Every shade on the colour spectrum can be found in some form in nature. It’s there in the azure seas, the blue skies and even in butterflies! And this makes choosing the perfect colour scheme for your home, a daunting task. This is true for some of the best interior designers too!
With infinite colour options, zeroing in on the right one can be tricky. As such, when you are faced with the task of selecting the right colour scheme, you break out into a sweat. However, if you understand the importance of color in interior design and follow the basic rules of colour you can surely have a wonderful home, something you can be proud of!
The two basic categories in the colour wheel are the warm and the cool colours. Red, yellow, and orange are the warm colours that are invigorating. Tones of blues, greens and purples are the cool ones. They have a calming effect on the mind.
Depending on the space you are designing, you can choose warm or cool colours. A bedroom in psychedelic colours can cause sleep disturbance. In work areas, where you require energy and pep, warm colours are ideal.
Also Read: 6 Things to Keep in Mind While Designing a Modern Bedroom
The colour wheel is basic knowledge at any art class. You can pair up colours that complement each other- the ones facing each other on the colour wheel, or go for the ones clubbed together on the board, the analogous colours. The options are varied. And once you add tints of white or black to any colour, you get interesting derivatives that will match perfectly.
No colour shade on the fabric swatch or the paint sample is going to be definitive red or blue. There are hundreds of variations, and it is important to gauge the undertone of a colour by finding out which shade it ‘leans’ towards.
Complementary colour schemes are simple and easy to use. This is because you have to deal with just two shades; any two colours facing each other on the colour wheel. Since they are high contrast colours you have to use them sparingly.
Red and green, orange and blue, yellow and purple are the basic complimentary colours. Using them as is can get overpowering. Either you should use them in small doses, or add white to the pigment. A good example is green and red. When you add white tint to green, you get a lovely pastel green, which works wonderfully with red.
Analogous colours are simple to use, as you don’t have to go around the colour wheel searching for partners for your colour of choice.
All you need to do is locate your favourite colour on the wheel and pick the colours on either side of it. This works because two of the colours are primary and the third a mixture of the two. If you have picked purple, the neighbouring colours are blue and red, the colours you mix to derive purple. However, remember to balance the colours and avoid overwhelming your space with too much brightness.
Monochromes are easy and interesting you use. Once you have picked your favourite colour, you can add white to create a variety of tonal values. The more white tint you add, the lighter your shade will become. This results in a sleek and classy interior. Once you understand the psychology of colours in interior design, you will have no problem designing your space.
The importance of colour in interior design cannot be stressed enough. With the right hues you will get the following results:
Colours are the most important thing in home decor. And getting it right is very important. If all else fails, get a swatch of printed fabric that appeals to you and pick your shades from there. You can even use that fabric for your upholstery or cushions!
