“It’s worth remembering that no colour works in isolation and finding a new, successful combination can be rewarding and exciting.”
David Oliver, Design Director of Paint & Paper Library

Understanding colour is one of the most difficult aspects of decoration to get right because there are no absolutes. It has as much to do with light as pigments and neither is constant. When selecting a colour it is important to decide:

• where to make definitions and where to create sufficient emphasis to catch the eye in terms of the transition from light to dark and warm to cool.
• Although the possibilities are unlimited when it comes to combining colour schemes, these typically fall into three general groups: monochromatic, related or contrasting.

The monochromatic Colour Scheme

These are based on one colour, which is adjusted by adding white to lighten the hue or black to darken it, producing a graduated tint or shade that works theoretically through the whole room. Colour schemes using this approach tend to be tranquil, stylish and easy to update. In fact a monochromatic scheme is regarded as one of the easiest to achieve or revive without fuss. It is perfect for minimalist décor and provides a fantastic backdrop for displaying fine painting, a favourite object or eclectic collection.

The related or analogous colour scheme

This consists of three colours that are adjacent to each other on the colour wheel. The middle colour is referred to as the ruling or key colour -one dominant with two supporting colours. The harmonious aspect of the related threesome is frequently seen in natural flora or fauna.

The contrasting colour scheme

This is based on colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel, creating a complementary opposite (red/green, orange/blue, yellow/violet). When the complementary pair is placed side by side, the maximum amount of contrast is created and the colours enliven each other, so they can look brighter and more intense than usual. This is particularly effective when used in a ying yang style approach – to accentuate or highlight a favourite object, painting, or architectural focal point.

You are no doubt aware just how many different theories and thoughts exist about colour scheming and about how colours influence us and our senses.

But try not to place too much emphasise on the rules and instead use your own ideas and preferences.

The most important thing is to choose what appeals to you and then dare to give it a go!

A useful tip is to think in terms of the overall picture when colour scheming. You can often see from one room into another room and in some cases even into a third room. By choosing colours that work well together, a more uniform and harmonic impression is achieved.

If you like brightly coloured rooms, then a good trick is to have a neutral coloured room in between two colourful ones. It acts as break for the eye.

Colours differ from room to room

The exact same colour can look completely different in different rooms. This is because so many factors determine how a colour is experienced: the sunlight, a room’s lighting, a room’s size, the surface’s structure to name but a few. But there are also some simple rules of thumb which should be considered when choosing a colour.

• Colours from the yellow-red scale are warm colours and often give a warm and cosy impression. A north facing room can therefore be ‘warmed up’ with the help of yellow and red colours

• In the same way, a ‘warm’ south facing room is cooled down when painted in cold blue or green tones. Rooms painted in cold colours can be experienced as larger and roomier.

• A window wall which is painted in a different darker colour (feature wall) will be experienced as even darker when looked at in direct light.

• Colours seen together influence each other. A green room with white furnishings gives a different experience than if the furnishings were red. (The red activates the green, making it more powerful).

• Consider that colours ‘grow’ with size, in other words, the larger the surface you paint on, the stronger the colour will be experienced.

Transform a room with colour

A room has a floor, walls and a ceiling. Painting one or more of the surfaces in a different colour or shade can influence the feel of the whole room.

• Rooms that are painted throughout in pale colours are experienced as large and spacious. Whilst darker colours have a diminishing effect.

• If you want to ‘lower’ the ceiling, then use a darker shade on the ceiling. On the other hand, use a pale shade if you want to ‘raise’ the ceiling.

• Stripes can also play tricks on the eye. Vertical stripes give the room a tall and narrow character whilst horizontal stripes make the room appear wider and lower.

• Using dark walls with a pale floor and ceiling makes a room feel higher but smaller.

• A dark floor together with a dark ceiling ‘lowers’ the ceiling height and makes the room feel wider.

• A feature wall can change the balance in a room. Position the feature wall at the short end of a rectangular room to give the room the impression of being ‘shorter’ and more square.

• You do not always need to think in terms of the whole wall in order to create a good looking effect. Horizontal stripes, a large colourful spot or a word can be just as exciting. Dare to give it a go!

Consider that the result can only be judged once the room is completely finished. Furniture, textiles and lighting usually work to soften the colour impression.

Good luck!

Text courtesy of Beckers Paints

Paint & Paper are currently offering 25% off Beckers Paints. Click here

Using a spectrophotometer ensures an exact colour match as opposed to the closest existing shade on a computer database.  Paint & Paper are giving their customers the freedom to be more creative.  They have reduced the limitations faced when working with ready-made colours giving people the option to really stamp their individuality on a room.

“With manufacturers regularly updating and changing their colour cards we find that a lot of people can no longer find the colour they want.   For example Fired Earth discontinued their gloss, floor and masonry paints earlier this year, as a result we’ve had a lot of people come to us to get a specific Fired Earth colour mixed up in say a gloss finish.  The customers who have opted to do this have all been more than satisfied with the results.

– Stephen Dix, Director at Paint & Paper Ltd.

The paint that Paint & Paper are using for colour matching comes from a Swedish manufacturer called Beckers and is equal to the leading designer paint manufacturers in Britain.  “I’ve been selling quality paints and stains for 25 years” says Stephen Dix “and I’m very impressed with Beckers.  Not only are their products extremely hard wearing but many of them have been awarded the prestigious eco-flower.  Our customers can go away knowing they’ve got something special without compromising the environment.” See  www.paint-paper.co.uk/eco-label/info_6.html for further information regarding the eco-flower.

The Bespoke service opens up a new range of possibilities to the general public and trades people alike.  It allows people to create their own colours, find discontinued colours and replicate existing colours (those that are not subject to copyright).  The service is easy, it’s fast and the end product is of the highest quality.  Just follow these simple steps:

1. Send them a sample of the colour you would like.  This could be a piece of wallpaper, a fabric swatch, a discontinued colour from an old colour card etc.
2. Specify the quantity of paint you would like and the finish you want it in.
3. Give your colour a name.  You can choose any name you like and it will be stored on their database enabling you to order more whenever you need to.

If you are considering redecorating or have a professional interest in interior design then the Paint & Paper website is definitely worth your time.

www.paint-paper.co.uk/colour-matching/info_9.html