There are many reasons why people avoid using color in their home decor or clothing choices. Personal preference is often cited as a reason by myself and others when explaining my black, white, and gray wardrobe, or the overall neutral palette of my previous home.
When we bought a new home, it made sense to paint everything white or neutral colors at first. I thought a white wall would be perfect for a fresh start. But what surprised me was how energizing the colors in the house were and how it affected my mood. That got me thinking about why we avoid big promises like colorful paint. Aside from assuming we’re not “color aficionados”, could part of the reason we avoid it also be that using color requires a very different design process? Perhaps if you don’t understand color theory, it can be a bit intimidating?
I believe one of the reasons we are able to live with bright colors on our walls is because I have a basic knowledge of color theory and because I arrange the furniture I have collected over the years with color theory in mind.
So today I’m going to give you a little crash course in color theory.
What is color theory?
Color theory is the science behind how we process and interpret colors. This includes different types of color combinations, the proportions of each color, and, as a result, certain recommended color usages. It’s best to think of this as a baseline for understanding common interpretations of color. This is because each of us sees colors differently and assigns different meanings to them based on our experience with indoor environments and sensitivities.
In other words, the color wheel is a roadmap for understanding colors and how to work with them in specific combinations.
Fun historical fact — Sir Isaac Newton created the first color wheel. Since then, artists, scientists, and other creative people have used this color as a baseline, foundation, and framework for using color in a variety of mediums. This time we will talk about color in interior design.
Color theory is the science behind how we process and interpret colors. This includes different types of color combinations, the proportions of each color, and, as a result, certain recommended color usages.
The color wheel consists of three parts primary colors— blue, yellow, red — all other colors are derived from it. When you mix primary colors, you get green, orange, and purple. These are called secondary color. When you mix a secondary color with a primary color, you get: 6 tertiary colorssuch as blue-green and red-orange.
Adding black and white changes the shades and shades of these 12 baseline hues, forcing you to make complex design decisions.
The most helpful thing for me is to consider color theory as a less difficult way to choose colors. If you draw a line straight down the center of the color wheel, it will look like this: nice and warm There are colors on both sides. The color wheel tells us that red and green always create interesting harmony. Because that’s what we call them. complementary color– Two hues placed opposite each other on the color wheel.
Choosing complementary colors is an easy and contrasting way to create a color scheme. Other ways to choose a color scheme include:
triad: can be determined. Trilateral color scheme By drawing a triangle on the color wheel. This results in a vibrant, bold palette with contrasting shades that yet complement each other well.
monochromatic: to create Monochromatic color schemeselect one main hue and add different shades (adding black to the hue), tints (adding white to the hue), or tones (adding gray to the hue). This creates a more subtle color scheme. You can see an example of how hue works with shading and tint in the first graphic above.
Similar: Ann similar color scheme Mix colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, such as red, magenta, and violet, or blue, teal, and green.
There are no bad colors, just bad color choices.
Understanding that color psychology is built into the color wheel gives you tools to reduce mistakes. There are two areas where we often go wrong when it comes to color. what you want the space to be used for (and the overall atmosphere you want to create); ratio Colors used based on hue intensity.
How colors determine mood
Color is much more than a personal preference. How your eyes translate colors when you’re in a space, and the combination of colors, influences how you experience that space, both your overall mood and overall comfort.
You may have negative memories or experiences with that space as a child that influenced how you feel about certain colors today. For someone as sensitive as me, it can be difficult to put the experience into words. When considering design choices for a room, this is where I like to start. Color theory is just a theory if you don’t take into account the purpose of the space and the atmosphere you want to embody.
For example, blue, plum, and gem tones bring a rich, calming feel to a room and are suitable for areas such as a study, library, or living room. Bright, warm tones like yellow, chartreuse, and red add a lively feel to your kitchen, dining room, playroom, or even a family room.
Color ratio is important
I’ll use my house as an example. The original owners of this home chose such a bold paint color and used it so extensively that it almost ceased to be a focal point and became the overall vibe of the room. So we decided to introduce furniture options that can withstand abuse in these bold colors.
For our Peach room, we chose a pink, blue, and green pattern for visual interest and added neutral furniture in a variety of textures (woven cotton and velvet) to ground the palette and provide areas for rest. For the yellow room, we incorporated navy blue velvet chairs and bright magenta florals to complement the incredibly vibrant yellow hue.
Bold colors require bold accents, but when you have contrasts, like peach and green or yellow and navy, you need to balance the proportions without creating a situation where bold colors clash. Getting the color proportions right is where the art of interior design truly shines.
neutral is a color
The biggest lesson for neutral color lovers is to look for colors that act as neutrals. Lavender is a great example, and so is navy. Green with just the right amount of gray will give you the vibrancy you’re looking for. It also provides enough flexibility for self-taught interior designers to make bold, but less permanent, decorative choices than choosing bright, saturated paint colors or wallpaper.
You should ask yourself why you’ve been avoiding color in the first place. . . . Can we buck trends and instead learn to think of color as a necessary part of the design equation that enhances the experience within a space?
If there’s anything to take away from this little color lesson, it’s that you need to ask yourself why you’ve been avoiding color in the first place. Is it because of the fear of getting hooked on something that might make us “sick”? Can we buck trends and instead learn to think of color as a necessary part of the design equation that enhances the experience within a space?
We recommend using color theory as a guide when introducing color into your home. At the same time, incorporate your own personal tastes and what works best for your space. Color theory is as much an art as it is a science, and depends on personal opinion.
I don’t know if I would be asking myself these questions if I hadn’t moved and moved into a house of color that I never would have chosen. But it has definitely changed the way I design the rest of my home and the way I think about color and space.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is constantly testing the limits of her creativity. Follow her on Instagram @witanddelight_.
Source: – witanddelight.com
