How to Use Split Complementary Colors in Design

Split complementary colors consist of a base color and two adjacent colors to its complementary color. These three colors create a variation of the complementary color scheme with two accent colors.

In color theory, complementary colors are opposite on the color wheel. A split complementary color scheme maintains the strong contrast of the complementary scheme but offers more variety and visual harmony.

Split Complementary Colors in Color Theory

Color theory explains how colors interact and how humans perceive them. Key aspects include the color wheel, color harmony, contrast, and color psychology.

The color wheel is essential when choosing a color scheme. It could be complementary, analogous, triadic, or split-complementary. Instead of using one complementary color, a split complementary combines two colors next to it.

How to Identify Split Complementary Colors

You can identify split complementary colors using the 12 primary colors on the color wheel:

Select a base color: Choose a color from the wheel, such as blue.

Find the complementary color: The complementary color of blue is orange, which is directly opposite on the wheel.

Identify split complementary colors: Instead of using orange, choose the colors adjacent to it on the wheel. In this case, the split complementary colors are yellow-orange and red-orange.

Apply the scheme: Use blue as the dominant color and the split complementary colors as accents.

The Role of Split Complementary Colors in Color Harmony

Color harmony is an aesthetically pleasing and balanced combination of colors. Designers use split complementary colors to create visual harmony by balancing their intensities and proportions. This type of color harmony is important in various fields such as fashion, interior design, graphics, landscaping, and website design. It combines warm and cool hues to create contrast and balance in the overall design.

Here are some real-life examples of split complementary color schemes.

Split complementary colors are commonly used in art, interior design, fashion, and graphics.

In interior design, split complementary colors work well for wall painting, furniture, upholstery, and decor. Use the dominant color on the room’s focal point. The base color is ideal for larger areas like walls, furniture, or flooring.

Incorporate accent colors through accessories, artwork, textiles, or architectural details like trim or moldings. Consider the proportions of each accent color to ensure a balanced distribution throughout the space.

If the dominant color is bold and vibrant, opt for less saturated or muted shades as accents. Add neutrals such as white, beige, or gray as transition elements between the colors.

For instance, in a kid’s room with a blue base color, include yellow-orange and red-orange elements. Use curtains, rugs, paintings, or wallpaper to incorporate these colors. These accents will draw attention and provide a lively contrast to the primary color.

Blending Split-Complementary Colors With Patterns

Patterns add texture and emphasize elements of a design. Use the most standout or largest pattern color as a dominant color for the palette. Identify its complementary color on the color wheel.

The two adjacent colors to the complementary color serve as accents.

Consider the distribution of split-complementary colors in the design. The dominant pattern color should be the most prevalent. Add the split complementary colors in small proportions.

In this split-complementary scheme, red-violet is the base color. Muted patterns combining yellow and blue violet create a casual and luxurious finish.

Color Name: Red-Violet

Hex Code: #2BE22E

CMYK Color Code (%): 81, 0, 80, 11

RGB Color Code: 43, 226, 46

Color Name: Blue-Violet

Hex Code: #8A2BE2

CMYK Color Code (%): 39, 81, 0, 11

RGB Color Code: 138, 43, 226

Color Name: Yellow

Hex Code: #DEE22B

CMYK Color Code (%): 2, 0, 81, 11

RGB Color Code: 222, 226, 43

In Graphic Design

The split-complementary scheme allows designers to incorporate a wider range of hues while retaining visual balance. Graphic designers use the HSB model to adjust the colors’ hue, saturation, and brightness for optimal appearance.

Color calculators like Adobe Color CC, Paletton, and Colormind generate color schemes in various formats. When you enter a primary color, the calculator suggests split complementary colors for your design.

Here are the details of the color scheme:

– Vivid Orange (#FE6601) with CMYK color code: 0, 60, 100, 0 and RGB color code: 254, 102, 1

– Cyan (#00FFFF) with CMYK color code: 100, 0, 0, 0 and RGB color code: 0, 255, 255

– Blue-Violet (#8A2BE2) with CMYK color code: 39, 81, 0, 11 and RGB color code: 138, 43, 226

The Vivid Orange color serves as the warm base for major elements, while Blue-Violet provides contrast without overpowering the Vivid Orange and Cyan. Cyan highlights key aspects of the design.