Color Theme / Scheme

Monochromatic

Monochromatic color schemes are based on one hue (ie a single color that is not white, black or gray)

To create a monochromatic color scheme:

• you choose a hue
• and use to create a harmonious palette
  • tints (mix with white)
  • shades (mix with black)
  • tones (mix with grey)

Example ¹⁾ of monochromatic theme based on violet.

Complementary

Complementary color schemes are based on the direct or split complement (opponent) colors. For example:

• in a subtractive model
  • direct: green and red
  • split: green and orange
  • direct: blue and orange.
• in a additive model
  • direct: red vs cyan
  • direct: azure vs orange

Complementary colors contrast well.

Example ²⁾ with a green / orange landing page

Analoguous

Three colors (three hues that are side by side on the color wheel where:

• one is the dominant color,
• the others are used as accents.

Example ³⁾ of adjacent color on the color wheel with orange and purple

Triadic

Three colors that are evenly spaced (120 degree of each other) on the color wheel.

This scheme provides a good contrast color scheme (still less than the complementary color scheme)

Example ⁴⁾ of triadic landing page.

Tetradic

Four colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel where:

• one is the dominant color,
• and the others are used as accents

Example ⁵⁾ of tetradic landing page with dominant brow and blue, red, green as accent