What Is an Analogous Color Scheme? Your Design Secret Weapon

If you’re new to using color, you need to check out an analogous color scheme. Image: Taylor + Taylor

If you’ve been following recent design trends, you know that big, bold colors are soon to be everywhere. For fans of monochromatic looks, this news can be equal parts intriguing and overwhelming. After all, how do you even know where to start when it comes to using color in your design?

We’re here to help. One of the easiest ways to start using color is by incorporating an analogous color scheme. We’ll explain what this color scheme is, why it works, and how to make it happen in your own interiors. Before you know it, you’ll be bringing in color like a pro.

An analogous scheme uses neighboring shades on the color wheel. Image: University of Makeup

What Is An Analogous Color Scheme?

When you’re putting together a room’s color scheme, there are plenty of options to choose from. Color schemes can range from two shades to involving five distinct hues. However, the easiest – and most commonly used – schemes have at least three hues.

An analogous color scheme involves three colors that are positioned next to each other on the color wheel. While neutrals can be added in as well, two of the shades involved will be a primary color (red, blue, and yellow, for those who need a refresher) and the third will be a mix of the two.

Make sure each of the three shades plays a prominent role. Image: Ingrid Rasmussen Photography

Balancing Three Colors

Just as you would with any other scheme, when you’re working with an analogous palette need to give each color a defined role in the space. This will create a sense of balance in the space and will keep any one color from feeling too overwhelming.

To do this, you’ll use the 10-30-6o rule. As usual, you’ll pick one color to serve as your dominant shade, taking up the bulk of your design. A secondary shade will play more of a supporting role and, finally, a third, more ostentatious color will act as an accent.

If you’re unsure how to make this decision, we recommend starting with a patterned item that contains all three shades. You’ll be able to work out how frequently each one was used and construct the rest of your design accordingly.

Add in plenty of neutrals to balance out the look. Image: 2id Interiors

Adding in Neutrals

Since working with bold colors has a tendency to overwhelm, we suggest adding in some neutral shades to calm the space. There are two ways that you can go about doing this in your design.

The first way is to add white, black, or gray into the colors themselves – in a paint color, for example. In interior design terminology, these are known as tint, shade, and tone, respectively. They can be defined as follows:

• Tint: The act of lightening a color by adding white to it.
• Shade: The act of darkening a color by adding black.
• Tone: Darkening a color slightly by adding gray

You can also accomplish this by adding a few neutral elements to your design. Take the photo above, for instance. The white in the wallpaper and in the dining chairs helps to balance the design while allowing the colors to take center stage.

Mix and match different shades and patterns to add variety. Image: Valerie Grant Interiors

Mixing and Matching

Our last tip is to remember the value of visual variety. The last thing you want is to feel too locked-in around the idea of using these three shades, and only those three shades. Sticking to that narrow of a rule set can have a tendency to feel flat, so we recommend that you do plenty of mixing and matching in order to give the room a more subtle and deftly-constructed aesthetic.

With that in mind, use your three shades as a guide, but put them together in a variety of configurations. Include prints and patterns that incorporate some or all of the colors. Be sure to add in other materials and textures, as well, in order to create a complex and well-rounded look.

Use these tips to try out an analogous color scheme in your own interiors. Image: Wheeler Kearns Architects

It’s time. The bright colors are coming.  Are you prepared? If you’re one of the many people who are excited about the incoming saturated color trend, yet aren’t sure if you know how to make it work, we’re here to help. Choosing an analogous color scheme is one of the easiest – and most eye-catching – ways to work color into a design. Use the tips in this post to help you bring your own unique twist to this color combo.

What do you think of analogous color schemes? Will you be using this type of color scheme in your interiors? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

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