Understanding Colour

June 29th, 2010

“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.

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