Working with complementary colors, especially those that are bold, requires careful balance and intentionality. Today’s video will explain how to achieve a balanced color palette through the use of two bold complementary colors on this summer vacation layout.
This page was created using the Travelogue kit from {Not} Just for Boys kit club. To complement the stonework of the landmark, I opted for a bold rust-colored pattern from the kit as my background. Incorporating such a vivid color required some knowledge of the color wheel to maintain balance.
Complementary colors are directly opposite each other on the wheel and are typically dynamic pairings. Orange and blue are one of the more intense combinations that can be more difficult to balance.
One of the simplest ways to create balance with bold complementary colors is to use them in unequal proportions. This technique is particularly effective when trying to draw attention to a specific element in your design.
On this page, I introduced more blue to reduce the intensity of the orange tones and establish a harmonious look. This color was also more prominent in the photos and adding this color brought focus to the people on the layout.
If you need to reduce the vividness of the colors, you can do this by adding neutral colors to the mix. Keep in mind that adding too much of a neutral color can completely change the color combination on the page especially when working with warm and cool color combinations.
I incorporated black, white, tan, and gray elements on this page to balance out the boldness of the two colors,. These additions provided a soothing contrast to the brighter hues.
Another approach is to use complementary colors in different hues or shades. The amount of contrast can affect the mood of your design. High contrast creates an energetic feel, while low contrast creates a more subdued design.
I chose a variety of die cuts and stickers in a lighter or darker version of the bold hues. This softened the intensity and created a more subtle balance.
In this video, you will learn more about incorporating complementary colors into your scrapbook layouts and discover how to achieve balance on your page.
With practice, you can create stunning color combinations that enhance your designs. If you would like to learn more about how to use color combinations I your projects, you can purchase the Color Combination guide in my shop.
I hope today’s project inspired you to try something new. If you have any questions about this design or the supplies listed above, feel free to leave me a comment.
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