Color theory is not something new in this blog. We have a category for it that contains numerous posts about this topic. If you are wanting to come up with your own special palette to use in your home, then it is worth understanding the theory. It is quite straightforward.
There are many who are not confident about choosing colors, which is maybe why they go for the ever-safe white or light neutrals like beige. Or some go for the faux cement look and we have the product Konstrukt that offer different textures for you to choose from.
With the entry of Gen Z into the home market, we find them to be more adventurous about their color choices for their homes, as they prefer to go maximalist with their home design. Their main motivation when designing their homes is authenticity in their self-expression. They don’t want slick, curated homes that look like they’ve been designed to be looked at and not to be lived in.
This kind of maximalist rebelliousness is exuberant and refreshing but may not be for everyone. Also, other age demographics like millennials, Gen X, and boomers may have different intentions when it comes to their home design, preferring to live in a home which they find more “age-appropriate”. But as I always say, ignore the standards of others, ignore trends, ignore the definitions of age-appropriateness, and just listen to your heart.
You love color? Go for it. You prefer neutrals? Well and good. You don’t know how to come up with a palette? Visit this blog often. We’ve made countless of color palettes that could please many of you. Just have the patience to trawl this blog. Go to the category Color Inspirations. You can also visit our Boysen Color Trend website; look at the color palettes specially curated by experts since 2015.
Complex Hues Defined
In Color Theory, there are 3 primary colors—yellow, red, and blue. There are also 3 secondary colors—orange, violet, and green—which is a combination of 2 primary colors.
Tertiary colors, which are a combination of a primary and secondary color, are considered complex hues. There are 6 of them—yellow orange, red orange, red violet, blue violet, blue green, and yellow green.
Then, there are the quaternary colors, which are a combination of two tertiary colors or a mix of a tertiary with a primary or secondary color. The concept of quaternary colors theoretically extends the color wheel. However, these are not commonly used in design because the human eye can neither discern the differences between colors nor the combination for each quaternary color. There is also no standard naming system for them.
This infographic is very limited but could give you an idea of the color mixtures mentioned here.
Complex colors are desaturated. They are muted, earthy, or jewel tones, which can give your home a nuanced and sophisticated feel. Muted and earthy tones are less saturated. Think sage, dusty blue, earthy brown; which would give your home a calming vibe.
Complex colors could also have the jewel tones of amethyst, sapphire, or emerald that would give your home an air of of luxury.
Homes Using Complex Colors
Earthy Reds
Check out the muted reds in this living room. You don’t have to have that Chinese New Year red or that Valentine red to have that warmth and passion in your home.
These earthy reds can also work wonders to bring that vitality into your space.
Dusky Blues
Don’t you just love this dusky blue? It feels so calming and safe to be surrounded by this color. Pairing it with white makes it even more refreshing. Blue has always been an easy color to match with other colors, including dark wood.
Amethyst
Care to snuggle in bed surrounded by an amethyst cloak that permeates serenity and tranquility? Try this muted purple in your bedroom, and also in your living room or any other place where you want to give that quiet sophistication to.
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