Complementary colors can transform your home into a vibrant sanctuary that reflects your unique style while creating a sense of harmony and balance. When paired thoughtfully, these colors — located opposite each other on the color wheel — enhance each other’s intensity, making spaces feel lively and inviting. Whether you’re looking to refresh your home in Boston, MA, or simply add a splash of personality to your apartment in Philadelphia, PA, understanding how to effectively use complementary colors can elevate your design game. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore practical tips and inspiring ideas to help you harness the power of complementary colors and bring your vision to life.
1. Understand the different colors
Balancing modern and traditional hues ensures harmony, allowing each color pairing to enhance the overall mood and functionality of the space.
“It is important to know that there are two types of colors, contemporary and classic,” shares All Los Angeles Painting Company. “Contemporary colors are lively, dramatic and impactful. They provide visual energy to any decorating scheme and are used to create a modern aesthetic. Inspiration for contemporary colors comes from trends in society, home living, cultural diversity, international design trends, and world travel.”
2. Use dominant colors for larger surfaces and secondary colors for accents
Using dominant colors on larger surfaces creates a strong foundation and sets the overall tone of the space, making it feel cohesive and grounded. Secondary colors are ideal for accents to add contrast, depth, and visual interest without overwhelming the room.
“To create a dynamic yet balanced look with complementary colors, think of one as the main character and the other as the supporting actor. Use the dominant color for larger surfaces like walls and the secondary hue in smaller accents like pillows, trims, or artwork. Play with finishes too — pair a matte wall with glossy accents in the complementary shade for added depth and intrigue. Avoid equal distribution of both colors to keep the design from feeling too chaotic. Instead, let one color steal the show while the other subtly enhances it,” says American Classic Painters.
3. Place complementary colors side by side
Placing complementary colors side by side creates a vibrant contrast that enhances each color’s intensity, making the space feel more dynamic and visually engaging. This technique also helps highlight key areas or features in the room.
Paint and Party – San Diego notes, “A complementary color is a hue that is opposite another on the color wheel. When mixed, complementary colors — such as blue and orange — usually produce a more neutral or muted tone, like gray or brown. However, placing them side by side in design creates striking contrasts and enhances visual interest.”
4. Get a color deck and color cards
Getting a color deck and color cards allows you to explore a wide range of shades, making it easier to visualize and experiment with different combinations before committing to a design.
“The easiest and most effective way to blend paint colors in your home is to get a color deck or color cards from your local paint store,” notes Joseph DiGangi, owner of Artisons Painting and Remodeling. “Many times they will have a color you like, and on the color card will have three other colors from lightest to darkest. This is the simplest way to coordinate and blend colors in rooms that flow together and connect.”
“When clients feel they can’t decide on colors, we like to bring out the color wheel. Once they are shown how the contradiction of complementary colors can transform a project, whether it be walls with a complementary trim color, or using color in their upholstery or accent pieces complementary to their paint, they usually can’t wait for the results,” adds Tim Zaerr of Blue Parrot Painting.
5. Vary intensity for cohesion
Varying color intensity in your design helps create a sense of cohesion by balancing bold and subtle tones, which prevents the space from feeling overwhelming or monotonous.
ABLAZE Design Group states, “Varying the intensity of your color selection is a great way to blend complementary colors in your home. Try mixing different shades, tints, and tones like a deep forest green with a soft blush pink. The rich green provides a serene and grounded feel, while the subtle pink adds warmth and elegance.”
6. Think of it like planning a vacation itinerary
By thoughtfully coordinating complementary colors, much like scheduling active days and downtime, you ensure your room stays visually engaging without becoming overwhelming.
“When using complementary colors in your home, think of it like planning a vacation itinerary,” shares Black Ram Remodeling. “The bedroom should feel like a serene getaway with soft green walls complemented by subtle pink accents, while the kitchen can be your bold urban stop with sleek navy cabinets and brass or copper fixtures. Just be sure to balance bold and neutral — too much contrast in every room, and your home might start to feel like a chaotic trip rather than a relaxing retreat.”
7. Use different textures and patterns
Using different textures and patterns when working with complementary colors adds depth and visual interest to your space, preventing the color scheme from feeling flat or monotonous.
“Blending complementary colors is a great way to elevate your home while making it feel cohesive. We love using different textures and patterns in a space to highlight each color. For instance, you could pair a beautiful green delicately striped upholstered sofa with a bold floral pink wallpaper,” recommends Boots Up Design & Wallpaper Co.
8. Balance is key
Striking the right balance between bold and subtle choices allows for a cohesive design that feels both dynamic and comfortable.
“To create harmony with complementary colors, balance is key — use one as a dominant shade and the other as an accent,” states Brennan Contracting. “For instance, in a living room, you might choose a deep blue for the walls and use orange accessories to add warmth and vibrancy. Avoid splitting the colors 50/50, as this can overwhelm the space instead of creating visual interest.”
