Colours present in our environment all the time – they are part of nature, fashion, of each object that we use in our everyday life, they are in home, in the office or on the street. Without being aware of it we are constantly influenced by them at least in both ways: aesthetically – the way we percept things and emotionally – they could create certain mood and conduct to a particular state of mind.
In architecture and design colour is very important expressive instrument. Colours and forms are sculptors of the space. Colour could change the way that a room is being percepted.
Often in architectural projects designers do lots of variations in different colours until they find suitable one.
It is well know that a certain colour refers to a certain state of mind. And even thought everyone has individual perception to a great extend we all do respond to colours in similar way. In general cold colours are calm and the warm colours are more energetic.But every colour has millions of shades and nuances.
Red colour is passionate, bold and energetic. It brings sensation of strength and power but also of anxiety.
Orangeis fresh and joyful but vivid tones of it could be too intensive so they are suitable for small accents.
Yellow is sunny, shining, friendly, brings cheerful atmosphere, stimulates creativity and brain activity.
Green is related to nature and it is balanced and balancing at the same time. It gives a sensation for living spirit and harmonize emotions.
Blue is calm and predisposes to meditation and concentration and creates feeling for broadness.
Violet and lilac colours could be cold or warm. Purple and wine-red are luxury and glamorous, but they are also related to spirituality and intuition. Violet-blue could be quite melancholic.
Pink is soft, romantic and tender. Silver and gold give an impression of wellness and prosperity.
White, black, beige and brown, as well as grey colours are neutral but their role in interior and architectural design is huge.
White refers to neatness and lightness. It matches to all the other colours.
Black is serious and heavy but it’s powerful and mysterious and it makes classic combinations with white or red. Brown is warm and cozy. Grey shades are excellent background for the furniture.
Except classical combinations such as black and white, blue and yellow, all other unusual combinations are possible.When you make a decision about colours don’t ignore your own perception. It’s very unique and you must like the combination.
Well, it would be nice if you consider some basic rules when choosing colours which are valid for every interior. The biggest surfaces are usually painted in neutral shades. Textile pieces could be in brighter colours and only the small details to be really vidid.
In general light colours create an illusion for wide space and dark ones – for narrow space, but also dark shades are cozier.
If we want a certain piece of furniture to stand out against a wall it is good to have contrast colours. If the object is dark on a light background it will look smaller and the space bigger. On the contrary – if the object is light coloured and the background is dark, the object will look bigger and the space smaller. If we choose similar colours for the wall and the object, it will merge to the wall.
When choosing colours and shades which we want to use in certain architectural or interior project we should take in mind the purpose and the usage of the space. Sizes, area and activities held there also matter.
Don’t forget that paint looks one way in the store on the samples and very different when it’s on the wall. Lighting – natural and artificial is very important too. It is very useful to paint test spots on the wall and observe them during the day.
Last but not least don’t forget to have in mind what emotional effect you would like to achieve with the interior. Trust to your own sensation about harmony and coziness even if you disagree with your designer or architect. Look for inspiration everywhere – from your favourite clothes and paintings to street and nature. GoodLuck!