Design 101: Part 2, Color

As a designer, the first statement I usually hear from a client during an interview is: “I want more color in my landscape.” Deciding which colors will work best in your landscape can be based on many factors: house color, fences, pavings/hardscapes, front/garage doors and even the colors throughout your neighborhood can dictate which colors are right for your landscape. Sometimes, landscapes only needed a couple splashes of color to create a desired look.

Color choices are always going to be something personal and ever changing. Age, mood and even the time of day will be contributing factors in color preference; this is why choosing a color scheme can be so difficult. To “test the waters,” try creating small mixed containers of either cool or warm color schemes and place them on your porch or patio to see which is most appealing. Be sure to observe them during different times throughout the day to see how the changing daylight effects the various colors.

The Different Color Schemes: 1,2,3,4!
There are four basic color schemes: monochromatic, analogous, complementary and polychromatic. Each color scheme serves a purpose in the landscape. To go one step further, any of the four color schemes can be developed with either a warm or cool color pallet. For example, a red color scheme can be created using pinks, reds and maroon to create a warm pallet. The same can be accomplished with blue, light blue, and a deep royal blue for a cool color pallet. You get the idea.

1. Monochromatic
The monochromatic color scheme is one created with the same color, that is, it uses variations of the true color. A monochromatic color scheme tends to produce feelings of serenity and relaxation. Therefore, a garden intended for solitude and meditation would benefit greatly from a monochromatic color scheme as it is a soothing use of color.

2. Analogous
Another soothing use of color is an analogous color scheme. To better understand an analogous color scheme you must picture the color wheel. Analogous color schemes use colors that touch each other on the color wheel. For example, yellow and orange or orange and red. Colors from the cool side would include blue and purple or green and blue. This color scheme still has the soothing aspects of the monochromatic scheme but contains some variance and a little more interest.

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