How to Coordinate Colors
Coordinating colors well can improve the way you and your home look. Used in both fashion and interior design, color coordination depends on color theory, or how colors interact. Understanding how colors work will help you put your best foot forward both inside and outside your home.
Instructions
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Understand primary, secondary and tertiary colors. Primary colors -- red, yellow and blue -- can not be made from any other colors. Secondary colors -- orange, green and purple -- are made by combining primary color pairs. Tertiary colors are made by combining two colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.
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Pick your favorite color and combine it with its complement. Complementary colors are directly across from each other on the color wheel. Each makes the other look brighter. For example, purple and yellow make each other pop. To avoid overwhelming your room or outfit, use one color as the main color and the other in small doses as accents.
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Start with one color and pick its analog, or color right next to it on the color wheel. Coordinating colors this way tends to create a warm or cool look in an outfit or a room because the colors are so close to one another.
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Go for a monochromatic look by using different shades of the same color. For instance, you could create an outfit that ranges from a sky blue top to navy blue pants. Your living room could have light pink walls and hot pink throw pillows on the medium pink couch.
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Bring different colors into your room or outfit by using patterns that combine the main color and the accent color.
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