The Power of Colors in Interior Design: How to Use the Color Wheel

Colors play a major role in people’s lives, and this extends naturally to home décor. Interior designers spend significant time with homeowners selecting colors because they influence human emotions, moods, and behavior. As the French painter Pierre Bonnard (1867–1947) once said, “Color is a force which directly influences the soul.” He was absolutely right.

The following guide explains how homeowners can use the color wheel to avoid chaotic color schemes, achieve balance, prevent boredom, and break monochromatic designs.

What Is the Color Wheel?

The color wheel, also called the color circle, was created by Isaac Newton in 1666. He plotted the color spectrum in a circular form. The color wheel forms the foundation of color theory, showing relationships between colors and combining art with science. Designers and artists use it to determine which colors harmonize.

Two Types of Color Wheels

1. RYB Wheel (Red, Yellow, Blue): Helps mix paint colors.

2. RGB Wheel (Red, Green, Blue): Used for digital screens, reflecting light mixing as seen on computers and TVs.

Understanding the Colors on the Wheel

The color wheel includes primary, secondary, tertiary, complementary, split-complementary, analogous, monochromatic, neutral colors, and color temperature. Here’s how to use each in home décor:

Primary Colors

• Red, Yellow, Blue
  These are the foundation for all other colors.

Secondary Colors

• Orange, Green, Purple
  Created by mixing two primary colors. For example, Red + Yellow = Orange. Adjusting ratios gives different shades.

Tertiary Colors

• Mixing a primary color with a secondary color creates a tertiary color, e.g., Red + Purple = Red-Purple shade.

Complementary Colors

• Colors opposite each other on the wheel create strong contrast, e.g., Red & Green, Blue & Orange, Yellow & Purple.

Split-Complementary Colors

• A variation of complementary colors, combining a color with two adjacent colors of its opposite on the wheel, e.g., Orange with Yellow and Blue.

Analogous Colors

• Colors next to each other on the wheel create a harmonious and calming effect, e.g., Red, Red-Purple, Purple.

Monochromatic Colors

• Different shades of a single color. Perfect for creating calm and balanced spaces, e.g., all shades of Blue.

Neutral Colors

• White, Black, Gray, Beige, Brown
  Neutral colors pair easily with other colors and can soften or balance a design.

Color Temperature

• Cool colors (Blue, Green) create calm spaces.

• Warm colors (Red, Orange, Yellow) energize a room.

• Neutral shades like Beige or Gray balance the two.

8 General Tips for Choosing Home Colors

1. Use the color wheel as a guide.

2. Choose colors carefully, considering the desired emotional effect in each room.

3. Monochromatic schemes help achieve visual balance.

4. Mix primary and secondary colors for an appealing combination.

5. Consider color proportions—too much of one color can feel overwhelming.

6. Account for lighting, as artificial light can change color perception.

7. Include neutral shades through furniture, decor, or wood accents.

8. Apply the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary, 10% accent or contrasting color.

With these basics, homeowners can confidently design their rooms and create a space that is balanced, lively, and visually pleasing. The color wheel is an invaluable tool for breaking monotony and achieving harmony in home décor.