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1.3 Colour Theory: Basics of Interior Design Semester I, B.Voc Interior Design

The document provides an overview of color theory, including definitions of hue, tint, tone, and shade, as well as their applications in interior design. It discusses the emotional impact of colors and their psychological effects, categorizing them into warm and cool colors. Additionally, it outlines various color schemes and includes assignments for students to explore these concepts creatively.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
38 views36 pages

1.3 Colour Theory: Basics of Interior Design Semester I, B.Voc Interior Design

The document provides an overview of color theory, including definitions of hue, tint, tone, and shade, as well as their applications in interior design. It discusses the emotional impact of colors and their psychological effects, categorizing them into warm and cool colors. Additionally, it outlines various color schemes and includes assignments for students to explore these concepts creatively.

Uploaded by

hhh6h7ngt7
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

3 COLOUR THEORY

Basics of Interior Design


Semester I, B.Voc Interior Design
Module 1.3.6
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 defines pure color in terms of "green", "red" or


"magenta". Hue also defines mixtures of two pure color like
"red-yellow" (~ "orange"), or "yellow-green" (limitations to
this statement will be addressed later).

Hue is usually one property of three when used to determine


a certain color. Hue is a more technical definition of our color
perception which can be used to communicate color ideas.
Hue ranges from 0° to 359° when measured in degrees. Hues
are basic color we learn to connect with words as children.
Hues can refer to the set of "pure" color within a color space.

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

A Tint is sometimes also called a Pastel. But to be precise,


Color Theory defines a True Tint as any Hue or mixture of
pure color with only White added.

A Tint lightens the color, but it doesn't make it brighter.


Even though the color may appear brighter, in actual fact it
is not. In other words, it remains exactly the same color,
only a paler version. Furthermore, even a small amount of
White added to a color, transforms it into a Tint.

Therefore a Tint can range from slightly lighter than your


original color, all the way to White with barely any of the
color mixed i.e. true Tint contains no Grey. To create a true
Tint, simply add White to any individual color on the Color
Wheel or any of that pure color mixed together.
TONE

Color Theory defines a True Tone as any Hue or mixture of


pure color with only Grey added. To be precise, this
definition considers Grey as truly neutral. In other words,
there are no additional pigments in the Grey other than
White plus Black.

A neutral mixture of Grey, no matter how light or dark, will


tone down the intensity of any color. As a general warning,
be careful with how much Grey you mix in. Too much Grey
dulls the color so much; it becomes impossible to get the
brilliance back.

Toned colours are generally considered more pleasing to the


eye. They are complex, subtle and sophisticated. That's
because bright pure colours are most often associated with children.
SHADE

A Shade darkens the color. It remains the same Hue only a


darker version. As has been noted above, even a small
amount of White or Grey added to a color, transforms it
into a Tone.

Therefore a Shade can range from slightly darker than your


original color, all the way to nearly Black with barely any of
the color mixed in.

As you can see below, the colours in the umbrella have


been shaded by the lack of sunlight. However, if you
wanted to paint this, you would add a tiny touch of black to
each color.
Pure Color

—— 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:

1. Use cartridge sheet (size A3)


2. Medium : water colour
3. Box measuremt(each) : 1”x 1”
Colour Harmony

• 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:

• Yellow + blue = green

• Yellow + red = orange

• Red + blue = purple

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

tertiary colors in this color star:


Primary Colors

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:

Monochromatic Color Schemes

The monochromatic color scheme uses variations in lightness and


saturation of a single color. This scheme tend to look clean, elegant
while producing a soothing effect. The primary color can be integrated
with neutral colours such as black, white, or grey. The downside of
monochromatic color schemes is that the can sometimes lack contrast
and appear less vibrant than some other schemes.

Monochromatic color schemes are easy to create because they use


only one color. Monochromatic schemes use different tones from the
same angle on the color wheel (the same hue).
Analogous Color
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.

Analogous color schemes are also easy to create.

Analogous color schemes are created by using colors that


are next to each other on the color wheel.
Complimentary Color
Scheme

The complementary color scheme is made of two colours that are


opposite each other on the color wheel. This scheme is very successful
for creating strong contrast and for drawing attention.

Complementary schemes are created by combining colours from


opposite sides of the color wheel.
Split Complementary
Scheme

The split complementary scheme is a variation of the standard


complementary scheme. Take one color on the wheel and two colours
adjacent to its complementary. The advantage of this scheme over a
complimentary scheme is that it can be a little more sophisticated
while still keeping a strong visual contrast.

Compound schemes are almost the same as complementary schemes.


Instead of using colours that are opposites, it uses colours on both sides
of the opposite hue.
Triadic Color Schemes

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.

Triadic schemes are made up of hues equally spaced around color


wheel.
ASSIGNMENT

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:

1. Draw on cartridge sheet (size A2)


2. Medium :water colour
3. 9"circle circumference for the wheel (approximately)
ASSIGNMENT

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

• Double Complement scheme,

• Analogous and

• Triad scheme.

The schemes need to appear difference from one

another. Format:

1. Use cartridge sheet (size A2)

2. Medium: water colour

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

Students are required to prepare a presentation explaining psychology effect of minimum 6


colours in a space. Also explain which colour is preferred for what kind of space with
reasons.

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