Create Your Own Colorful Space
2008-08-13

        Color is a powerful influence on our daily lives. By understanding the psychology of color, which identifies the psychological effects individual colors have on our minds and bodies, we can design rooms that foster health, well-being and prosperity. When you design your home colors, you should consider three elements and a commonly used rule.         The three elements are your personal preferences, your lifestyle (how you intend to use the space) and the room’s physical structure (lighting and architectural). With this information, you can determine which colors and color scheme will best match your objectives.         The rule is the 60-30-10 rule: 60%dominant color, 30%secondary color, and 10%accent color. This is the secret of perfect color combinations. This passage will give you some advices about opting for colors encompass these two important things in your home decorating. There are four steps. 

      1. What colors fit for you?       Different colors mean different characteristics, not all colors fit for you. Then go in for something that represents your personal style and attitude. If you are simple and sober then light colors like the versatile white is likely to please you. Other good options can be beige, fawn, crème, light gray etc. If you want to try out something different, you can opt for brighter shades like red, blue and green. 

      2. Use a color wheel        The color wheel divides the spectrum into the three primary colors; then there’s three secondary colors (orange, green and violet) made up from the primaries, and six tertiary colors made up of each secondary and primary color. There are supposedly rules about what colors you can and can’t match and how much of each color you should use so as not to hurt your eyes. Some rules seem logical and some – like the fact that yellow sends you mad because Van Gogh used it a lot – do not.       On the color wheel, there are two kind of related colors: complementary and analogous. Complementary colors are across from each other such as blue and yellow. There is a clear separation of colors and complementary colors are best for formal areas such as the living room or dining room. Analogous colors are next to each other such as blue and purple. Analogous colors are best for informal areas such as family rooms and bedrooms.        Complementary shades are just apt for party venues. For this contrast look, experiment with different fabrics, patterns, wall hangings, sceneries and wooden articles. A couple of combinations that are smoothly sailing are blue and orange, red and green, purple and gold, light dull pink and apple green. The best way of using two colors is to maintain the basic main look with a single color and use the second counterpart to add on some charm but this second shade shouldn't be in equal proportion as the first one. So, give your sweet home a unique personality with each room having its own distinct identity.

      3. What about your location?       Your house location is another determinant that should be kept in mind while choosing the interior exterior color. If the location is non sun facing and you crave for that single ray of sun for getting warmth in winters, then the best idea is to go in for a nice bright shade like yellow and orange to reduce the dullness. For very sun facing apartment, try out a cool cozy color like ocean blue or sea green.       Most houses use at least three different shades: one color for the siding; another color for eaves, moldings, and other trim; and a third color for accents such as doors, railings, and window sashes.       For example, choosing one color for the most public spaces and altering the shades in adjacent areas. Keep the hallways and stairs one shade. And only totally change color if you have good cut-off points like a soffit or a door between the living and dining rooms. Pick up the accent color (the 10 percent) and repeat it in an adjacent area. If the living room has an accent color and you can see the kitchen from there, you might paint the entire kitchen in that color.      Go about experimenting with different colors and give your home a new refreshing look. But to save time and money, there is a hot tip: try picking a quart of two or three of your favorite paint colors and test it out on pasteboard. This is a great way to try a paint color in your home without committing to painting the walls!