Design Basics - Colour in Design

We all have our personal colour preferences, and make colour choices regularly in deciding what to wear and how to furnish our homes. Sometimes these choices are subconscious and other times we borrow schemes we have seen in magazines or shops. Knowledge of colour theory will allow you to understand what it is about colour combinations that you like, and translate your preferences into your designs effectively.

Colours are arranged in a wheel in order to visually understand their relationship to one another. The three primary colours, red, yellow and blue, are equally spaced and the colours that are made by mixing them in are between. Colours sitting opposite each other are known as complimentary, the direct opposite of each other, whilst colours next to each other are analogous, meaning similar. Artists and designers use colour to specifically evoke feelings using a complex language of colour meanings. For our purposes it is sufficient to know that red, orange, yellow and gold are warm and stimulating whilst blue, green, purple and silver are cooling, restful colours.

Neither black nor white have their own slice of the colour wheel as they are not true colours but shades and tints. There are infinite versions of each main colour and these are made by adding either black to darken, or white to lighten. Colour Schemes are tried and tested ways of using combinations of colours successfully.

Monochromatic

Monochromatic means shades of the same colour, however it doesn’t just have to be the classy and timeless combination of black and white. The deepest dark purple combined with mauve and a lilac toned pink will look elegant and sophisticated like all monochromatic colour schemes. Be wary of making everything in your design the same shade as well as the same colour or your finished card will lack interest and any focal points will be lost.

Harmonious

Colours next to each other in the colour wheel are similar and will therefore harmonise well. Blue, turquoise and green will create a relaxing cool colour scheme. Orange and red, with dark brown accents will create a rich fiery autumnal palette. Whether you choose warm or cool colours for a harmonious colour scheme, the result will be restful and calming.

Complimentary

These colours sit directly opposite each other on the colour wheel and when placed next to each other they appear much more dramatic than alone. We often see complimentary colours used in nature to attract attention, such as the yellow centre of a purple iris or red berries on a green bush. Using complimentary colours is a great design tool for catching attention and making a bold statement. If you like the idea of using complimentary colours but want to tone it down a bit, try a paler shade of one colour and a darker shade of its complimentary. For instance, try burgundy with pale green or pale pink with olive green. Using complimentary colours in this way will be vibrant and energetic but not overpowering.

Whatever colour scheme you choose for your wedding, whether you go for traditional combinations or a more daring contemporary look, it must be something you both like. You will be seeing a lot more of it as you make your wedding stationery and plan your big day!

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