1.3 Colour Theory: Basics of Interior Design Semester I, B.Voc Interior Design
1.3 Colour Theory: Basics of Interior Design Semester I, B.Voc Interior Design
3 COLOUR THEORY
• Introduction to colour
• Colour values
• Creating light tints and dark shades of hue to create different effects.
• Assignment
COLOUR
Colour refers to the visual response of the eye; it has the strongest emotional power of all the elements.
Combining colours and creating harmony with them can be one of the most pleasurable parts of floristry.
Colour is very subjective. Many colour schemes have been created to help designers keep order and
control viewer emotions. For example, a complementary colour scheme includes colours that are opposite
one another on a colour wheel, making a bold statement and evoking excitement.
COLOUR THEORY
Color theory is a body of practical guidance to color mixing and the visual effects of a specific color
combination. There are also definitions (or categories) of colours based on the color wheel: primary color,
secondary color, and tertiary color. Color theory is both the science and art of using color. It explains how
humans perceive color; and the visual effects of how colours mix, match or contrast with each other. Color
theory also involves the messages colours communicate; and the methods used to replicate color.
With colours you can set a mood, attract attention, or make a statement. You can use color to energize, or
to cool down. By selecting the right color scheme, you can create an ambiance of elegance, warmth or
tranquillity, or you can convey an image of playful youthfulness. Color can be your most powerful design
element if you learn to use it effectively.
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COLOUR VALUE
Value is defined as the relative lightness or darkness of a color. It is an important tool for the
designer/artist, in the way that it defines form and creates spatial illusions. Contrast of value separates
objects in space, while gradation of value suggests mass and contour of a contiguous surface.
Hue
Hue refers to the origin of the color we see. Think of the Hue
as one of the six Primary and Secondary color. In other words,
the underlying base color of the mixture you're looking at is Yellow, Orange, Red, Violet, Blue or Green.
TINT
—— TINT:
—— TONE:
Hue + White and Bleed
SHADE:
Huo * Black
ASSIGNMENT
Students are required to prepare a presentation on colours (min 5-6 slides) explaining difference
between hue, tint, tone & shade. Also explaining how they make difference in interior spaces.
ASSIGNMENT
Choose a colour and create four tint, shade and tone by adding white, black and grey
respectively in four boxes. (Example given below)
Format:
• Colour wheel
• Colour schemes
• Assignment
COLOR WHEEL
A color wheel is a conventional way to classify colours and their relationships to each other. In traditional
painting, red, yellow and blue are the primary colours that form the basis of the artist’s palette. They are
located at equal distances from each other on the color wheel. Hue is another word for the color that you
are talking about no matter how dull or bright that color is. Below you can see the red, yellow, and blue
hues are all equidistant apart.
Green, orange and purple are secondary colours. They are the result of combining two primary colours:
These go in between primary colours on the color wheel, and can be seen below where 2 primary colours
mix:
Tertiary colors result when you mix a primary color with a secondary color that is next to it on the color
wheel. They include:
• Red-orange
• Red-violet
• Yellow-green
• Yellow-orange
• Blue-green
• Blue-violet
Red Yellow and Blue are the three primary colors. From them all other colors can be mixed. The primary
colors can not be mixed from any other colors. These three hues are the foundation of all color theory .
Secondary Colors
Orange, Green and Violet are the three secondary colors. They fall between each of the primaries. Each
one is mixed from the two primaries either side of it.
Tertiary Colours
Tertiary colours fall between any primary color and its adjacent secondary. E.g. Blue/Green falls between
Blue and Green. Tertiary colours are mixed from only two Primaries.
Colour Schemes:
The analogous color scheme uses colours that are adjacent to each
other on the color wheel. One color is set as the dominant color, the
other add richness. The downside again is that there can sometimes
be a lack of contrast.
The triadic color scheme uses three colours equally spaced around the
color wheel. It’s great for providing balance, richness and contrast,
although not as much contrast as the complimentary scheme.
Design a 12-part conventional color wheel which represents the idea of the primaries,
secondaries, and tertiary colors. You should be creative with your design; however, it is
very important that it have both clarity and unity, the relationship of the hues to the idea
of the color wheel. Make sure you are using a subtractive color wheel for your idea.
Format:
Make four different color schemes as described below. Use one consistent hue to
build the four schemes. Choose either a primary or secondary hue. Create the
following four schemes:
• Split complement
• Analogous and
• Triad scheme.
another. Format:
3. Base each scheme on a one inch grid which measures 5” x 4” (20 colours).
Five rows across width and four rows vertical.
4. Under each grid carefully label in small letters the name of the scheme.
COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY
• Colour psychology
• Psychological effects of different colours on human mind. Use of colours to create different
moods, feeling, ambience etc.
• Assignment
COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY
Color psychology is the study of hues as a determinant of human behaviour. Color influences perceptions
that are not obvious, such as the taste of food.
The effect of color can be perspective to one another. We cannot say different people would gain the same
emotions by just looking into the same color. The idea of color psychology has been in the discussion for
many years. A popular theory on color psychology is that a person’s mood can be influenced by the color,
light and the surrounding.
Color psychology is the theory that colours can affect how you feel, think and act. For example, deep red
hues are associated with passion and energy, whereas cool blue shades are considered calming and
serene.
Most colours can be roughly divided into two types: warm colours and cool colours. Warm colours (also
called saturated colours), like red, yellow, and orange, evoke feelings of activity and passion, and perhaps
even anger. Cool colours are colours such as blue, green, and purple. These cooler colours are associated
with calm, harmony, and peace, but also lassitude, inaction, and sadness.
Warm colours
In general there are two ways to classify colours, warm and cool. Warm colours are defined as being bold
and energetic, and they have the susceptibility to advance in space. This innate both positive and negative
effects because while using them can make something stick out, too much of them can be astounding in a
sense that it immerse out the other colours.
Cool colours
The green, blue, indigo, and violet hues from our visible range of colour are considered to be the cool
colours. They have the opposite effect of warm colours and decrease the heart rate, respiration, and blood
pressure because they affect the nervous system.
Red
Red is certainly the warmest of the colours — in fact it could be called ‘hot’. Red is stimulating and
invigorating, but the color can also shorten tempers and increase irritability. Using red in a bedroom (or
any room oriented towards relaxation) would probably be unwise. Because it can increase hunger, red
might be suitable for a kitchen. Strong reds should be used moderately, since most rooms should not
inspire the hectic, intense feeling such reds can elicit.
Red is one of the more dramatic hues in the colouring book and one of the most enticing colours when it
comes to rousing emotions. It’s often coupled with sentiments such as passion, excitement and energy.
Ambition, action and will power are additional qualities attached to the primary hue and that does why red
can be a productive choice for home offices and creative spaces. The colour is not only powerful in its most
basic form in interior design psychology, but also boasts many beautiful sister shades including tomato red,
crimson and burgundy.
Yellow
Bright yellows tend to inspire optimism and foster an upbeat attitude. Still, too much yellow can quickly
become grating. Yellow is best used in moderation, or in very light tones. Orange, a fun and stimulating
color, should be treated in the same way.
Yellow is usually associated with sunshine, energy and happiness. It reminds me of my last vacation to
Mexico. It also can spark creativity and encourage communication, which might help if you have teenagers at
home! But if it’s overdone, it can cause anxiety and stress.
Green:
Green brings to mind nature, balance and harmony. Deep emerald or hunter green can add intensity and
elegance, while light spring or sage green is soothing and helps stimulate focus and creativity.
Green is an extremely positive hue as it stimulates thoughts of balance, growth and restoration in colour
psychology. It immediately brings the natural world to mind as it an incredible way to bring a refreshing sense
of nature indoors, especially if your home is located in a city with little surrounding greenery. The hue comes
in a variety of attractive shades, ranging from emerald and jade to olive and lime. It makes an ideal wall colour
in spaces where you need to open your mind such as kitchens and home studies, and, as it’s closely linked to
money, it’s a sensible choice for business properties.
Blue:
Blue tones are typically associated with calm and serenity. It’s a great color for spa-like bathrooms and
peaceful master bedrooms. Deep navy or royal blues add a masculine feeling, while light powder or sky
blue hues are versatile anywhere you need a bit of relaxation.
Blue is, without doubt, one of the strongest hues of the colour psychology spectrum. Deep, bold hues, such as
navy and royal blue, are great for evoking confidence and are associated with admirable qualities such as
loyalty, trust, peace and success. Lighter shades of the colour instil a feeling a of calm and tranquillity at
home which makes them great for bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces where you want to relax.
Purple:
Purple has long been the color of royalty, and can inspire creativity and spirituality. Deep rich plum or violet
can add a bold, exotic flair, while light lavender hues are calming and pair well with greys and oranges. It’s also
a popular choice for kids’ rooms – studies have shown that nearly 75% of pre-adolescent children choose
purple over any other color.
Pink:
Pink can add a touch of feminine flair, and it has seen a huge increase in popularity over the past few years,
with blush and ‘millennial pink’ shades being in vogue. Muted blush or greyish-pink hues can instantly soften
any room, and darker shades of magenta add a punch of drama.
Terribly underestimated as a colour only to be used for little girls’ rooms, pink is a delicate hue in colour
psychology which speaks of nurture, love and femininity. Its tones are comforting making it a favourite for
bedrooms but it can easily be transferred to living room schemes if executed well.
Black:
Just like my favourite little black dress, this color has always been associated with sophistication, elegance
and luxury. It’s most often used as an accent in the home, as all-black interiors can become dreary and
overwhelming very quickly. Glossy or matte black accents, furniture and appliances are timeless and chic.
Black is the go-to colour of all time in all aspects of life. Whether you don’t know what to wear or what
colour of furniture to opt for, black’s neutrality gives it a fail-safe quality and promises sleek sophistication.
It’s a proven accent colour but when used heavily in a room scheme, the psychology of this colour results in
power, drama and mystery. What’s to love most about the dark shade? Black excels in modern and
industrial settings yet it never dates so it offers a contemporary appeal to even traditional spaces.
White:
White is the color of purity and cleanliness, and often is regarded as a blank palette. With the rise in
popularity of Scandinavian design in recent years, more and more designers are leaning towards all-white
walls and sparse white furniture. White interiors can feel fresh and modern, but can also be very cold and
barren without the proper accent pieces.
Purple is associated with a wealth of wonderful emotions from depth and creativity to fantasy and nobility in
colour psychology. It looks right at home in feminine spaces, but deeper versions of the hue can also be
incredibly masculine. It carries a regal charm and also suggests luxury, which enables the tone to bring real
presence to a space.
Brown:
Brown accents such as wood tones, leather, and natural elements are a great way to warm up a space and
make it feel homier in an instant. Brown shades are truly versatile, and go with any design style and mood.
The neutral hue is also said to be a symbol of structure, support and stability. As a result, the shade lends
itself well to areas such as living spaces and kitchens, providing a tasteful and timeless canvas for family
gatherings. It can be super-lux but also can work effectively in rugged, masculine environments as so many
naturals’ materials, such as wood and stone, work a brown palette.
ASSIGNMENT