Colours

Part 3 of 3

This is a colour wheel, a simplified colour wheel, it's bright, it's colourful, it's round and it frightens a lot of people. I have taught many a room full of adults how to use this universal tool, the first response....deer in the head lights look. This is a great little tool and once you learn how to use it, a light bulb will go off and you'll see colour in a whole new way.

Cool colours are generally associated with feelings of calmness, stability, harmony, trust and wisdom.

Warm colours are generally associated with feelings of love, energy, enthusiasm, joy and strength.

Neutral colours, black & whites are generally associated with feelings of elegance, sophistication, authority, modernity and reliabilty.

In general, analogous color schemes — colors next to each other on the color wheel, such as blue, blue-green, and green are comfortable for most people. These colour schemes are easy to work with and are relaxing to live in. You can accessorize your room with pops of accent colours - colours opposite each other on the colour wheel such as green can be accented with red, blues with oranges.

  Complementary colors are across from each other on the color wheel, such as red and green, blue and yellow, or purple and orange. Rooms decorated with a complementary color scheme tend to provide a clear separation of colors and often are more formal and more visually challenging. Complementary color schemes should be used in the more formal areas of the home — for example, the living room or dining room.

The rule of thumb when choosing colour for space is actually quite simple.

                                            60-30-10

Translated to a room setting, it typically means:
60% of the room's color is the walls
30% of the room's color is the upholstery
10% of the room's color is, say, an accent piece , 1 chair, pillows, vases etc.

You would typically use this forumla when getting dressed as well.
60% of your outfits colour - slacks/skirt/cardigan/blazer
30% of your outfits colour - shirt
10% of your outfits colour - could be a scarf or the bling, the sparkle.

Our mind just seems to find this colour ratio 60-30-10 pleasing and relaxing.

Don't forget BLACK.
This is an old adage in interior design. By adding a black element such as a picture frame, lamp shade or a few other accessories, you clarify and enhance all the other colors in the space. This is tried and true, do it in one room......you'll see the difference.

                          Deer in the headlight look yet?
   
After all is said and done, after all the studies in colour psychology, I work with clients to choose colours that ultimately provides you with the most happiness. Your home is your haven and should be filled with whatever provides you with joy. It doesn't matter what your style is, your home should make you and your family feel at peace.

                       Did you still want to learn a little more?
                           What a trooper, sticking with me !

The internet is filled with info on how to pick colours for certain rooms and certain moods, I say if you are curious, google away. There is a ton of info out there, a lot of it very interesting especially how marketers appeal to you with colour and colour therapy. It's also amazing how different cultures perceive colour and it's uses. 
  
   If you have any questions just ask, I'm happy to help when I can.   

Color is like food for the spirit 
- plus it's not addictive or fattening.    
- Isaac Mizrahi