Color affects us in a physical and psychological way. In feng shui it is one of the most effective ways to shift the energy in a space. Watch and learn how to decorate using the color wheel.

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Video Transcript:

I'm Anjie Cho, and this is how to decorate using the color wheel.

The color wheel is a great way to determine how to use colors to decorate a space. So, Isaac Newton created the first color wheel in 1966 with a prism. The color wheel shows how colors relate to each other. Here are some ways you can use a color wheel to come up with decorative color schemes.

An analogous color scheme creates a more harmonious and relaxing feeling. You locate your main color and use the colors on either side of it to compliment it. For instance, orange's analogous colors are red-orange and red, yellow-orange and yellow. You can go up to two adjacent colors away on each side.

A triad color scheme provides a bit more contrast than the analogous. As the name triad suggests, you select three colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel. For example, orange, violet and green. They form a triad. It creates a bold yet balanced look.

Finally, a complimentary color scheme is the most vibrant while still offering a simple feeling. Complimentary colors are found opposite each other on the color wheel. So, the complimentary color for orange is blue because it's opposite. The colors are opposite and they reflect light differently for a striking and lively look.

The color wheel is a scientific tool that can be used to see how colors relate to each other and to the human eye, therefore helping you create the type of feeling you want when you decorate your space.

by Anjie Cho