Looking for interior color combination inspiration? When it comes to interior color schemes for houses, the options are virtually limitless. However, this abundance of choices can actually make deciding on a color scheme feel pretty overwhelming. But fear not, my friend! That’s what I’m here for. Welcome to the ultimate guide to interior color schemes, where I will help guide you through the process and make it a breeze.
Types of Interior Color Schemes for Houses
Before we dive in, let’s take a quick refresher course on the color wheel. The first step towards choosing a color scheme is understanding color theory, and the color wheel is a simple tool that can help you do so. The color wheel represents the segments of colors and shows how they relate to each other.
As you might remember from your elementary school days, the color wheel is made up of twelve basic hues: primary (red, yellow, blue), secondary (orange, green, purple), and tertiary (red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-purple, red-purple).
We can utilize the color wheel to put together a number of different color combinations, or color schemes, that work well together. There are six main types of interior color schemes for houses:
- Monochromatic
- Complementary
- Analogous
- Triad
- Split-complementary
- Tetradic
Let's break down each of these types of color schemes, along with some examples for each of them.
Monochromatic
A monochromatic color scheme consists of varying shades and tints of one color. Contrary to what you might initially think, a monochromatic scheme doesn't have to be neutral. You can use any color you like, including purple, to create a stunning monochromatic look.
Complementary
Complementary colors are two colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. They create a vibrant and dynamic look when paired together. Here's an example of a complementary color scheme in a living room, where green walls are complemented by red accents.
Analogous
An analogous color scheme consists of three colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. This scheme creates a harmonious and unified look. For example, you can see an analogous color scheme in a room where yellow, yellow-green, and yellow-orange tones are used.
Triad
A triad color scheme includes three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. This scheme creates a bold and vibrant look. An example of a triadic color scheme can be seen in a room where magenta, cyan, and gold colors are used.
Split-Complementary
A split-complementary color scheme involves choosing one color and combining it with the two colors that are on either side of its complementary color. This scheme creates a balanced and harmonious look. In the image below, you can identify two different split-complementary color schemes.
Tetradic
A tetradic color scheme includes two sets of complementary colors. This scheme creates a dynamic and contrasting look. In the interior design below, you can notice the complementary set of red and green, along with blue and orange.
Psychology of Color in Interior Design
While choosing colors for your interior, it's essential to consider how they affect your mood. Colors have the power to evoke different emotions and create a specific atmosphere. Understanding color psychology can greatly enhance your interior design choices.
Color psychology is the study of how hues influence human behavior and mood. It dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who used color in holistic medicine. Today, color psychology is widely used in marketing, architectural design, and, of course, interior design.
The colors you choose for your interior and the overall color scheme you establish can work together to create a certain mood. For example, blue is known to have a calming effect, while red can be energizing. By incorporating color psychology into your interior design, you can create spaces that evoke the desired emotions and atmosphere.
Painting a Small or Dark Room
Many people believe that painting small or dark rooms in white or light colors will make them appear brighter. However, this isn't always the case. The truth is, if a room lacks sufficient lighting, no color will magically brighten it up. Instead, focus on improving the lighting in the room first, and then choose a wall color that suits the new lighting conditions.
In some cases, a medium neutral color like taupe, gray, or even blue can work well in small or dark rooms. However, it ultimately depends on your specific space and lighting situation. To learn more about the best paint colors for dark spaces, check out our article on the subject.
Choosing a Wall Color That You Won’t Regret
When it comes to choosing a wall color, it's crucial to take some precautions to avoid any regrets down the line. Here are some pointers to help you choose a wall color that you'll love:
- Understand color psychology (as discussed earlier).
- Sample the paint colors before committing to them. See how they look in your home's lighting.
- Look for inspiration everywhere, including your closet, magazines, or even our Pinterest account.
- Familiarize yourself with different color schemes.
- Pull your paint color from artwork or nature for unique inspirations.
- Consider the light reflectance value (LRV) of a color, which determines how much light it reflects.
- Opt for neutral colors, as they are versatile and allow for easy accent color changes.
- Utilize color apps provided by paint brands for visualizing your color choices.
- Pull your paint color from a dominant pattern in the room.
- Stay ahead of trends and consider timeless colors.
- Be bold with color in smaller doses, such as an accent wall.
- Ultimately, choose a color that resonates with your personality and preferences.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you choose a wall color that matches your vision and complements your space.
Final Thoughts on Interior Color Schemes
Congratulations, you've made it through the ultimate guide to interior color schemes for houses! We have covered the six main types of color schemes, the psychology of color in interior design, and tips for choosing a wall color that you won't regret. Now it's time for you to get creative and experiment with different color combinations.
Which of these color schemes is your favorite? What colors are you most drawn to in interior design? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section!
Read More:
- How to Choose a Color Palette for Any Room in Your Home
- 5 Ideas for Your Whole House Color Palette from Sherwin Williams
- 5 Great Options for Your Whole House Color Palette from Benjamin Moore