For anyone who has taken art classes or interior design, landscaping etc., the color wheel is a basic element to be mastered. But for the majority of us, neutral colors are the safe way to go. That's too bad because color is so much a part of our everyday life.

I'm willing to bet that you have at least once in your life walked into a space that was totally you, and felt like this is the place I want to be! Color (as well as design) has everything to do with that.

The color Wheel originally came about in 1666 when Sir Issac Newton did an experiment using a prism and shining light through it. His discovery of white light containing all the spectrums of color, has been used by artist around the globe ever since.

It is very simple using the chart if you understand the some of the basics.

The color wheel is broken down into 3 main parts. Primary colors, red, yellow blue, secondary colors, green, orange and purple and the intermediate colors which are made by combining primary and secondary colors.

Using the color chart can help you determine which colors work together. Say for example you wanted to paint the walls green. Rather than painting it all the same green, take one wall and paint it a darker green and the rest of the walls a lighter green. To design with accent colors for pillows etc., you can use the color wheel again. Take the color you are using, in our example, green, and look to the opposite side of the chart and you will have your complimentary colors. In this case, purple. So now purple becomes the accent colors in the room.

Getting an idea of what colors to choose can come from any number of items you may have in the home like a colorful art print. We all have our favorite colors that make us feel good so capitalize on that.

It's easy to obtain a color wheel. You can go online to get one as there are many printable versions you can use. An art or craft store should have them in stock. You can even go to a store like Home Depot! In their paint section you'll see the selection of colors they can make you. They are not set up in a wheel but they do follow the color chart rules.

One more thing about the color wheel, color can be used to show off your personality! If you are an out going kind of person then you may be very comfortable with primary or strong secondary colors like shades of red and orange. If you are the calm type then maybe soft blues and greens may be your cup of tea. So take that into account when you are designing.

Go for it!

Using color correctly can make your day!

Willie is a freelance writer, researcher, and artist. In addition to researching and writing, she promotes Motivational Posters at www.artinspires.com. When art inspires, dreams become reality.