Tonal scheme – uses different tonal values. If the tonal scheme is different tonal values of a neutral colour; then different textures should be used for added interest in the scheme. This type of a colour scheme can be used for displays or an interior space.
The below image by Tim Beddow in Architectural Digest is of an interior space by Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen. This space uses different values of neutral colours. We see the darkest value on the floor with medium walls and a light ceiling making this a traditional tonal distribution. This neutral tonal scheme in this foyer is accessorized with art such as the watercolour by Christian Berard and a Mercury statute. The panelled walls liven the neutral walls and similarly the patterned floor give life to the wooden floor. Furthermore, the gold outlines on the console table along with the gold frames add a nice touch of gold accents to this neutral space. The neutrality of this space make it great for the displayed art making it the focal point. Furthermore, the warm orange/ brown wooden floor contrasts nicely with the cold grey walls creating a warm/cold contrast. Also, we see the use of light/dark contrast in the art which all add an element of interest in this neutral space.
Monochromatic scheme – uses a single colour in different tonal and chromatic values in addition to neutrals. White, off-white, grey, taupe or cool browns are good examples of neutrals. Typically the use of a dark neutral is preferred rather than black. Black should be used sparingly. Sharp light to dark contrast should be avoided. Having a buffer of medium values is also good. Varying the size of values to avoid a spotty effect is also suggested. Avoid highly contrasting outlines. If more neutral values are used, then can have sharper contrast with a hint of colour added to the room. Contrast is a good strategy to energize a space. Moreover if there is bright colour on the wall, then should use neutral furniture and drapery. Moreover, wood can also have colour. Over usage of colour and or pattern should be avoided. Neutrals provide relief from colour. There is a fine balance between calming and boring for monochromatic rooms.
The below image is from Elledecor.com and depicts a monochromatic theme using tints of red. Notice the walls are coloured and thus neutrality is introduced through the use of a black dining table and grey steel chairs. The designer has added different textures to make this monochromatic theme more interesting. We see the use of velvet in the drapery and textured chair covering. We see the Law of Chromatic Distribution followed with higher chroma in the drapery, floor rug and chairs. The walls are a more subdued tint. Moreover, colour and value is balanced around the room vertically and horizontally. The black window outline and the black in the wall papers along with the white outlines in the door provide relief to the colour. The white roses mixed with the coloured roses along with the white table mats also provide balance to the colour. We see tonal distribution in this space with the use of varying tones distributed throughout the room. Also, the patterned wall paper is used sparingly as it is used on the back wall and doors to tie into the pattern on the center carpet piece. This sparing use is more effective than covering all the walls in the pattern.
Complementary scheme – uses two colours opposite each other on the 12 colour wheel. Use different tonal and chromatic values from the two different colour charts in addition to a range of neutrals for a complementary scheme.
The below image from Vogue, captured by Simon Upton depicts a complementary scheme using green and red. Notice the use of Law of Chromatic Distribution, with the largest areas such as the ceiling and walls display neutral colours. Even the floor is neutral while including red. As chroma increases size of objects decrease. We see the most chromatic values on the plants, vase, pillows, paintings and side chairs. We also see medium chroma on the carpet, drapery, chandelier shades and lamp shades. The larger sofas are predominantly neutral and colour is balanced horizontally and vertically through extensive use of accessories such as books, paintings and plants. Also, the colour in the drapery matches the small shades in the chandelier shades but the other greens are varying tones and chromatic values of green. Similarly, the red in the carpet is not exactly matched to any other red in the room instead varying tones and chromatic values are used in the room which is best practice. Thus, the room follows the Law of Tonal Distribution through the use of light, medium and dark tonal values.
Analogous scheme uses 2 to 5 colours next to each other on the 12 colour wheel.
The below image from Vogue.com by Matthieu Salvaing exemplifies and analogous scheme through the use of a green sofa, chairs and blue-green vases displayed on either side of the window. The wooden walls, floors and white walls and ceiling provide relief from the highly chromatic furniture and vases. The patterned geometric ceiling balances the colour in the lower to mid half of the room. Furthermore, the medium off-white curtains provide a nice bridge between the white and brown walls to tie the two together. Furthermore, the white art, candleholders and books provide a good light/dark contrast against the dark wood.
Split complementary – uses one colour + two colours on either side of its complement. The below image is from The English Room and is split complementary because the predominant colours are tinted red walls, yellow-green curtains coupled with blue-green pillows on a neutral sofa which is outlined with red.
Double complementary – uses 2 pairs of complementary colours. In the below image from Pinterest and Wallmur.com we see the complementary combination of blue-green and red-orange. Also, the blue flowers with the orange chair also act as complements. Relief from the colours is provided through the use of dark brown, black, off-white and light brown.
Triad – uses three colours equally spaced on the 12 colour wheel.
The below image captured by Trevor Tondro from Architectural Digest uses red in the letters along with yellow and blue in the wall painting to create a triad colour scheme. We also see a tint of blue in the bar stools. A triad scheme colour can be very bold visually and we see the designer here has made heavy use of neutrals such as whites and some browns to provide balance to the highly chromatic tonal values of the blue, yellow and red hues. Although the colours are used minimally their use is very effective nonetheless. The below space breaks the law of tonal distribution as the walls and ceilings are essentially the same tone. However, this rule is broken in a very intelligent manner as the letters on the back wall have good scale and proportion, covering the entire wall almost, thus adding the right amount of contrast to the white wall to make it visually appealing. Similarly, the art work to the left is scaled adequately in proportion to the lettering again providing balance to the white wall and red lettering. The colour attached to the shapes and forms of the below space work well together.
Tetrad – uses 4 colours that are equally spaced from each other on the 12 colour wheel.
The below image from Wallmur.com uses red tint in the chair, yellow-orange and blue-violet in the wall mural. Lastly, we see the addition of green with the plant placed on the table. The coolness of the green and blue-violet is balanced with the warmness of the yellow-orange and tinted red. Furthermore, the white and off-whites provide a break from all the 4 colours. Furthermore, we see the Law of Tonal Distribution at play here as we see various tones of blue-violet and yellow-orange being used in the wall paper. Also to note is that this space breaks the Law of Chromatic Distribution which states the largest areas should be neutral. Here we see neutrality introduced in the floor and side table and vase. However, the rules are broken intelligently as the display is very inviting and cozy nonetheless.
Information courtesy of New York School of Interior Design “Color for Interiors” class