Contrasting Colors for Home Decor

Hue is not the only characteristic of a specific color. Each color has a number of values which are known as tints and shades, and that brilliancy and partial neutrality must also be considered in arranging a pleasing color combination. This \"color combination\" can be applied to many different aspects of home décor, interior design, or art in general.

Typically, color combinations are most pleasing when one hue is dominant, and when shades, tints, and partial neutrality are all considered. The dominant hue should be set off by complementing colors that do not necessarily contrast, but still draw the eye slightly outward from the dominant hue.

The wood-finisher of the present day should have a list of pleasing color combinations, a very good eye, and taste if he is to be successful in the use of paint enamels or lacquer enamels because colors are often demanded in various color harmonies for finishing closely grained woods that are used in making certain types of furniture.

Let us suppose our colorist has an end-table that he wishes to finish with a body color of blue. A list of ideal color combinations will indicate several possible colors that can be used as trimmings. Such a list indicates that you can use greater freedom in some cases than would be apparent from a slavish following of the combinations indicated on either of the color wheels.

This allows the woodworker or artist to use some of their own creativity and style as opposed to following a stringent set of color rules. It will also allow the artist to take into account what the customer or individual that is the recipient of the piece being painted or worked on has voiced.

Typically, color combinations are most pleasing when one hue is dominant, and when shades, tints, and partial neutrality are all considered. The dominant hue should be set off by complementing colors that do not necessarily contrast...