What are some tips for using complementary colors in interior design?

1 Choose the right intensity

One of the most important factors to consider when using complementary colors is the intensity or saturation of each color. If you use two colors that are equally bright and vivid, you might end up with a loud and overwhelming effect. To avoid this, you can either tone down one of the colors by adding white, black, or gray, or use a lighter or darker shade of one of the colors. For example, you can pair a bright blue with a soft peach, or a deep purple with a pale yellow.

2 Use the 60-30-10 rule

Another way to balance complementary colors is to follow the 60-30-10 rule, which is a common guideline for interior design. This means that you use one color for 60% of the space, another color for 30%, and a third color for 10%. The 60% color is usually the dominant or background color, the 30% color is the secondary or accent color, and the 10% color is the tertiary or highlight color. For example, you can use a neutral beige for 60% of the walls and furniture, a complementary green for 30% of the pillows and curtains, and a pop of red for 10% of the accessories and artwork.

3 Add some neutrals

Neutrals are colors that are not on the color wheel, such as white, black, gray, brown, or beige. They can help you create a sense of calm and cohesion in your interior design, especially when using complementary colors. Neutrals can act as a buffer or a bridge between complementary colors, reducing the contrast and creating harmony. You can use neutrals for the flooring, the ceiling, the trim, or some of the furniture and accessories. For example, you can use a white sofa and a gray rug to soften the impact of a blue and orange wall.

4 Experiment with different hues

Hues are the variations of a color that are created by adding white, black, or gray. For example, pink, burgundy, and maroon are different hues of red. You can use different hues of complementary colors to create more interest and variety in your interior design. For example, you can use a light turquoise and a dark coral, or a mint green and a plum purple. Different hues can also help you adjust the mood and temperature of your space. For example, you can use warmer hues for a cozy and inviting atmosphere, or cooler hues for a fresh and serene vibe.

5 Use complementary colors sparingly

Complementary colors can be very powerful and eye-catching, but they can also be overwhelming and distracting if used too much. Therefore, it is advisable to use complementary colors sparingly and strategically in your interior design. You can use complementary colors to create focal points, such as a feature wall, a fireplace, a sofa, or a painting. You can also use complementary colors to add some contrast and drama to a neutral or monochromatic scheme. For example, you can use a few yellow cushions or vases to brighten up a gray room.

6 Get inspired by nature

Nature is a great source of inspiration for using complementary colors in interior design. Nature often uses complementary colors in harmony and balance, such as the blue sky and the orange sunset, the green leaves and the purple flowers, or the yellow sun and the violet shadows. You can look at nature photos, paintings, or landscapes to get some ideas for your color scheme. You can also use natural materials, textures, and patterns to complement your complementary colors. For example, you can use wood, stone, metal, or plants to add some warmth, richness, or freshness to your space.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?