Palette #1

Complementary pink (a light value of red) and green are a perennial favorite. When you work with colors opposite on the color ring, choose low-intensity versions to soften the contrast. Varying the values, even a little, adds depth to a scheme. A near-white is ideal for walls.

Palette #2

Low-intensity colors on the cool side of the color ring are related, yet different enough to be interesting. Violet, an effective bridging color, adds a little warmth to cool blue and green. A grayish green is a harmonious companion color.

Palette #3

Blue-green and peach, near complements on the color ring, benefit from unexpected yellow-green. Coral (a light value of red-orange) stretches the scheme even farther and keeps it from looking like a color formula. Pale peach and soft yellow - both appropriate colors for walls or trim - lighten the palette.

Palette #4

Analogous colors ranging from pale yellow-orange through minty green are elegant and understated. A neutral gray lends sophistication and pushes the scheme beyond "pastel." This palette shows how disparate hues become kindred colors when they are similar in value. Slight differences in intensity add an element of surprise.

Palette #5

Primary red, blue and yellow, known as a triad, work well when the colors are dark in value and low in intensity. In this palette, brick red, cadet blue and palomino gold set a quiet mood. Green cools the warm red and gold; light khaki is appropriate for walls or trim.

Palette #6

A limited palette of analogous colors looks complex when the values and intensities vary. The color range shown here is quite narrow, from warm ocher yellow through cooler greens. Dark gray and glen green anchor the scheme. The lighter values are appropriate for walls.

Palette #7

New neutrals in a mix of light, medium and dark values make up a warm palette. Closely related values of toast and charcoal repeat the colors for a pleasing visual rhythm. Oatmeal and chamois are suited to walls or trim, browns and grays to furnishings and floor.

Palette #8

A six-color palette, loosely based on a near-triad of yellow-green, red-orange and violet, is diverse and complex. Aubergine and plum temper the warm olive green, gold and russet. For walls, use either of the lightest values, or seek out lighter, low-intensity versions of the darker hues.

 Palette #9

A light-value, clear violet adds an element of surprise to a classic blue and green combination. Pearly gray, a true neutral, spaces out the color, while a dark-value, low-intensity blue grounds the scheme. For a light look, consider gray walls or lighter versions of violet, green, or blue.

Palette #10

A palette of yellow, blue and green is always fresh and summery. Varying the greens from yellow-green through green takes the scheme beyond the predictable. Slightly different blues - one true, the other closer to aqua - show that color combinations are often more interesting when you "wander around the color ring" a bit.
 

 Palette #11

Warm and cool grays harmonize with icy blue-grays. Consider using the light gray on walls, the lightest gray on trim. A cool blue-and-gray palette benefits from the warmth of wood furniture or wood floors.

 Palette #12

An analogous combination begs for a range of values and intensities, as in this yellow-green through blue-green scheme. A low-intensity yellow-green warms up the cooler hues. The light and medium values are suited to walls; the darkest green is a natural for furnishings.

 Palette #13

Intense, high-contrast colors are energetic and visually exciting. Two warm and two cool hues balance the visual temperature in this vibrant scheme. When you use intense colors, be sure to vary the quantities. Black and white, true neutrals, provide visual relief in a high-contrast room.

Palette #14

Analogous hues ranging from yellow-orange through red-orange couldn't be warmer. Varying the values and intensities just a little quiets the scheme and provides needed visual relief. Copper, a dark value of orange, tones down the brilliant colors. Use the lighter values for walls and trim, the darker values for furnishings.
 

 Palette #15

Near-complements of blue-green and red are tempered by a grayed yellow-green. Intense orange and yellow-orange push the scheme toward the warm side of the color ring. Consider lighter values of the warmer hues for walls, darker values of the cool colors for floors, and a mix of colors for furnishings.

 Palette #16

Complementary yellow-green and red-violet are stretched to include truer and bluer greens. A neutral the color of putty is appropriate for walls or floors, as are the light-value greens. Low-intensity red-violet is a natural for furnishings, with russet and green as accents.