19 of 19

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

The hardwood floor is smooth and slick. Yet these two textures work well together. Why? Both elements are in the same tonal range, and both offer a large presence in the room.

A couch upholstered in dark blue chenille with damask throw pillows woven with worsted wool satin and linen sateen in blues and purples will pick up the textures from the fireplace and the flooring. Not only will the colors blend for a pleasing, relaxing effect, the textures will provide contrast for interest.

A successful color scheme, though, will almost always have a third color. In the example above, the color scheme is red, blue, and purple. These three colors, though, are so closely related it appears there are two colors, red and blue, because purple is snuggled between the two on the color wheel.

How do you relieve this tightly woven color scheme? With just a few touches of yellow. If you played the red and blue tones throughout the room, bring in yellow with artwork or an accent piece. This bit of sunshine will brighten up the blues and reds and delight the eye.

Color and texture are interdependent; each has a strong influence on the other. The higher the contrast in colors, the stronger the need for similar textures. The closer in tone the colors, the stronger the need for contrasting textures. Keep this in mind, and your color scheme will be a success.

Learn more about this author, Shelly Mcrae.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Choosing interior design color combinations?
We want to hear your view. Write now!