Color Schemes
Analogous Color

An Analogous Color Scheme is when you use three or more Hues which are positioned next to each other on the Color Wheel.

In my example you can see I've selected 4 Hues to work with. In this case we're using Green
Blue/Green
Blue
Blue /Violet.

If you were to simply use these bright Hues together, it would create a harmonious effect. But it would be very bright, perhaps even garish. This might be suitable for a child's playroom. For most color schemes, it's more likely you'd want to tone them down for added sophistication.

Mother Color Method

One of the easiest methods of toning down a color scheme without losing the sparkle of the Hues is by using what I call the Mother Color Method with Analogous Colors.

In this example, I've used Blue/Green as my Mother Color as seen here in the center of my paint swatches. The pure Green, Blue and Blue/Violet Hues are on the top.

By adding a tiny bit of Blue/Green to each pure Hue, you get much more subtle versions, as seen on the bottom row. These new paint colors will be far more pleasing and harmonious to the eye.

Of course you can then alter each of these paint colors even further by adding White, Black or Gray to create Tints, Shades or Tones. As long as you don't add another Hue, they will always go together.

Decorating Tips

1. Play up your dominant Mother Color in the bright accent pieces like art, pillows and other accessories.

2. Darken one of your altered Hues to a Shade and lighten another to a Tint to create interesting variations for furniture, carpets or fabrics.

3. Tone down one of the altered paint colors with gray and use it on your largest areas like walls.

Your color scheme will be very sophisticated and go beautifully together every time.

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