Glossary

Near Complementary Harmony

A colour scheme using one hue with a colour adjacent to (rather than directly opposite) its complement.

“Near complementary harmony produces contrast that feels sophisticated rather than assertive - useful when bold complementary contrast would exceed the requirements of the occasion.”

Near complementary harmony retains contrast but softens the opposition of a direct complementary pair, producing a scheme that feels sophisticated rather than assertive. A basic hue is used with either one of the colours adjacent to its direct complement - for example, yellow with red-violet rather than violet itself. It is useful when bold complementary contrast would exceed the requirements of the occasion or setting.


Loading...