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Color Theory and Psychology
One of the more
enjoyable aspects of having your home painted is color selection.
Understanding how color can impact your environment is an important part
of the selection process. A little color theory might be helpful.
The primary colors
are red, blue, and yellow. When equal parts of the primary colors are
mixed, they produce the secondary colors— orange (a mixture of red and
yellow), green (yellow and blue), and purple (blue and red). Adding
white to a color produces a tint, while adding black creates a shade. By
mixing varying amounts of the primary and secondary colors, as well as
white and/ or black, an almost infinite number of colors are possible.
For decorating
purposes color has certain psychological aspects. The intensity and
brightness of a color can “create” a specific mood. For example, yellow
is a “warm” color that has been found to heighten anger and anxiety.
Blues are “cool” colors, and promote tranquility. Other colors, such as
gold and burgundy are associated with royalty, and create a feeling of
formality and elegance.
The lighting in a
room should be considered when selecting a color. Rooms with little
natural light lend themselves to warmer colors (yellows and reds) to
create a more open environment. Rooms with considerable natural light
can benefit from cooler colors.
The use of a room
should also be considered. Green is a relaxing color and lighter greens
work well in study areas and bedrooms. Playrooms are enhanced with
informal colors like muted oranges. Red has been found to actually
stimulate appetite, which is one reason it is popular in restaurants.
Color can also
change the appearance of a room’s size. Dark colors make a room feel
smaller, while light colors create a feeling of spaciousness. A narrow
room can be made to appear wider by painting one, or both, of the narrow
walls a darker color. A light color will make a ceiling appear higher.
Because color is a
response to light reflected from an object, the light source can have an
impact of the appearance of a color. The same color may look
considerably different in natural light, incandescent light., and
fluorescent light. Each light source emits different amounts of energy
in the visible spectrum, and can enhance or subdue a particular color.
With so many
factors to consider, and choices available, the choice of selecting a
color can seem overwhelming. Color selection is first and foremost, a
personal preference. While the factors discussed in this article should
be considered, what really matters is that the color you select is
pleasing and creates the environment you desire.
The following
guidelines can be used when selecting colors:
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Yellow– The most visible color. Good for narrow
hallways.
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Orange—Viewed as cheerful and friendly. Good
for family rooms.
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Red—Encourages action and aggressiveness. Good
for dining rooms
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Violet—Regarded as a power color. Preferred by
children more than adults.
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Blue—Lighter blues are calming. Good for
bedrooms.
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Green—Considered relaxing. Good for bedrooms.
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Gray—Encourages creativity. Use depends on
warmth of color.
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Black—Viewed as dignified and sophisticated.
Enhances most other colors.
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