Chapter 11 Using Color Effectively
301
complementary, split-complementary,
double-complementary, analogous, tri-
adic, and neutral. Established color
harmonies bring colors together in
combinations that are very satisfying to
the eyes.
Monochromatic Color
Harmony
A
monochromatic color harmony
is the simplest color harmony. It uses
a single hue from the standard color
wheel. The hue selected for the mono-
chromatic color harmony in 11-8 is
green.
You can achieve variation in a mono-
chromatic color harmony by chang-
ing the value and/or intensity of the
hue. For example, you could use light
blue, gray blue, and navy blue—a tint,
a tone, and a shade of the same hue. A
paint fan deck will usually show fi ve to
seven values of the same hue. To add
interest to the color scheme, use accents
of neutral colors. Using a monochro-
matic color harmony can make a room
appear larger. It can also unify the
furnishings and accessories used in the
space. The monochromatic color scheme
is the most restful of all, because it has
the least contrast or drama.
Complementary Color
Harmony
Selecting two colors that are directly
opposite each other on the standard
color wheel creates a
complementary
color
harmony. Complementary colors
are sometimes called contrasting colors
because they make each other look
brighter and more intense. For exam-
ple, when using blue next to orange,
the blue looks bluer, and the orange
looks stronger. A complementary color
harmony can make a room look bright
and dramatic.
Avoid Greenwashing
Are “green” products always “green?” Some companies and agencies may be
less than truthful about the “green” aspects of their products and services. These
companies and agencies realize that more consumers are looking for green products
and are easily influenced by terms relating to green features. They may use terms that
mislead consumers and professionals about the “green” features of their products.
Some environmental product claims are false while others are misleading. The term
for this deceptive way of doing business is greenwashing.
An example of greenwashing involves low- or zero-volatile organic compound
(VOC) paints. Because they are less toxic to humans and the environment, these
paints are catching on quickly with consumers. Several reliable paint suppliers
produce these paints. Other companies are putting “green” on the labels, but their
paint may actually be neither low- or zero-VOCs products.
Before buying any green products, check a number of Web sites that provide
information on the validity of products that indicate green features. A few of the Web
sites include the following:
www.greenbiz.com
www.edcmag.com
www.greenguard.org
GREEN CHOICES