COLOURS, COLOURS, COLOURS
When it comes to selecting the interior and exterior colours for your home it can be quiet daunting. Is this the right white? Can there be too much colour? Are these complimentary colours? The list goes on! Here we will give you some useful and tips and tricks to choosing the perfect colour selection for your home.
TIP #1 – Draw clues from your existing interior to help strengthen your colour palette. This means pulling colours from prints, cushions, décor items etc.
TIP #2 – MOOD BOARDS! These little babies will help you visualise your space and ensure your colour palette is coherent with the rest of your interior. Always refer back to your mood board if you are unsure, this will keep you on track with your original scheme.
TIP #3 – Research and explore! The internet & magazines can be your best friends when it comes to finding inspiration for your colour palette, get that Pinterest board going!
TIP #4 – Colour swatch. Choosing a colour from a small colour swatch can be very deceiving, it can look very different to the final outcome which can result in a very expensive exercise. Getting hold of A4 samples and placing them up on the wall can be a great way of visualising the colour. Or purchasing a few sample pots that you can paint small samples directly on the wall. This helps compare colours in true lighting and gives you a better idea of the final outcome.
TIP# 5 – Final tip! It’s easy to get caught up in “what’s on trend.” However, make sure your colour selection reflects your own personal taste and style.
Symbolisation of colour. Colours are very unique and each one has an influence on a different mood or emotion, see below each colours meaning and what each one represents.
RED Red represents power, fire, passion, excitement, vitality, courage, impulsiveness and sensuality. It increases blood pressure and the respiratory rate. It aids digestion and encourages appetite and conversation. It keeps us alert. Use red in activity areas, not bedrooms, offices or stress areas. Small areas of red in a textured finish look great with neutrals.
ORANGE Orange is self-reliance and practical knowledge. It is tolerant, optimistic, warm-hearted, bold, cheerful, extroverted, f and exuberant. It decreases irritability and hostility; it improves social behaviour. Orange is suitable for dining and entertainment areas, not bedrooms, offices or stress areas. It is good in entry rooms, hallways and in the home office and library. Use in small amounts.
YELLOW This colour represents optimism and warmth but also irritability and annoyance. It sharpens the memory, stimulates digestion and circulation and tends to increase hostility. Yellow is connected to the seat of self-confidence and self-control. Not to be used in bedrooms, offices, and study or work areas as it encourages detachment and nervousness. Kitchens benefit from a splash of yellow as it inspires efficiency.
GREEN Green is harmony, socially awareness, dependability, and compassion. It also represents growth, inexperience, prosperity and generosity. Physically, it represents rejuvenation, balance and expansiveness. It can be used in hallways, giving a hospitable and welcoming feel. Mint green is refreshing, natural and fresh and can be used in family rooms. Green is also very good used in kitchens.
BLUE Blue brings rest. It is cooling, calming and tranquil. Blue stands for loyalty, sincerity, justice and peace. It lowers blood pressure, slows the respiratory rate and is a relaxing antidote for red. Blue is best used in bedrooms, offices, stress areas and treatment rooms but not dining or entertaining rooms.
PINK This colour represents affection, love and forgiveness. It is emotional, gentle, friendly, protective and guarded. Magenta is more spiritually fulfilled and content. Pinks, from soft to darker tones are not good in entertainment areas but are better in bedrooms, entrance halls and lecture rooms. Dusty pink is soft, cosy and subtle.
BROWN Brown represents earthiness. It is tranquil, casual, safe and natural. It is a reliable, stable colour which also reflects as dull and ultraconservative. It makes for a relaxed living area. It then can take other colours as the accessories. It is an easy colour to live with as lighter and darker shades can be used with colours such as greens, mandarin, aqua, pinks, white and black.
TAUPE This is a trustworthy colour. It is calm truthful and sincere. Taupe looks great with other neutrals but also with a splash of red or burgundy.
GREY This colour shows steadiness, stability, indecision, dignity and resignation. It is a bridge between black and white where innocence and ignorance meet. Grey used in cushions on a white sofa can look graceful and neat. Pink and timber colours look good with soft grey and silvers.
BLACK This colour is both sophisticated and intimidating. It is elegant but also indicates something is missing. It can be destructive and creative, strong and superior and yet troublesome and despairing. It is not suitable as an overall colour but can be used as successfully in accessories and even one wall can create drama when mixed with red and white and brilliant lighting.
WHITE All colours are equal in white. White represents joy, hope, purity, innocence, cleanliness, enlightenment and also seclusion. Behaviourally, it represents idealism, optimism, individualism and indecision. White is very stark and can be used in rooms that have many ornaments, paintings and plants. It is a good backdrop for an art gallery.
