Split-complementary colors are a fascinating part of color theory that can significantly enrich an interior designer’s palette. Understanding their dynamics and skillfully using them allows you to create spaces full of harmony and visual interest. They are a great solution for those who want to introduce contrast, but in a more subtle way than with traditional complementary colors. This allows you to achieve visual effects that attract the eye but do not overwhelm the space. Split-complementary colors offer the opportunity to work with more balanced combinations, giving a space character while remaining pleasing to the eye. This type of solution works in a variety of design styles, from classic to modern, adding expressiveness and dynamism while maintaining harmony.

What are split-complementary colors?

Split-complementary colors are a color scheme based on one base color and two colors that lie directly next to its complementary color on the color wheel. For example, if we choose blue as the base color, its complement is orange, and the split complementary colors are yellow-orange and red-orange. This arrangement allows for obtaining a contrast with less tension than in the case of direct complementary colors, which makes it more flexible in use.

Thanks to this solution, interiors gain in expressiveness, but are not as visually intense as in the case of using strictly contrasting colors. Well-chosen split complementary colors can emphasize the style of the interior and give it a unique character.

Application in interior design

The use of split complementary colors in interior design allows for the introduction of a balanced contrast that enlivens the space, without causing excessive visual tension. This is especially useful for interior designers who want to add dynamics to rooms, while maintaining aesthetic consistency.

Split complementary colors can be used in various ways:

• On the walls - one wall in an intense base color, and the others in lighter shades of complementary colors.
• In accessories – e.g. curtains, pillows, carpets or paintings can be based on this harmonious palette.
• In furniture – using different colours for kitchen cabinets, chairs or sofa upholstery can give the room a unique style.

Examples of use

1. A living room in shades of green with red-purple and red-orange accents – green walls combined with pillows and decorations in shades of red will give the interior a harmonious and invigorating look. Additionally, it is worth introducing natural materials such as wood or wicker, which will perfectly match the green.
2. A bedroom in blue with yellow-orange and red-orange accents – blue walls can be complemented with accessories in warm shades, which will introduce cosiness and subtle contrast. You can also use gold decorative elements, which will emphasise the elegance of the interior.
3. A kitchen in shades of purple with yellow-green and yellow-orange accents – the combination of purple furniture with details in warmer tones will add a modern character to the interior. A great solution may be to use glazed tiles in these colours, which will add a unique style to the space.

Practical tips for interior designers

• Color balance – one of the colors should dominate, while the others serve as accents. It’s important to maintain proper proportions between the hues.
• Neutral background – to avoid excessive color overload, it’s advisable to use neutral tones such as white or beige. This prevents the interior from becoming too overwhelming.
• Experimenting with shades – it's worth testing different levels of color saturation to find the perfect combination. A color simulator can be helpful for this purpose.

Color simulator – a helpful tool for color selection

To make it easier to choose harmonious color combinations, it’s worth using the color simulator available on the Cerames website. This useful tool allows for experimenting with color schemes and finding the best combinations for various interior designs. It offers the following features:

• Selecting a color from the color palette – users can choose any color and check its compatibility with others within various color schemes (complementary, analogous, etc.).
• Uploading your own image – the tool allows for color analysis of a photo and generates suggestions for harmonious color combinations.
• Choosing an image from the gallery – users can select from pre-existing photos and experiment with different color pairings.

Thanks to this tool, interior designers can precisely match colors to their designs, creating aesthetic and cohesive spaces. The ability to preview different color compositions makes the decision-making process for color palette selection easier and more informed.