautiful in the interior of the apartment, the photo of which is presented just below;
4. Contrasting combinations can be made softer if instead of a complementary color, its shades are taken;
5. The triadic scheme implies a combination of three shades located in the color wheel at an equal distance from each other;
6. Any combination of colors in the interior can be complemented with neutral shades. They will help to place accents, highlight to focus on specific areas;
7. Two different colors complement the overall undertone to each of them. The table will help you choose a combination of colors in the interior. For example, blue and green will look harmonious when combined with turquoise;
8. The rectangular scheme allows you to use 4 complementary colors in the interior of an apartment or house (2 cold and 2 warm). The square scheme contains 4 shades equidistant from each other;
9. A small interior detail in bright or exotic colors looks very impressive against a neutral background. A monochrome interior will be decorated with a coral chandelier. The purple armchair looks original and stylish in a room decorated in black and white.

Interior design tips

To create a color combination, it is better to use no more than 3 shades. The base background should prevail on the finishing materials of the walls, ceiling and floor. Secondary tones are used for furnishings.

Up to 75% of coatings and finishing materials must be in the base color. Secondary tones occupy 20% of the surfaces. The remaining 5% is used for color accents. Some designers recommend choosing colors according to the 60-30-10 scheme.

As a base shade, it is better to use calmer tones. Saturated, bright and contrasting shades should be present on furniture and accessories. If you want to choose 2 contrasting colors that do not match with each other, you should complement them with a neutral option. It will provide a smooth transition from one color to another and make the combination harmonious. A bright and rich base background is complemented by secondary calm or neutral shades.

Will give the room relief accent in unusual place. You can paint a bright color radiator or window sill. A small black detail (lampshade or picture frame) will enhance the brightness of interior colors and give the room solidity. It is right to give preference to pure tones, avoiding dull and indefinite shades.

Characteristics of the main colors

Green is suitable for any room. It helps to relax and calm down. Recommended for finishing bedrooms and bathrooms.

Red is better to highlight small details. Its abundance visually reduces the room and acts annoyingly. Red is perfect for the dining room. It has the ability to improve appetite.

Cheerful warm yellow is often used to decorate children's rooms. It enhances creativity and improves brain activity.

Blue has the ability to relieve stress. It has a calming and relaxing effect. Ideal for the bedroom. It is recommended to use it in small quantities. It will emphasize the design style. The predominance of blue will make the room uncomfortable.

Royal purple will add solemnity to the living room. It can also be used for dining. It is recommended to combine purple with pastel pink or light green. Its combination with blue and lilac looks good. Choosing a combination of purple and gold will make the living room luxurious. A large amount of purple and its shades has a depressing effect on the psyche.

Brown and its shades are the most popular in interior design. This color scheme is associated with warmth, coziness, comfort and relaxation. Used in all rooms. However, the abundance of brown and its shades narrows the space.

Noble gray visually expands the space. It is an excellent background for bright accessories. Gray and its shades must be diluted with other colors, otherwise the room will look dull and boring. It is not recommended to paint the ceiling gray: the room will look depressing.

Black should only be used in small doses to contrast or separate colors. Too much black can make a room look gloomy.

Blue is not recommended for the office and for decorating rooms in which schoolchildren study. It reduces performance and brain activity. Do not use it to paint the floor. The surface will appear unstable and slippery. In blue tones, it is recommended to decorate the dining room for those who want to lose weight.

Practical application of the color palette

The combination of colors in the interior will help change the overall look of the room. By combining light and dark shades, you can visually lengthen, expand or narrow the room, as well as make it lighter and taller.

Visually make the ceilings higher light shades in the upper part of the room. A bright contrasting color will help to expand the room, in which narrow walls should be painted. Dark and saturated shades will hide the unevenness of the walls. Perfectly flat surfaces emphasize light colors.

2 contrasting colors or a combination of a bright shade and its lighter tone are able to align the corners. They are connected along a perfectly straight line drawn on one of the walls near the corner.

The increase in the space of the room is achieved by blurring the boundaries. You can achieve this effect if you paint the ceiling and the upper part of the walls (30-40 cm) in the same color. The room will seem larger if contrasting tones are applied to its two adjacent walls (saturated color and its light tone). The two remaining walls are covered with the same colors in the form of alternating stripes.

The alternation of stripes of bright colors will visually stretch the room up and make it narrower.

A palette of warm shades is ideal for a dark and cold room. The selection of cold tones will make the room less bright and warm.

You need to combine colors in the interior, guided by your preferences, not being afraid to experiment. If you can’t find the desired combination in any way, it is recommended to be distracted for a while and walk around the house. You should imagine the future design in detail. You can paint large sheets of paper in the desired colors and attach them to walls and furniture. This will help determine which color is best for the kitchen or bedroom.

Color combinations in the interior should be carefully considered before repair work is carried out. If the decor does not live up to expectations, it will be much more difficult to change it.

Photo gallery

In our gallery you can view 59 more interesting options competent color combination in the interior.

Whether you give meaning to color or not, color affects each of us. Therefore, when designing, it is important to choose the right combination of colors. With the help of color, you can not only create visual effects, but also establish a certain psychological atmosphere in the house.

The psychology of color

People themselves create an environment around themselves that can affect our psyche and health. This must be taken into account when choosing the main and additional colors of the interior. It is necessary that the colors that surround us reflect the features of our character. Only in this case, staying at home will become comfortable.

We perceive color not only with our eyes, but with our whole body. It is color that determines mood, well-being and affects health. AT ancient world It was believed that the right color can cure a person from an illness. And countries rising sun skillfully used the healing properties of flowers.

So, white color is closely connected with spirituality. He helps us gain confidence. But with a long stay in a white room, self-esteem can change. A person begins to feel inferior, and sometimes white inspires a sense of superiority over the rest.

Red color has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system: it improves blood circulation and activates the growth of red blood cells. He excites nervous system and makes you release adrenaline. Increases pressure.

Yellow color makes us forget about the bad. It fills us with energy and gives a feeling of protection, warmth. With a predominance in the interior yellow shades work improves digestive system, the flow of bile and cognitive processes are activated.

Green color unites and calms people. In a green room, claustrophobic patients feel better. Green color is able to treat lung diseases and flu.

The blue color makes consciousness go beyond the real: in a blue room we want to dream and think about something distant. We relax and can fall asleep: the color blue is good for treating insomnia, stress, childhood illnesses and migraines.

Purple is closely associated with creativity. It makes you develop your imagination. Helps with pessimism when we lose faith and despair.

Brown color allows a person who is subject to the opinions of other people to become more decisive and independent. Creates a melancholy mood, balances fun and joy.

Color combination theories

Color combination theories are ways of combining, specially designed formulas for finding colors that are in harmony with each other. There are several ways to determine the combination of colors for the interior.

Color circle

There are three primary colors: blue, red and yellow. When they are mixed, we get additional:

• Violet(Red and blue);
• Orange(red and yellow);
• Green(yellow and blue).

If you mix the primary and secondary colors, then the result will be an auxiliary. So, we can get light green by mixing green and yellow. Thus, we get a color wheel (see figure 1), in which we can distinguish colors:

• Related(colors occupying neighboring sectors - green, light green, yellow);
• Complementary(colors located in opposite sectors - green against red);
• monochrome(shades of the same color - in the center of the color wheel they are lighter, at the edge they are the darkest).

The combination of colors in the interior is chosen using the color wheel, using one of the formulas:

1. triad combination. At the same time, 3 colors are taken as the main colors for the interior. They are located in a circle at equidistant distances from each other;
2. Double split complementary circuit. This color scheme includes 4 colors. First you need to choose 2 colors that you like and combine with each other, and then 2 complementary (opposite) colors to them;
3. Split Complementary Circuit. There are only three colors in this scheme. The main one is chosen, and then the complementary one. But the complementary color will not be included in the interior; instead, two colors are taken that are at the same distance from it on the right and left sides.

Antipode

If you are a bright and individual person, then the choice of two primary colors that contrast with each other is suitable for you. That is, for one primary color, you must select the color "antipode". These will be:

• White black;
• Green - red;
• The color of the yolk is blue;
• Lilac - yellow;
• Purple is the color of lime;
• Pink - light green.

It can be seen that such colors in the color wheel are complementary.

When you choose the main colors for the interior (there can be from 2 to 4), pick up another 2-3 tones. For example, if the primary colors are blue, pink and red, then the monochrome colors blue and pale pink will be used as additional tones.

What colors do not match

The combination of colors can be any. But some of them can depress us and oppress us. Therefore, the color palette for the interior should be chosen in such a way that we, being at home, could have good mood and feel comfortable. For this:

• Avoid a combination of warm dark shades and cold light ones in the interior;
• Do not allow a combination of warm light and cold dark shades.

But today fashion is very capricious. It allows the combination of the incompatible. Therefore, if you are comfortable, feel free to choose your favorite tones.

Main color	Matches with flowers	Doesn't match colors	Color influence
Grey	Blue, pink, brown, yellow, red, black, blue, lilac	Green, orange	Gives the room despondency and sadness
Lilac	Gray, chestnut, light purple	Red, orange, yellow, brown, black	Mystical, mysterious and mysterious interior
Violet	Light green, golden, orange, yellow	Dark green, brown, grey, red	Allows you to calm down a person, to find harmony of the soul. Purple is the color of wisdom and inspiration
Pink	Brown, gray, burgundy	Yellow, orange, black	Romantic interior
Brown	Golden, Grey, Beige, Pink, Yellow	Chestnut, burgundy, lilac	Causes depression when staying in an interior with a predominance of brown color for a long time
Blue	Red, gray, burgundy, golden	Green, lilac, brown	Makes the room cool, sometimes uncomfortable
Blue	Red, orange, blue, light purple	Golden, yellow, burgundy	Makes the interior cold when turned on too much blue color there are more scandals in the room
Green	Red, black, wine red, yellow, orange	Grey, purple, blue	Has a calming and relaxing effect
Yellow	Grey, purple, brown, green, black	Lilac, blue, burgundy, pink	Sunshine illusion, yellow gives good mood and cheerfulness
Red	Blue, green, grey, golden, yellow, black	Purple, chestnut, brown	Uplifting, does not let you relax, suitable for passionate people
White	It is combined with any colors and their shades, as it contains all the spectrums of colors.	There are none	Instills a sense of superiority, makes the room cold
Black	Red, grey, white, yellow, green	Pink, lilac, beige	Narrows the space, instills fear in a person, makes the interior mysterious

When choosing a color palette for interior design, you choose the mood and state of health for the near future, until the interior is changed again. Therefore, try to choose colors that will help you improve your health and cheer up.

It doesn't make sense to copy someone's trendy style if you don't have a clue about color compatibility. A harmonious image will not work. But you can become a role model if you know what colors are combined with each other.

A rainbow of colors enclosed in a circle will help you quickly and easily understand combinatorial rules. Don't be intimidated by the abundance of colorful shades, you don't have to learn their names and memorize their combination formulas to become an expert in how to combine clothes. There are three: yellow, blue and red. And if you try to mix them in pairs in equal proportions, you will get. Surely you know that yellow and blue gives a green color scheme. obtained by mixing red and yellow, purple - red and blue. The predominance of any color will give other shades.

To understand which colors are combined with each other, just look at the rainbow circle, choose the tone you like and determine the opposite. This pair of colors will perfectly harmonize with each other. Blue-green with red-orange, yellow with purple - the magic of contrasts for bold individuals who are not afraid to draw attention to themselves!

Restrained natures will like monochrome harmony. If one color is diluted with white to the lightest shade, we will get a monochrome row that will look great with each other in clothes. This is the compatibility of the same type of shades: gray with white, black with gray, blue with blue, pink with coffee, beige with chocolate and so on. But the contrast of light and dark is also important to consider here.

To understand which colors are combined with each other in an amount of more than two, you need to apply the rule to the color wheel according to which the fourth shades from each other are combined in a row.

Yellow, red and blue - great color scheme! Fashionable 2012 suggests similar contrasting ensembles. But being truly fashionable does not mean blindly following the model, the main thing is harmony, personal comfort and satisfaction from the chosen style.

The square rule is based on the same principles of color compatibility. With the difference that the ensemble involves shades that are two apart from each other.

Don't be surprised by the participation geometric shapes in fashion law. Like everything in mathematics, they help to find out which colors are combined with each other, to catch the principle of constructing a harmonious series, which is intuitively pleasant for human perception, since there is order in this.

The main tool for building various color combinations is. It not only gives information about color: primary, secondary colors; cold, warm shades, but also allows you to geometrically find a successful pair (or triad, teprad and more) for each color. However, effective creation of color combinations is not limited to this tool, although it is of great use. Pure combinations, selected according to the principle of a circle, can even frighten with their absurdity, in order to bring them to "mind", it is worth resorting to the concept of contrasts, as well as using neutral, complex colors.

Creating and adapting color combinations

All color combinations built using the color wheel are . In most cases, they are already balanced by , although there is no resonance for light-dark, bright-pale.
The main adaptation parameter will be the deepening of the main color, the addition of contrast in light and brightness.
And also any combination can be smoothed out by adding a neutral shade to it: gray or beige.
You can make the combination deeper by adding to any of the colors its lighter or dark shade or standing side by side in the color wheel (similar color(s)).

Monochrome color combination

If you use one color in the composition, then its shades should be both dark and light, this gives volume, depth, richness to the color scheme.

Complementary color combination

Complementary colors are tones that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Combinations of additional colors of the first and second order (primary (first order): red, yellow, blue; second order: orange, purple, green) are too flashy, piercing, due to which they seem vulgar, and doubts also creep in about the possibility of their use . However, such color combinations of shades of the third order: red-orange, purple, blue-green, chartreuse, etc. etc., look more attractive by reducing the "sharpness".

Let's try to reduce the intensity of the colors of the first and second order: darken, add an admixture of other shades, while maintaining the main subtone. Thus, we will get softer combinations, which, by reducing obsession, will reveal their best side. If we add contrast in lightness and saturation to this combination, then the number of variations of an attractive combination will increase several times.

Combination of extremely remote pairs

Such pairs are also found using the color wheel. They are less poignant than complementary colors, but still fall into the dramatic category. The contrast in light, the brightness of tones for them will be more relevant than for additional ones, as well as the addition of similar and monochromatic shades.

By adding a combination of neutral or monochromatic (lighter or darker) shades, it allows you to achieve a contrast in lightness, leaving the primary colors in equal “strength” of brightness and lightness (darkness). More precisely, the emphasis will be on the main combination, but the balance in brightness and contrast will be on top.

Combination of similar colors

Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel are called similar.
Such combinations are similar to monochrome ones with the only difference that it uses shades of not one tone, but derivatives of this color. The presence of chiaroscuro in such combinations will be very important point to achieve expressiveness, balance.

Close to similar combinations are warm and cold color combinations.
You can also find out which colors are warm and which are cold by dividing it into two parts: between green and purple. The yellow-red gamut will refer to warm colors, and green-blue-violet - to cold. Such combinations that do not go beyond cold and warm colors will be considered cold and warm, respectively.
The contrast of light-dark in such combinations will be very important in order to avoid blandness.

Triads and more complex combinations

Like combinations of additional colors, such combinations may not seem attractive at first glance, however, in practice, they are also rarely used in their “naked” form.
Triads and more are complex combinations, they have room for creativity. In one such combination, almost all available contrasts can be used (considering that the balance of warm-cold shades has already been deduced).
Unlike paired combinations in triads, 1 color is dominant, all other shades are well-designed, strengthening the central tone. Most often this is a “spot”, significantly framed by other shades: bright and contrasting.

As we can see: the basis for creating color combinations is a color wheel (which you can buy and always have with you), but there are tricks to make them better.

Color combinations outside the color wheel

The combinations selected along the color wheel are emotional and impressive, however, the original “teacher” of the colorist was nature, and some combinations are painfully familiar and “safe” for the psyche were chosen by her.

So, a combination of orange + green - flowers, citrus, sunset tones, greens. Blue (blue) + green - sky, meadows, forests. Yellow + blue (blue) - sun, sky. Fuchsia + green - flowers, greens. Fuchsia (purple) + red - sunset tones. Pink + green - flowers, greenery. Cold + warm pink - sunset gamma. Purple + blue (blue) - sunset, sea. Yellow + green - flowers, citrus fruits, greens.

These are combinations of bright colors that left a vivid impression in the mind of a person.

Natural combinations with brown

The basis for soft combinations of a natural character is brown. It is neutral (like a darker shade of beige). Brown is versatile and has a wide range of shades. Combinations with these shades are very diverse, but they have a common similarity: all selected shades should be devoid of shrillness: complex and viscous. The task of such combinations is to bring peace, tranquility and balance to our lives.

Combination with black and white

Black and white, as well as brown, belong to neutral shades and, but unlike the previous color, combinations with it have an increased contrast, sometimes very far from natural.
Both black and white are cool colors. They both emphasize the primary colors (they can be added to any gamut from the color wheel), but the effect of their presence is different. Black concentrates the color, narrowing the space, while white, on the contrary, expands, brightening the adjacent shades.