Color is usually regarded as one of the most complicated and intimidating aspects of home design. However, it does not have to be more complex than how it’s supposed to be.
There is a variety of tools that you can use to understand color matching and schemes. You will be able to comprehend how each of the colors blends and cooperates to create lovely scenery. In this article, we will discuss the concept of analogous colors.
Table of Contents
What are the Analogous Colors?
It is not that difficult to understand what analogous colors are. Look at the color wheel, and the colors that are close to one another are analogous.
Most people will use this in design since their combination will create an attractive and seamless flow that will not put too much strain in our eyes.
It is composed of your main (or dominant) color and the colors on the left or the right side of it. For instance, let’s take a look at the color wheel below. The analogous colors are Blue, Cyan Blue, and Turquoise.
Color Wheel DYOB
marianney5/Flickr
The term was derived from the characteristics that each color share that makes them suitable colors to use together in a space. Analogous colors can often be seen in our environment. You can see this commonly on plants.
Perhaps the most typical example of the analogous colors in our nature would be the seasonal changes of the leaves. We can also see this on the petals of the flowers or the changing color of the sky during sunset and sunrise.
How to Create Balance Using Analogous Colors?
Using analogous colors in your room will create a harmonious or relaxing effect, which is perhaps due to its connection with nature. When you are using these colors to design a room, be sure that you will create a balance.
You can easily do this by focusing on the dominant color. Use the other colors as accent pieces that will create a vibrant space.
To start, choose from one of the primary colors, you can then use the secondary color and the tertiary color as an accent.
How to Create Contrast?
Since the colors are closely related to each other, it is relatively easy for these colors to blend into one. It will then create a cluttered appearance that will appear too overwhelming to some.
Luckily, you have several options to do to prevent this from happening. For instance, you can create a distinction from other colors using a pattern.
You can also keep the color level in a balanced state by adding colors in a variety of sizes. You may also choose a focal color.
However, the best practice is to use all these methods in unison. It will ensure that the colors will not cancel each other out while they may be analogous.
Adding Neutral Colors
Since we will be working with some bold colors, it can turn into something overwhelming. To keep the space calm, we suggest you add some neutral colors. There are different ways on how you can achieve this.
One of the most popular ways is to add gray, white, or black into the color. The proper terminologies for them are tone, shade, and tint. You may also ‘tone’ down the colors by incorporating some neutral elements.
pikist
How to Use Analogous Colors in Design?
The idea of integrating relaxation and peace into a particular aspect may sound great, but you are probably wondering how this can be applied successfully in design.
For instance, you are a website designer or an app developer, and you want your app logo to evoke the right kind of emotion; you want to know how analogous colors can help you achieve that. Here’s how.
Choosing the Product’s Tone
You will need to determine the voice and the tone of the product that you are developing. Let’s say you want a product that evokes elegance and prestige.
Purple would be a great color since it has historically been linked to wealth and royalty. Some of the perfect examples of this branding are Hallmark, Roku, Yahoo, FedEx, and Cadbury.
On the other hand, if you want things to be light and fun, yellow with the color of sunshine will be an excellent choice. The arches on the McDonald Logo aims to stimulate this happy feeling.
Choosing the Dominant Color on the Wheel
Now that you know the messages that you want to convey to your audience, it will now be easy to pick your desired color. Building your set of analogous colors will not be difficult.
Start by selecting your dominant color from the primary colors. Then you can choose the colors from the left or the right side of it.
Getting Creative
You should never mix boring with simple. There is no restriction that you should stick to the basic color like blue, red, or purple when choosing your analogous colors.
Make sure that you will incorporate different shades, neon, and pastels to make things more exciting. Try to experiment and have fun with it. Continue mixing some colors until you find the perfect color combination for your audience.
Examples of Where to Use Analogous Colors
The designers and marketers who are looking for a solution knew that using analogous color is a proven effective method.
It requires a simple application and is not complicated to use. It will usually result in a more harmonious and cohesive design.
Logos
It is not uncommon to see analogous colors on company logos. It creates wonders, especially if you are a designer who wants to develop something more unified that evokes authority and elegance.
Mastercard is perhaps one of the best examples. It was made to be a symbol of flexibility and modernity that is intended to work in various applications and landscapes. BP also uses analogous colors in their logo.
Their latest logo was released last 2000, which reflects the characteristics of nature. It utilizes natural yellow and green colors that represent the sun.
Since they are an energy company, it is not surprising that they are taking advantage of the colors of the environment.
Mastercard Logo
Marco Verch Professional/Flickr
Website Design
The analogous colors are also effective in promoting a website with a seamless flow. Instead of choosing contrasting and bold colors, most designers will prefer to utilize an understated scheme that will stimulate the feeling of serenity and safety.
Look at Nature for Inspiration
We mentioned above that analogous colors are often seen in nature. You may see this in the green and blue colors of the seas and sky. Or the colors of orange, yellow, and red of the fire.
Examples of Analogous Colors
When you are looking for an analogous color scheme, the direction that you need to follow is relatively simple.
You have to choose your main color, and then choose the other 2-3 colors on either side of the dominant color. Here are some of your possible choices.
Red, Red Violet, Red Orange
This combination creates a rich and warm environment that promotes an inviting and relaxing space. The simplicity of the place will make it difficult for you to resist an afternoon nap. It has a passionate and fiery appeal that makes a great ambiance at night.
Yellow, Orange, and Yellow-Orange
It will be perfect if you want to achieve a retro and bright room. It emanates vibrant and youthful energy that will be perfect for your living area.
Green, Blue-Green, Yellow-Green
It is a refreshing and fresh combination that will not put a lot of stress on the eyes of your guests. It has a mixture of brightness and lightness that encourages the people inside the room to feel happy and positive.
Blue, Violet, Blue-Violet
If you want to create a room that is subdued but at the same time super chic and ultra-trendy. It suggests a sense of femininity.
Red, Orange, Red Orange
This is a combination of a retro and contemporary feel. These analogous colors are complementing each other and will add personality and brightness that will make you feel delighted.
Green, Yellow, Yellow-Green
These colors are perhaps the perfect example of a seamless color combination. Transform your living area using these colors, and you will create a room the induces the power of the spring season.
If you require an excessive amount of energy in the space, it would be better to use contrasting colors rather than the analogous colors.
The designers would often use analogous colors if they want to convey a feeling of tranquility and harmony. If you look at the natural care or spa products, they will generally use this color scheme that reflects a sense of serenity and peace.
Conclusion
When you want to make a space, logo, website, or marketing material to deliver that comforting feeling, analogous colors will be your trusted partner.
Remember that when you are using this color scheme, you should not focus too much on the colors that are adjacent to each other since they will be canceling each other and will make the place look muddy. Follow our tips above that will help you add some twist in a regular color combination.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article !
