On Sherwin-Williams color strips, lighter values are at the top, mid-tone values are in the middle and darker values are at the bottom. Value describes how light or dark a specific color may be. Sherwin-Williams color experts suggest using both warm and cool colors in rooms where you desire balance and variety. Warm colors – red, orange, yellow – encourage conversation and play. Cool colors – blue, green, violet – invite relaxation and thought. Choosing colors of different tints within one color family creates a monochromatic color scheme.ĭifferent colors in the same family may be described as being 'warm' or 'cool.' Colors with yellow undertones will seem warmer, while the same color with blue or red undertones will appear cool. For less contrast, choose colors next to each other on the color wheel, which are called analogous colors. In combination, these create striking contrasts. The traditional color wheel is made up of twelve color families: red, red-orange, orange, yellow-orange, yellow, yellow-green, green, blue-green, blue, red-violet, violet and blue-violet.Ĭolors on the opposite side of the wheel from each other are called complementary colors. Hue identifies the general family of a color, such as red, yellow, blue or green. Learning the basic 'language of color' will help you achieve your decorating goals.
