How To Use The Color Wheel Outdoors

There is a secret to why some color combinations soar and others fall; it all comes down to the color theory. The color wheel is a brilliant tool to use when deciding which colors work best with one another. The color wheel divides the spectrum into twelve basic hues and resembles a rainbow in whole. There are warm colors, ranging from red to chartreuse, and cool colors, ranging from green to violet.

One of the best color wheel tips is to choose complimentary colors, which are colors that sit directly opposite each other on the color wheel. They appear brighter when they are used together. A few great combinations include yellow and purple, red and green, and blue and orange.

For instance, you can make a bold color statement with orange and turquoise. These two colors add energy to the room as well. To keep the colors from feeling too overwhelming, consider adding white umbrellas and accent patterns. If you look at the picture, you can see how the homeowner incorporated light orange and light blue colors to complement this gorgeous outdoor living space.

Another option is to accent adjacent colors with neutral colors. Adjacent colors are those that sit next to each other on the color wheel. These pairings are an optimal choice for your outdoor space. If you'd like a relaxing and laid-back feel, use lighter tones, such as blues and greens. You can then add a third color as an accent-such as black or white.

Another tip to remember is that you can match your flowerbeds to your color scheme. The best way to do this is to combine complimentary colors in your garden; this way your garden creates harmony. Red and yellow, yellow and green and even fuchsia and purple mix well together.

Now you have a basic understanding of the color wheel to help aid you with your outdoor decor. With this tool, you can pick the perfect colors to create the mood you've always wanted your yard to have. There are a few things to remember: complimentary colors sit across from each other on the color wheel, creating a bold statement when used in unison. Accenting adjacent colors with neutrals are perfect for creating a relaxed, laid-back feel. Last but not least, you always have the option of adding either white or black as a third color to your decorating scheme. They can create solid focal points throughout your outdoor space.

Photos courtesy of: beadsandpieces.co and Better Homes & Gardens.