The Art And Science Of Colour In Interior Design
The Power of Colour
I’ve written The Art And Science Of Colour In Interior Design eBook just for you. It pulls together handouts and learning materials that I’ve used over the years, as well as my own hard earned hands-on experiences.
Colour is one of the most influential elements in interior design. Certain colours drastically affect our memories, perceptions, physical reactions and mental associations.
The right colour palette transforms a space to a peaceful retreat with the calming blues of a bedroom, or stimulates our food palette with the energizing reds of a dining area.
Creating the right palette is also key to good health and well being, as well as a sense of beauty in a space we want to spend our time in.
This blog post is a summary of the ebook chapters. Enjoy the summary and enjoy this FREE gift from me to you!
This eBook will help you create beautiful, functional spaces with insights into the psychology, science, and practical application of colour in design.
Understanding Colour Basics Highlights
The world of colour has it’s own language. I’ve featured the main ones here to help you navigate and understand as you explore the bigger journey. The ebook has all the details.
Colour Words Summary
Hue - the purest form of colour
Tint - adding white to the base colour
Tone - adding grey to the colour
Shade - adding black to the hue
Primary - basic colours of red, blue, and yellow
Secondary - green, orange, and purple
Tertiary - combination of primary and secondary
Colour Psychology And Moods
Colour can set the mood in the space all by itself. Adding other complementary colours and making a palette for your decor project is key to a well decorated space. What mood do you want?
Active Colours - stimulating
Passive Colours - relaxing
Neutral Colours - neither of above, neutral
Warm Colours - the Colours
Cool Colours - the Passive Colours
Colour And Light
Colour is light. Any kind of light will dramatically influence how the colour will look in a space.
The Impact Of Light
Daylight - morning, noon, and evening natural light
Artificial Light - incandescent, halogen, flourescent, LED (Light Emitting Diodes)
Colours change in intensity depending on the light in the space, natural or artificial, or on the time of day.
Metamerism
How colours change when viewed under different lights.
This is particularly noticeable in open concept spaces that are all painted the same colour.
Be Sure To Read My “Fun Facts” On Page 14
Colour Choices And Room Orientation
There’s a great little story in the ebook from my early days as a new decorator that fits this topic. It’s about a young couple and their panic with the grey colour they had chosen for their newly renovated, north facing open concept rooms. You’ll find it on page 16.
I’ve included some best picks for whites, neutrals, and colour inspirations for each of these rooms, again in more detail in the book.
North, South, East and West rooms
North - cool light good with bolder colours or subdued light colours
South - brings out the best in most colours
East - great for warm colours
West - beautiful “golden hour” light effect
Creating A Colour Scheme
The all important colour scheme will impact every aspect of your home’s design.
Things To Think About When Creating Colour Palette ideas
what mood to you want to create
how will the space function
consider fixed elements
consider non-fixed elements
look at the colour value (lightness or darkness)
look at the colour intensity (bright or dull)
look at the colour undertone and finish
Warm And Cozy Or Cool And Calming?
neutral in open concept
test your colours in both natural and artificial light
contrast is key
do you want formal - strong contrast
do you want relaxing - soft contrast
always consider undertones to have harmony throughout
Learn The 60-30-10 Rule On Page 25
Always Test Your Colours
Learn how to properly look at paint sample chips and why they aren’t the right tool for finalizing your rooms paint colour.
I teach you about isolating the colours to make the right decision as you move towards your final choice(s).
Did you know you should move your samples around the room to see if it’s a winner for your project?
Psychological Effects of Specific Colours
This is a really fun section of “The Art And Science Of Colour In Interior Design”. I’ve featured 8 colours with characteristics, pros and cons, and the feel they bring to a space for each colour. Laid out in quick bullet points it’s an easy read and quick reference to go back to.
SOME OF MY BEST COLOUR TIPS ARE ON PAGE 36
A Look At Colours Throughout The Decades
This fun wrap-up features quick blurbs about colours and trends starting with the 1950’s right through to the 2010’s. The 2020’s aren’t over yet!
Trust Your Instincts
I’m so pleased to share this resource with you. Colour is truly an art and a science. The Art And Science Of Colour In Interior Design has all the principals you need to be well on your way to creating a home that reflects your personal likes and needs. Always trust your instincts.
I hope you’ll download my FREE gift and use it as a ready reference anytime you’re choosing paint colours!