Split complementary color schemes are a popular type of color combination that can create visually striking designs. They involve using a base color along with the two colors on either side of its complement on the color wheel. This creates a dynamic color palette that offers plenty of possibilities for creative compositions. In this article, we’ll look at some examples of split complementary color schemes and how they are used effectively in various contexts.
Understanding Split Complements
A split complementary scheme starts with a single base color. To find the split complements, you locate the base color’s complement directly across from it on the color wheel. Then you choose the two colors adjacent to the complement color. For example, if the base color is red, its complement is green. The two split complements would be yellow-green and blue-green.
This creates a color triad with one warm color, one cool color, and a vibrant complementary bridge between them. The split complements will have some visual commonalities with the base color while also offering strong contrast. This dynamic tension can bring energy and sophistication to designs.
Examples in Logo Design
Logo design is one area where split complementary schemes are commonly utilized. The bold color combinations are eye-catching while also balancing and integrating multiple hues.
Some examples include:
– Spotify: The vibrant green logo pops against a background that splits the complement into a warm ochre and cool blue. This creates a hip and energetic brand identity.
– Wikipedia: The Wikimedia logo uses a royal blue for the central “W” icon and text, complemented by bright orange and green on either side. This color combo evokes the brand’s qualities of intelligence and vibrancy.
– National Geographic: The famous yellow rectangular frame is complemented by slight variations of blue and green. This conveys an earthy, natural feel appropriate for the brand.
Using Split Complements in Interior Design
Interior designers also utilize split complementary schemes to bring visual intrigue into living spaces. Decorating with these dynamic color combinations allows rooms to feel energized yet balanced.
Some examples of split complements in home interiors include:
| Base Color | Split Complements |
|---|---|
| Red | Yellow-Green, Blue-Green |
| Purple | Red-Orange, Green |
| Orange | Red-Violet, Yellow-Green |
A red sofa or accent chair can pop against walls painted in earthy greens and blues. Purple bedding and decor can shine when complemented with warm red-oranges and neutral greens. Orange artwork and decorative items will zing against hues of green and red-violet.
When using split complements in interior decor, it helps to choose one color to dominate. The complements are then used sparingly to provide accents. This creates a cohesive look rather than a jarring rainbow effect.
Examples in Fashion and Apparel
Fashion design also draws heavily on the aesthetic power of split complementary color schemes. Clothing, shoes, accessories, and makeup can all integrate these artsy color combinations.
Some examples include:
– Eyeshadow palettes with a bright base hue complemented by closely related darker and lighter tones. For example, cobalt blue with navy blue and sky blue.
– A bold orange dress or blouse matched with accessories in blues and greenish-yellows.
– A yellow skirt or blazer paired with a top in violet and red-orange shades.
– Men’s socks, ties, and pocket squares in vibrant red, green, and golden-yellow.
Using Split Complements in Graphic Design
Graphic designers take advantage of split complementary color schemes in eye-catching posters, advertisements, websites, and more. This color technique helps grab viewer attention while also providing visual cohesion.
Some examples include:
– Movie posters like those for Guardians of the Galaxy and Thor: Ragnarok use split complements in sci-fi color palettes.
– Product packaging often utilizes split complements to make items pop on store shelves.
– Websites use these colors to create appealing headers, call-to-action buttons, and hype graphics.
– Brochures, sales sheets, and presentations integrate split complements to energize page layouts.
No matter the medium, graphic designers can use split complements to add boldness, sophistication, and flair to their visual communication.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Using a split complementary color scheme offers some key advantages:
– Provides high contrast without extreme discordance. The three colors have just enough in common to integrate harmoniously.
– Adds excitement and vibrancy compared to monochromatic or analogous schemes.
– Offers more versatility than using only complementary colors.
– Works well in balances, gradients, and color mixing.
However, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider:
– It can be challenging to find the exact right hue combinations. Poor splits can clash.
– Too much color variety can feel busy or overwhelming in some contexts.
– Not as subtle or soothing as analogous or triadic color schemes.
Overall, split complementary palettes are bold yet balanced. When executed skillfully, they can take designs to the next level visually. But restraint is still important to prevent colors from competing.
Tips for Using Split Complements
Here are some tips for utilizing split complementary color schemes successfully:
– Use a color wheel tool to identify accurate split complements for your base hue.
– Choose one color to dominate. Use the complements for accents and highlights.
– Try varying saturation and brightness levels of the colors. Lighter tints and shades create cohesion.
– Mix the complements together to form new hues like intermediates and neutrals.
– Balance warmth and coolness. Don’t let one split complement dominate temperature.
– Use colored backgrounds to unify and tone down bright split complements.
– Add metallic, black, and white to increase sophistication and modernism.
With thoughtful color mixing and balancing, split complements can take any design to the next level.
Conclusion
Split complementary color schemes offer endless opportunities for eye-catching designs. The dynamic tension between a color, its complement, and the adjacent hues creates vibrancy. When used artfully in fields like graphic design, fashion, and interior decorating, split complements convey energy and sophistication. They provide more versatility than straight complementary colors. With strong graphic impact but less jarring contrast, split complements can make designs pop in any context. Just keep the balance by featuring one dominant hue supported by the complements. Mastering this artistic color technique opens up a world of visual possibilities.
