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Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology pp 1–3Cite as

Color Scheme

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Synonyms

Color combination; Color harmony; Color palette

Definition

An organized selection and arrangement of colors in design.

Introduction and Classification of Color Schemes

Colors from the color circle are usually combined in a systematic and logical manner to create a color scheme. The number of colors (different hues, saturations and lightnesses) in a scheme could range from two to many. A very basic color scheme would be to use black text on a white background, a common default color scheme in Web design.

A predetermined design idea about the final appearance of two-dimensional designs or products or the ambiance or atmosphere in interiors usually shapes the systematic or logic behind combining different colors into establishing a color scheme. Creating style and appeal, evoking intended feelings (such as in an ambiance), and establishing more practical outcomes all are concerns while deciding on a color scheme.

Different types of schemes are used. These are predominantly based...

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References

  1. Chevreul, M.E.: The Principles of Harmony and Contrast of Colors. Schiffer, West Chester (1987)

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  2. Birren, F.: Principles of Color. Van Nostrand Reinhold, West Chester (1987)

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  3. Itten, J.: The Elements of Color. In: Birren, F. (ed.). (trans: Van Hagen, E.). Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York (1970)

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  4. Itten, J.: Design and Form. Thames and Hudson, London (1987)

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  5. Kuehni, R.G.: Color: Essence and Logic. Van Nostrand Reinhold, Berkshire (1983)

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey

    Nilgün Olguntürk

Authors
  1. Nilgün Olguntürk
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nilgün Olguntürk .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Color Science & Imaging Lab, North Carolina State Univ, Raleigh, NC, USA

    Renzo Shamey

Section Editor information

  1. Secretaria de Investigaciones FADU-UBA, Universidad de Buenos Aires and Conicet, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Jose Luis Caivano

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Olguntürk, N. (2021). Color Scheme. In: Shamey, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Color Science and Technology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_229-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_229-7

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-27851-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-27851-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Physics and AstronomyReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Chemistry, Materials and Physics

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Chapter history

  1. Latest

    Color Scheme
    Published:
    15 December 2020

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_229-7

  2. Original

    Color Scheme
    Published:
    07 July 2015

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27851-8_229-6

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