Harmony and Contrast Harmony

Colours close to each other on colour wheel

Easy on the eye

Creates a relaxing image

Harmony and Contrast Contrast

Colours far apart on the colour wheel

Eye catching

Makes objects stand out

Complimentarye.g. the green makes the red look redder, and the red makes the the green look greener

Warm and Cool Colours

Warm Cool

Blues, Greens, Violets

Receding Colours

e.g. appear to be further away

Reds, Yellows, Oranges

Advancing Colours

e.g. appear to be closer

Tints and Shades

Tint ShadeAdd black or grey to add a shade

Dark shades make objects appear heavy

Add white to make a tint

Pale pastel colours give the impression of softness

Tips for Choosing a Colour Scheme

Any colours near each other (within any third of the colour wheel) will always work together to create a harmonious colour scheme

or Any two colours which are opposite each other on the

colour wheel look good together and make a bold statement

or Any three colours which are equally spaced on the

colour wheel work together to make an exciting scheme