You have undoubtedly heard or asked the following question: “ Does this color match that one?” Although the answer to this question may seem personal, an analysis of the color wheel shows that, in fact, all colors can be combined with each other. However, the choice depends on the effect you want to create with the combination — whether in clothes, makeup, or interior design, as we will discuss here. First of all, what is the Color Wheel? The color wheel is a scientific concept that represents the colors perceived by the human eye in a circle. An experiment developed by Isaac Newton in the 17th century demonstrated the primary colors of the visible spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. The arrangement of colors on the circle shows how they relate to each other. The tones can be complementary , analogous or decomposed , and the use of these combinations in decoration is decisive for the creation of each environment. For this reason, the Color Wheel, or Newton's Disc, has become an ally of architects and interior designers, who use the tool to understand the best colors according to the proposal of each project. (Michelle T. Joias/CASACOR)
We’ve put together some ideas for environments that can be created using these three color combinations from the color wheel. Learn how they can create the ideal effect in your home decor ! Orange, blue and a maximalist paradise If the goal is to create a lively and energetic environment , the ideal is to opt for complementary colors .
These are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel and therefore complement each other, such as red and green, yellow and purple, and orange and blue. This project by Alex Tate Design for CASACOR Miami 2019 shows that complementary tones are great components of a maximalist space. By combining high contrast colors with a large number of textures, prints and objects, the office achieved a vibrant and lively space that is still very harmonious — a true maximalist paradise where everything speaks to each other. Pink, green and yellow in a playful and authentic environment Combining complementary colors is a way of playing with the tones that form a triad on the color wheel. The most classic choice is to combine the primary colors red, yellow and blue, but the 2023 Casa Coral project, designed by Ricardo Abreu, played with secondary and tertiary colors that are also considered decomposed on the color wheel. The ones that stood out were pink, blue-green and mustard yellow. Ricardo Abreu - Casa Coral. Ambiente da CASACOR São Paulo 2024. (André Mortatti/CASACOR)
This combination creates a less pronounced contrast when compared to complementary colors. It is an excellent choice when the goal is to maintain harmony and at the same time set your decor in a fun and authentic universe . By opting for this combination, Casa Coral by CASACOR São Paulo 2023 sought to bring playfulness to architecture and develop a project with ideals of freedom and avant-garde. Warmth and thermal comfort with wood tones Analogous colors are those that are located next to each other on the color wheel. The effect of this combination depends on the analogous tones used, but an interesting way to apply it is to mix the tones that make up the different types of wood . Casa Flam , designed by Quadriarq Arquitetura for CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2021, is an example of how this choice can create a cozy and thermally comfortable atmosphere. Quadriarq Arquitetura - Casa Flam, projeto da CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2021. (Cristiano Bauce/CASACOR)
In addition to the combination of different wood tones, neutral analogous colors were chosen to help create this welcoming feeling in the space. At Casa Flam, white, off-white and terracotta also act as analogous tones to wood and are an example of how this combination can create a delightful retreat. 
