Its an extremely helpful visual tool.
The color wheel is an incredibly helpful visual when it comes to choosing a harmonious blend of complementary colors.
Ahead, find out how to use it for your next project.
Photo:Westend61/Getty Images
What Is the Color Wheel?
The color wheel is just what it sounds like: a circular diagram showcasing a spectrum of colors.
So, red and green are complementary, as are yellow and purple and orange and blue.
Winda Octavianti Surjono/Getty Images
Winda Octavianti Surjono/Getty Images
Complementary colors create a high-impact look through maximum contrast.
Being opposites does not mean they clash, however.
Instead, they appear brighter and punchier when paired.
The result is a vibrant pairing and a more impactful visual.
This encourages the space to feel balanced and harmonious, Ferguson says.
She explains you might use the color wheel to choose the three main colors.
Say a homeowner wanted to paint their living room a light or pale blue color, Ferguson reasons.
Complementary colors, by definition, enhance each other and sit opposite each other on the color wheel.
So that just in and of itself can really create a vibrant effect when used together, Ferguson says.
Looking foroutsideinspiration is a good gut check, too.
Ferguson loves pairing lavender with a bright or minty green, much like a lilac bush.
If Mother Nature does it, you know its gotta be good.
Gazing out your windowat natures greatest palettecan help you make decisions with or without the color wheel.
Though whatever you decide, its imperative you love the combination.
Think outside the box, Ferguson says.
And it will all naturally fall into place.
