Nature conditions us to expect:

– The darkest value at our feet

– The medium value at eye level

– The lightest value above us

Avoid monotony. Treat the eye and psyche to at least moderate variety. Visual stimulus or relief is vital. To create interest and contrast consider the following:

– Warm and cool colours

– Light and dark

– Bright and dull

– Smooth and textured

In most successful colour schemes, one colour is dominant, one is subordinate, and one is for accent or trim.

Avoid clashes. Your eye and gut will know! If you grit your

teeth or get a knot in your stomach, don’t use it!

Exercise extreme care in using white for highly illuminated spaces, it can create glare and headaches and it’s easier to make mistakes

– Cool colours make a space appear larger and an object appear smaller

– Warm colours make a space appear smaller and an object appear larger

– Contrasting colours contract space

– Similar colours expand space

– White or grey are poor choices where people gather and interact

– Perception of time time goes quickly in warm spaces and slowly in cool spaces

– Temperature is perceived hotter in warm spaces and colder in cool spaces

– Warm colours and earth tones encourage and maintain body warmth and physical action

– Cool colours are conducive to mental activities, projects and research and can have a dampening effect on the level or quality of conversation

The only way to accurately select suitable paint colours is to test swatches on the walls to be painted. The way a colour reacts is dependent largely on light, which can change a colour drastically, either animating it by warming it up or softening it with a subtle bluish cast to cool it down. Colour is also affected by other surfaces in the room it reflects off.

Considerations in choosing colour

Avoid assumptions – colour is a chameleon

Generally...

– It changes depending on adjacent colour

– It reflects onto adjacent colour

– White or beige will take on the tint of adjacent colour

– Differing adjacent colours will appear more intense

COLOUR

Is There Psychology to Colour?

Much has been written over the years on this subject. The question is, are the theories more anecdotal than scientific fact? It can be

said without doubt that colour does inspire and it does have meaning in our lives.

COLOUR Psychology

Emotional

earthinesscasualnaturalembracedtranquilsafebored

Physical

encompasseddull

homespunreliableshrewd

stablesturdy

ultraconservative

Brownjoy

innocencehope

cleanliness

purityenlightenment

White

Whites and neutrals are ideal for creating a clean, classical backdrop and will allow you to add a splash of your favourite colour to any space. You have options of cooler or warmer whites and neutrals, such as greys, beiges, tans, creams and coffees.

Emotional

Physical

Behavioural

Here are some theories on emotional, physical and behavioural attributes of certain colours... which colours suit you?

Blues can give a tranquil, serene feeling and sense of spaciousness. Blues are calming and help us think of our environment.

Relaxing and restful to the eye, greens create a cool, fresh and calm atmosphere. Greens come in many shades and can be lime, mint, citrus, or teal.

growthbirthenvy

jealousy inexperience

wealthrefreshmentcompassion

rejuvenationbalanceexpansiveness

moderationconventional normalitytradition balancequietly social

Green

serenityloyaltypeace

sinceritysadness

justice

Physical

lowers blood pressurecooling and relaxingslows respiratory rateantidote for red

conceptualresponsibledogmatic pragmaticrigidmanipulativeloyalconservativeastuteauthoritative

BlueBehavioural

Emotional

Physical

Emotional

Behavioural

RedBehavioural

lovepassion

vitalitydanger

courage

increases blood pressureaids digestionincreases respiratory rateincreases strength

aggressiveimpulsivesensuousphysicalextremebullyingathletic

Reds can create a wonderfully warm, passionate feeling with a hint of excitement. Red works wonders as a dramatic entrance colour or in a formal or contemporary dining or living area.

Emotional

Physical

Purple

royaltysupremacyquietnessreverence

Yellows can create a happy, sunny feel and will make the room appear brighter. Yellow radiates warmth and is a reflective colour.

Physical

Yellow

optimismcheer

irritabilityannoyance

wisdomwarmth

increases irritabilityaids digestionincreases hostilitystimulates circulationsharpens memorystimulates appetite

cautionintrospection

debatecommunication

egotismdiscrimination

innovation

Emotional

activecheer

boldnessvigour

exuberance

decreases irritabilityimproves social

decreases hostilitybehaviour

gregariousjovialactivepleasure seekingsocialfickleextroverted

Orange

Pink

Emotional

Behavioural

emotionalguarded

weakens musclesstimulates sweet tooth

gentleprotective

friendlyindulged

Physical

Behavioural

Emotional

Behavioural

Physical

Behavioural

Emotional

lowers blood pressure, depresses appetitequietens overactive glands and organs

quietens overactive internal dialogue

Physical

eleganceday dreaming

spiritualphilosophical

reverencelateral thinking

creativity

Decorating with purple can create an illusion of grandeur. Lavender is lovely in a baby’s nursery and you could easily try a rich eggplant for a feature wall in your living area.