Why do we find one place appealing and are uneasy in another? Why are we attracted to one product over another? Color ~ whether architectural or in products ~ accounts for 60% of our response to an object or a place. Interesting!
The "buzz" about color is usually called "color psychology". But the effects of color are subtle and significant; physical and psychological. Color use is not something that results in a definitive equation between "color and our moods", as is a currently popular expression. Wherever we go we respond to color, but the importance of color is often underestimated. Color use is important to us personally in our homes and in the places where we work.
It's a good way to create a cohesive look in rooms with many windows and doors, and relatively little wall area.
Tip #1 ~ Follow the Color Wheel
A small color wheel is a great reference tool for modifying and intensifying two or more colors. For example, red and green, which are complementary (opposite) colors, are most intense when used together. You may be surprised at how many combinations function beautifully together, and you may even become attracted to entirely new color palettes. The color wheel also illustrates the visual temperature of color. Draw a line from the yellow-green mark on the color wheel all the way down to the red-violet; you'll see that all the colors on the left are warm and all the colors on the right are cool.
Complicated...no wonder clients hire Interior Designers!
Tip #2 ~ Play Up Monochromatic Schemes
Think one color is boring? Create bold or subtle variations within one color group with contrasting paint finishes. For example, use closely related colors, or try a single color in different finishes, for walls and trim in one space.
For an accent color, select a warmer (more towards reds) or cooler (more towards blues) color to complement your main color group. For a quieter ambiance, make sure your colors are not extremely bright. White or an off-white tint can be a striking accent when used as trim with a monochromatic color group.
Tip #3 ~ Start Small
If you're not sure where to begin with color, experiment in a powder room or bathroom, a small hall or area between rooms, or an accent wall. I usually paint the ceiling the same color as the walls in power rooms. It makes the room more dramatic! If you're doing your own painting, pick an area that's quick to do so you can see your results sooner, and be happy with it or change it. Let the room "grow" on you for several weeks before deciding how you "feel" about it. Look at the process as an adventure.
To get started, select a favorite color drawn from artwork, a rug, dishes, accessories or a furniture piece.
Tip #4 ~ Think About Your Mood
When selecting a color, consider the mood of a room. In a bedroom do you want the feeling to be restful and soothing or dramatic and intimate? Soft, cool colors and neutrals usually create a quieter feeling while stronger colors are for drama.
Do you want a dining area to feel sociable and stimulating or appear formal and quiet? Warmer, contrasting and somewhat brighter colors add to a sociable atmosphere; deeper blue-greens and neutrals will give a more formal ambiance.
Do you want your kid's room to create an active and exciting energy or an orderly and restful feeling? Be careful not to overstimulate your children with intensely bright hues. You may not know it, but some brighter colors can lead to unrest and irritability.
Tip #5 ~ Pay Attention to Lighting
The reason why paint stores have light boxes for you to test paint chips:
~ Natural daylight shows the truest color
~ Incandescent lighting brings out warm tones and yellows
~ Fluorescent lighting casts a sharp blue tone
So, a strong color might be too bright and overpowering when used on all walls or next to a large window, but it might be effective when used as an accent wall with indirect light.
Check back next week for Tip #6....
