I began writing this posting a few weeks ago, but I felt that I needed to cover the basics of color before I went any further. Here is a review in case you need it: color. Having the base knowledge from a few weeks ago will help with comprehension- I promise.
We all know by now that color is a hue that we perceive. All of the colors that we see derive from the primary colors which are red, blue, and yellow. A lot of people have questions as to what a certain color will do to their space. Without ever seeing their space, it is hard for me to answer. Here are a few things to consider when selecting color for your space.
In general, warm colors visually advance (or come forward) and cool colors visually recede (or sit back). A warm color is described as having prodimetly more red or yellow in it. The blue hues are the ones that recede. Notice the difference in adding a little blue to a color
Advancing Warm Color (A)
Same bedroom, just a cooler color that is receding!
The next natural question is can I mix warm and cool colors? The answer is a little more complicated. As seen in the colors blog posting, you can certainly use complimentary colors (which is warm and cool color- like red and green). It’s a thing, and people do it. Sometimes it looks nice, but it has to be done carefully otherwise it begins to look like a zoo. My suggestion is to select a color that you really like and “pop” it. Carry the color through the space so it looks intentional. All of the other colors should be a neutral (like brown, gray, or *shudders* beige) with the same base which is either warm or cool.
Popped color. See, gray neutrals with a purple pop!(B)
Another factor that plays into selecting a color for your space is the orientation of the space.
North facing rooms have a bluish color consistently throughout most of the day. Keep this in mind when decorating. I would select colors that are warm (think “happy” colors). Any colors with a base of gray will be very bluish and a little on the depressing side. They will also be intensified.
Contrary to Northern rooms, the Southern rooms receive large amounts of constant warm light throughout the day. This makes working with any color simple, but beware that warmer colors will be intensified, so think twice before painting that south facing room canary yellow!
East facing rooms receive plenty of that bluish light in the morning which continues to get bluer throughout the day. If you have a gathering space that is facing the east, it is suggested to have light energizing colors in this space. However, if you have a bedroom facing east, the light color could be too light and bright in the morning (especially during the summer) and quite dull during the evening.
West facing rooms receive cool light in the morning and warm rays in the afternoon. You sort of have more leeway with this room, as it is more forgiving.
Here is a sun study I did in sketch up, just to reinforce my point about the orientation mattering. Plus, pictures are always fun!
Happy Coloring!
Cheers!
Sources
Photo
Photos are acquired and protected under creative commons law
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/
A.http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_t_in_dc/3348335200/sizes/o/in/photostream/
B.http://www.flickr.com/photos/erinwilliamson/3920467958/sizes/o/in/photostream/
Content