Kimberly Olson

By: Kimberly Olson | Split complementary colors are the perfect mix of contrast and harmony, offering a dynamic twist on the classic complementary color scheme. Instead of pairing two colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel, a split complementary color scheme uses one base color and the two colors adjacent to its complement. The result? A vibrant, eye-catching palette with less visual tension than traditional complements.

The Science Behind Muted Colors Muted colors are created by reducing the saturation of hues, making them less vibrant and more subdued. This is achieved by mixing a color with grey, white, black or its complementary color. For example, adding grey to yellow creates a dulled mustard tone, while mixing orange with blue reduces its intensity to a warm brown. On the color wheel, muted tones sit between bright, saturated colors and neutral tones.

Every May, Diablo honors exceptional women who are leaders in their fields—women for whom innovation is second nature and no challenge is too daunting. Below, we celebrate six such trailblazers who have made their marks in wide-ranging sectors, from education and the arts to health care and business. We are inspired by their thought leadership and proud to call them our East Bay neighbors.