Spring has just about arrived, so you're probably sick of the dreary colors of winter. Now that snow is melting and the days are getting longer, you don't want to look at stale tones. Instead, you're probably itching for some bright shades. And who can blame you? If you have outdoor furniture sets or are planning on redecorating your patio, you can apply your longing for spring colors to the space. Instead of going with just one hue, why not try incorporating an accent color? This little pop will help your outdoor spaces look all the more interesting. Here are tips for creating the perfect color pair:
Grays are easiest
Yeah, we know you're tired of gray thanks to winter, but just hear us out. Grayed versions of colors are the easiest to pair with an accent. That could mean stone blue or grayed red - really, any color can come in a grayer version. You don't actually have to use gray, just a hue that has it. The duller quality of a grayed color goes great with a saturated tone. It's more difficult to end up with an odd pairing if you go this route. Of course, if you're up for the challenge, you can stray from gray.
Use the color wheel
The color wheel is a huge asset when designing your outdoor spaces, and you don't have to have an art background to understand it. All you really have to knowis the principle of complements. Complementary colors are those that are exactly opposite on the wheel. This includes blue and orange, yellow and purple, and red and green. Of course, the color wheel has various versions of each shade, so the opposite might be slightly different - think yellow-green and violet-red.
When picking an accent color, first locate your base on the wheel. For example, if you're mainly using blue, pinpoint it. Then, pick a color close to the complement. In this case, you can seek colors that are near orange. Blue and orange together could be too much, but what about blue and yellow or red? Try various combinations using colors that are close to your base's complement.
Check your options
Your outdoor furniture sets might limit you in terms of outdoor color scheme. For instance, if your outdoor sectionals have pale green cushions, you might pick an accent color of blue or violet. Start by seeing what you already have and how you can spruce it up.
Use the combination at least three times
Once you've decided on a color pairing, you can implement it in your yard. Make sure you show off the combination at least three times, or it may not look like you planned it. You can have your base color on your furniture cushions and pair it with an accent pillow. Then, put candle holders on your outdoor dining set to further show off your scheme. Finally, implement it in your choice of lighting fixtures, vases, etc. Get creative when using the scheme outdoors.
