Choosing colours for your site

We are far more swayed by colour than you may first think, a point not lost on packaging designers as a quick walk down a supermarket aisle will demonstrate.  A recent poll suggested that 40% of car buyers would change to another vehicle on the basis of colour alone!  But in addition to aesthetic choices on colour schemes there are also visibility issues.

Monochromatic colour schemes, using a single colour, are serene and peaceful, creating unity in a theme.  Analogous color combinations use related colours. Two or more colours can be used, one is often used as a dominant colour while others are used as accents.

Contrasting colours are complimentary and pleasing to the eye, often using a warm colour and a cool colour.  Triadic colour combinations are comprised of three opposing colours. Red, yellow, and blue would be a triadic colour scheme.

Like contrasting colour combinations it is not necessary to use full strength, startling combinations to create effective schemes. Using a more subdued value can help to create greater subtlety, harmony and readability for your site. Pantone matching to corporate colours can be readily achieved, allowing for the differences between printed and computer displayed colour.