Splitcomplementary

Splitcomplementary is a color harmony in visual design that uses one base color together with the two colors adjacent to its direct complementary color on the color wheel. It is a variation of the traditional complementary scheme, offering high contrast while maintaining a sense of unity.

To construct a splitcomplementary scheme, choose a base hue, determine its complement (the hue opposite on the color wheel), and then select the colors immediately to the left and right of that complement. For example, using blue as the base color yields orange as the complement, and the split colors would be red-orange and yellow-orange. This creates a three-color palette with strong visual impact but less intensity than a pure complementary pairing.

Characteristics of splitcomplementary schemes include pronounced contrast and vibrancy, achieved without the sharp edge of a direct complement. The two split colors sit close to each other on the wheel, which helps maintain harmony while allowing dynamic combinations. The scheme is flexible across hues, saturations, and values, making it suitable for bold designs as well as more restrained palettes when paired with neutrals.

Applications span graphic design, branding, web design, and interior design. A common approach is to let the base color dominate, use one split color as an accent, and reserve the other split color for secondary accents or background elements. Practical considerations include managing saturation and lightness to avoid overwhelming the viewer, ensuring accessible contrast for text and UI elements, and testing the palette across media and lighting conditions.