Analogous Accents Anyone?
I love designing with analogous color schemes. They match beautifully together and usually create a serene feeling, even when using some of the most bold colors as you can see in my photograph below. If you have not had an art class in your life, or if it has been a while, you might be asking yourself, “What the heck are analogous colors?” Answer: They are colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, rather than contrast colors, which are on the opposite side of the color wheel from one another such as red and blue or green and orange. Analogous color schemes are often found in nature and are harmonious and pleasing to the eye. Take a look at the painting within my photo below. The one with the beach, palm trees and mountains. The picture illustrates an analogous landscape full of shades of blues, greens and green-yellow highlights. The picture is tranquil but still full of warm, friendly, earthy colors.
Analogous Mid Century Modern Living Room, Photo and Design by Kamaren Henson of Space Case Design
The main analogous color schemes are:
Analogous Color Wheel
- Magenta – Red – Orange
- Orange – Orangey Yellow – True Yellow
- Green Yellow – True Green – Blue Green
- True Blue – Indigo Blue – Purple
- Purple – Magenta – Red
- Or any other colors in between which are located next to one another on the color wheel.
When you attempt to design in an analogous theme, you must make sure you have enough contrast. I recommend choosing one color to dominate, a second to support. In my photo above you can see that the turquoise lamps, paintings and coffee table vessel are dominant, while the lucent yellow paint color supports their boldness. The third color in my design, green, is used as an accent and all the analogous accents are surrounded by shades of brown and ivory or cream.
Michael Leva’s Sitting Room–Styled by Martin Bourne; Photography by Eric Piasecki ·
Another gorgeous example of an analogous theme can be found in the recent article that I read in El Decor Online. In Michael Leva’s home we see they have used green, blue and yellow accents amongst black and white. I have always thought that analogous colors where are little edgier than contrast or monochromatic design colors. They feel they have a naturalness to them that lends a slightly vintage feel or quality to a room. What do you think? What are your favorite color combinations and why?
