Combating the Fear of Color Through the Use of the Color Wheel
Most of us remember learning about the primary colors of red, yellow and blue in school. We learned how those three colors create all other colors, with the exception of white, by combining them.
PRIMARY COLORS - Red, yellow and blue
By combining the three primary colors, you create the secondary colors.
SECONDARY COLORS
Green, orange and purple
The tertiary colors, are created through the combination of one primary color and one secondary color.
TERTIARY COLORS
Yellow-orange, red-orange, red-purple, blue-purple, blue-green and yellow-green
As with everything in our lives, harmony must also exist in color. Without the proper harmony, color can result in either a very boring or a chaotic look and feel. In order to create harmony in your colors, use the color wheel and follow some simple steps to create a home décor created around visually pleasing colors.
Basic Color Terms
Hue is the basic color. Example: Blue is the hue in light blue and dark blue.
Tone is the color's density and reflective quality.
Value describes the amount of white or black in the color and ranges from light to dark.
Saturation refers to the color’s pureness and boldness.
The Effects of Color
Studies have proven that color affects our moods. Although you may have a favorite color that you like to wear, or you love the color of your car, those same colors may not be the perfect ones to live with on a large scale in your home. Before you commit to any color, consider the effect it will have on the appearance and mood of the room.
Warm Colors
Warm colors convey a message of togetherness and strength. Varying shades of deep red are commonly found in dining rooms as red is said to stimulate the appetite. For this reason, the use of red is becoming popular in the use of kitchens as well.
Pure orange is an extremely warm color, but can be overwhelming in large areas and for this reason, is better when used in smaller quantities as an accent.
Yellow has different effects depending upon its tone and value. A very bright yellow can create an uncomfortable feeling. Do you really want to live in a house surrounded by the same yellow as the police crime scene tape? However, a soft, pale yellow, such as a butter cream, can create a bright and pleasing environment.
Cool Colors
Cool colors provide a sense of calm and feelings of trust. Many schools, hospitals and doctors offices use green. Green is the most prominent colors of nature and blends easily with any room.
Blue is a peaceful color. Light blue can make a room appear bright and refreshing, while a deep blue can create a sophisticated, serene mood. Blue works well in any room, and frequently is used in bedrooms for its relaxing properties.
Violet and the purple family have a romantic connection and are used in bedrooms and living rooms to communicate an air of serenity.
Pastel Colors
By adding large amounts of white to other colors, you create pastel colors. The colors are light and therefore blend well with most other, deeper colors. Pastels create a comfortable, airy feeling in any room.
Neutral Colors
Neutral colors include shades of white, gray and black. Neutral colors are the easiest colors to use for one obvious reason; they blend easily with most surroundings. Neutral colors can be stylish and dramatic. The use of black or white can make very dramatic statements in a room.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are located opposite each other on the color wheel; for example - red and green, yellow and violet. Each color brings out the richness in the other. When using complementary colors, one color should be subtle and the other color should be more dominant. Pair an intense, dark violet with a medium to light yellow.
Related Colors 
Related colors are located next to each other on the color wheel. These colors produce a less contrasting effect than complementary colors. A dark blue-green combined with a light blue can give one the feeling of being surrounded by a blue lagoon.
Mon
o chromatic Colors
Monochromatic colors are colors with the same hue but different tones, values and saturation. Paint swatch cards have several different values of one color. Using two or more monochromatic colors creates a stylish and pleasant look.
Split Complementary Colors
Split complementary colors offer a wild and daring color palette. Select a main color, then find the complementary color and select colors from each side of the complementary color. These colors are an excellent choice when creating the layers of a faux finish.
Tips for Choosing a Color Scheme
Create a scrapbook or sample board of color swatches, wallpapers and styles you find attractive. Most paint and home improvement stores offer very small sample jars of paint at a nominal price. Mix, match and test the samples in the room you're decorating at different times of the day to see how the light effects them.
Be color-consistent throughout your home to create continuity. Look from room to room to see if the color flow will work. Plan your color scheme in relation to how much of each room is visible from another room.
Choose the colors you like best. Four core colors should be the maximum. More than this can be too visually stimulating. Use as many accent colors as you like.
If you decide to choose your colors from a favorite pattern on your furniture, match your colors to the pattern. For colors that are dramatically different from one another in the pattern, accent them with lighter and darker tones of that same color. You can also use one main color with several tones to create an energetic color scheme.
The wall color is the most dominant in the room. When choosing your wall paint do a paint test to be sure you like it at all times of the day and in all lighting situations. Paint a 2' x 2' area of your wall and allow it to dry. Paint usually dries one to two shades darker. Now, imagine that 2 x 2 section expanded throughout the entire room. You will find that most colors change throughout the day depending on how much natural and artificial lighting they get.
Using Color to Create an Illusion
Use colors to create an illusion in any room by contrasting different values; light and dark, warm and cool. You can visually lower a ceiling by painting it darker than the walls. Make the ceiling seem higher by painting it a lighter color than the walls. Use dark neutrals or warm colors on walls and floors to visually scale down a large room. Make a small room look larger by using light, pale colors on the walls, floors and ceilings.
A Final Thought
Don’t be afraid of color. Many people spend their lives in dull rooms with white walls and very neutral fabrics because they are afraid to experiment with color. Painting your walls is one of the least expensive things you can do in decorating your home. And it is the most easy to change if you don’t like it. Start by experimenting with some colors on your walls, and once you are comfortable, try adding color to your fabrics and furniture. Before long, you will be engulfed in the comfort of color and will have made your home a much more inviting place for you, your family and your friends.