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Colour Schemes

The color wheel shows the relationship of colors. There are three primary colors (red, blue, yellow), three secondary colors which are the result of mixing primary colors (purple, orange, green) and the tertiary colors which are a primary color mixed with a secondary color such as red-orange, yellow-green and blue-violet. When they colors are mixed with pure colors white or black it creates numerous different tints and shades.
This low cost investment could save you hundreds of dollars by giving you a quick glance at tints, tones and shades that coordinate - avoiding mismatch pitfalls.
TERMS TO KNOW
Hue: Another name for color
Tint: Color + White
Tone: Color + Grey
Shade: Color + Black
Value: The lightness or darkness of a color.

Key Colour:
Dominant color in a colour scheme or mixture.
When you have decided on your colour scheme we suggest taking a trip to the hardware store and finding the exact colors in paint sample chips. This allows you to carry your colours with you and be ready for any great finds!
If you are real ambitious you may want to put together a sample board of fabrics, colours and textures that you would like to see in your home.
Being a renter does not mean you must always live on thrift store merchandise. Something to keep in mind if you do move into a new home, will you want to buy all new furnishings, or use the wonderful furnishings you love and have taken the time to collect ?

WHAT IS A COLOUR SCHEME
A Colour Scheme is a combination of colours that harmonize with each other.
Mono-chromatic: Using one colour (hue) throughout, utilizing that colors various tints, tones and shades. When using a mono-chromatic scheme using multiple textures creates character and maintains unity.
Complimentary: Using two colours (hues) that are opposites such as red and green or violet and yellow. Choose varying tints tones and shades which will give the bold dramatic effect you are looking for.
Analogous: Using three colours (hues) that are neighboring each other on the colour wheel. These schemes can be warm or cool since colors are adjacent on the color wheel.
Triadic: Using three colours (hues) that are equal distance apart on the colour wheel, such as red, yellow and blue or using secondary colors yellow-green, blue-violet, and red-orange.

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