Color

folder

BY MANJEET KUMAR
SEMESTER:-3
 WHAT IS
COLOR?
Color is a visual experience that
occurs when light bounces off of
objects. It's a property of objects
that helps us differentiate between
them.
 Content

1. TECHNICAL TERMS
a. } HUE i.} WARM COLORS
b. } PRIMARY COLORS j.} COOL COLORS
c. } SECONDARY COLORS k.} LIGHTEST AND DARKEST COLOR
d. } TERTIARY COLORS l.} ADVANCING COLORS
e. } COLOR WHEEL m.} RECEDING COLORS
f. } TINTS n.} VALUE
g. } SHADES o.} CHROMA
h. } TONES p.} INTENSITY
q.} SATURATION

2. COLOR SCHEME

3. MEANING OF COLRS

4. PSYCHOLOGY OF COLORS

5. COLORS IN INTERIORS

6. VASTU OF COLORS
 HUE
IN COLOR THEORY, HUE REFERS TO THE
DOMINANT COLOR FAMILY. IT REFERS
TO THE ORIGIN OF THE COLORS WE
CAN SEE. HUE IS ONE OF THE MAIN
PROPERTIES OF COLOR, ALONG
WITH SATURATION AND BRIGHTNESS.

PRIMARY COLORS SUCH AS RED, BLUE

AND YELLOW.

SECONDARY COLORS SUCH AS ORANGE, GREEN AND VOILET ARE

CONSIDERED AS HUE.
HOWEVER, TERTIARY COLORS SUCH AS RED-VOILET, BLUE-VOILET,
BLUE-GREEN, YELLOW-GREEN, YELLOW-ORANGE AND RED-ORANGE
WOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED AS HUES.

FOR. EG., GREEN IS A HUE AND TURQUOISE IS A HUE OF

BOTH GREEN AND BLUE.
 PRIMARY COLORS

The Primary colors are the basic colors that can't be created by mixing other
colors. They are the foundation for creating all other colors

SECONDARY COLORS

Secondary colors are colors made by mixing two primary colors in equal
parts. They are located between the primary colors on the color whee

TERTIARY COLORS

Tertiary colors are colors made by mixing equal parts of a primary

color and a secondary color. They are located between the primary
and secondary colors on the color wheel.
 COLOR WHEEL
The color wheel is a visual representation of colors arranged according
to their chromatic relationship.
It's a fundamental tool for understanding color theory and creating
harmonious color schemes.

The color wheel is used by artists, designers, and anyone working with color to:

➢ Understand color relationships: The wheel helps visualize how colors

relate to each other and how they can be combined to create different
effects.
➢ Create color schemes: The wheel provides a framework for selecting
colors that work well together, such as analogous, complementary, and
triadic schemes.
➢ Mix colors: The wheel can be used to predict the results of mixing different
colors.

There are different versions of the color wheel, each based on a

different color model. The most common color models are:

➢ RYB (Red, Yellow, Blue): This is the traditional color model used
by painters and artists.
➢ RGB (Red, Green, Blue): This is the color model used in digital
displays, such as computer screens and televisions.
 TINTS
In color theory, a tint is created when you mix
a color with white.
This process lightens the original color,
making it appear softer and less intense.

Key Characteristics

▪ Lighter than the original color: Tints result in a lighter version of the base
color.
▪ Increased brightness: Tints can make colors appear brighter and more
cheerful.
▪ Reduced saturation: As you add more white, the intensity of the color
decreases.

Examples of Tints

➢ Red + White = Pink

➢ Blue + White = Light Blue
➢ Green + White = Mint Green

How Tints are Used

➢ Creating a sense of space: Lighter tints can

make spaces feel larger and more open.

➢ Adding highlights: Tints can be used to

create highlights in artwork or design
elements.

➢ Evoking different moods: Tints can

create feelings of calmness,
gentleness, or playfulness.
 SHADES
In color theory, a shade is created
when you mix a color with black.
This process darkens the original color,
making it appear richer and more intense.

Key Characteristics

➢ Darker than the original color: Shades result in a darker version of the
base color.
➢ Increased depth: Shades can add depth and drama to a design.
➢ Enhanced richness: Shades often appear richer and more luxurious than
the original color.

Examples of Shades

➢ Red + Black = Burgundy

➢ Blue + Black = Navy Blue
➢ Green + Black = Forest Green

How Shades are Used

➢ Creating a sense of depth: Darker shades

can make objects appear more
three-dimensional.

➢ Adding shadows: Shades can be used to

create shadows in artwork or design
elements.

➢ Evoking different moods: Shades can

create feelings of mystery, sophistication,
or power.
 TONES
A tone in color is a hue or mixture of colors that has
had a neutral gray added to it. The gray is made by
mixing equal parts black and white.

How tones are created

➢ To create a tone, add equal parts black and white to a hue.

➢ Adding gray to a color makes it less intense.

➢ Adding too much gray can make a color too dull and hard to

restore.
➢

What tones look like

➢ Toned colors are less brilliant than the original hue.

➢ Toned colors can be considered more sophisticated and visually

pleasing.
➢ Examples of tones include beige and salmon.

How tones are used

➢ Neutral tones like beige, brown, and gray can be paired with warm

or cool colors to create a balanced look.

➢ Skin tones are created by combining hues with gray.
 WARM COLORS
Warm colors are a group of colors that evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and
energy. They are often associated with sunlight, fire, and passion.

The main warm colors are:

➢ Red: A powerful and vibrant color that can symbolize love, passion, anger,
or excitement.
➢ Orange: A cheerful and energetic color that can represent enthusiasm,
creativity, and joy.
➢ Yellow: A bright and sunny color that can symbolize happiness, optimism,
and hope.

Warm colors can be used in a variety of ways to create different effects:

➢ To create a cozy and inviting atmosphere: Warm colors can make a space
feel more comfortable and welcoming. They are often used in living rooms,
bedrooms, and dining rooms.
➢ To add energy and excitement: Warm colors can be used to create a
sense of energy and excitement. They are often used in offices, gyms, and
playrooms.
➢ To make a statement: Warm colors can be used to make a bold statement.
They are often used in accent walls, furniture, and artwork.
 COOL COLORS
Cool colors are a group of colors that evoke feelings of calmness, peace, and
tranquility. They are often associated with water, sky, and nature.

The main cool colors are:

➢ Blue: A calming and soothing color that can represent trust, loyalty, and
intelligence.
➢ Green: A refreshing and natural color that can symbolize growth, harmony,
and peace.
➢ Purple: A mysterious and regal color that can represent creativity, wisdom,
and spirituality.

Cool colors can be used in a variety of ways to create different effects:

➢ To create a calming and relaxing atmosphere: Cool colors can make a

space feel more peaceful and tranquil. They are often used in bedrooms,
bathrooms, and meditation rooms.
➢ To create a sense of spaciousness: Cool colors can make a small space
feel larger and more open. They are often used in small rooms, such as
bathrooms and closets.
➢ To add a touch of sophistication: Cool colors can be used to add a touch
of elegance and sophistication to a space. They are often used in formal
living rooms and dining rooms.
 LIGHTEST AND DARKEST COLOR
Lightest: On a typical color wheel (like the RYB or artist's color wheel),
yellow is considered the lightest hue. It has the highest inherent value,
meaning it naturally reflects more light than other colors.

Darkest: Violet is generally considered the darkest hue on the color

wheel. It has the lowest inherent value, absorbing more light than other
colors.

YELLOW
VIOLET {lightest}
{darkest}

Value vs. Hue: It's important to separate hue (the pure color) from
value (lightness or darkness). While yellow is the lightest hue, you can
create a very dark yellow by adding black (making a shade of yellow).
Similarly, you can create a very light violet by adding white (making a
tint of violet).

Color Wheel Variations: Different color wheels exist (like the RGB
color wheel used in digital displays). The specific placement of colors
and their perceived lightness/darkness might vary slightly.

Subjectivity: As always with color, perception plays a role. Some

people might perceive certain shades of blue or green as darker than
violet, depending on how they see color.
 ADVANCING COLORS

Advancing colors are colors that tend to appear closer to the viewer than
other colors. This effect is due to the way our eyes perceive light and color.
Warm colors, such as red, orange, and yellow, are typically considered
advancing colors.

Examples of Advancing Colors

Red, orange, and yellow are all considered advancing colors. These
colors are often used in advertising and marketing to attract attention.
For example, a red stop sign is more likely to be noticed than a green
stop sign.

Advancing colors can also be used in interior design to make a room

feel more cozy and inviting. For example, painting a room a warm color,
such as yellow, can make it feel larger and more welcoming.
 RECEDING COLORS

Receding colors are colors that tend to appear farther away from the
viewer than other colors. This effect is due to the way our eyes perceive
light and color. Cool colors, such as blue, green, and purple, are
typically considered receding colors.

Examples of Receding Colors

Blue, green, and purple are all considered receding colors. These
colors are often used in interior design to make a room feel larger and
more open. For example, painting a room a cool color, such as blue,
can make it feel more spacious.

Receding colors can also be used in landscape painting to create a

sense of depth.

By using cool colors in the background of a painting, the artist can

make the foreground appear closer.
 VALUE

Value refers to the relative lightness or darkness of a color. It's a

fundamental aspect of how we perceive and understand colors, playing
a crucial role in art, design, and visual communication.

Value is essential for creating depth, contrast, and visual interest in any
composition. It helps to:

➢ Define Form: Value differences create highlights and shadows,

giving objects a three-dimensional appearance.
➢ Create Depth: Using lighter values for distant objects and darker
values for closer ones enhances the illusion of depth.
➢ Establish Mood: High-key images with predominantly light values
tend to feel airy and cheerful, while low-key images with mostly
dark values evoke a sense of mystery or drama.
➢ Enhance Contrast: Contrasting values make certain elements
stand out, drawing the viewer's attention to specific areas.

➢ High Value: Colors with high value appear lighter, reflecting more
light. Examples include tints (colors mixed with white) and lighter
shades of yellow, pink, and light blue.

➢ Low Value: Colors with low value appear darker, absorbing more
light. Examples include shades (colors mixed with black) and
darker shades of blue, green, and brown.
 CHROMA

Chroma refers to the purity, intensity, or saturation of a color. It's one

of the three key dimensions of color, along with hue (the color itself)
and value (lightness or darkness).

Chroma plays a significant role in creating visual impact and conveying

emotions:

➢ Attracting Attention: High-chroma colors are more likely to catch

the eye, making them useful for highlighting important elements.
➢ Evoking Emotions: Bright, saturated colors tend to evoke feelings
of energy, excitement, or joy, while muted colors can create a
sense of calmness or sophistication.
➢ Creating Contrast: Contrasting colors with varying chroma levels
can add visual interest and depth to a composition.

• High Chroma: Colors with high chroma are pure and vibrant,
free from any hint of gray. Examples include a fire-engine red, a
deep blue, or a bright yellow.

• Low Chroma: Colors with low chroma appear dull or

desaturated, often leaning towards gray. Examples include a
muddy brown, a muted green, or a pale pink.
 INTENSITY

Intensity is often used interchangeably with chroma or saturation. It refers to the

purity, vividness, or brightness of a color. A highly intense color appears bright
and vibrant, while a low-intensity color appears dull or grayish.

Intensity plays a significant role in creating visual impact and conveying

emotions:

➢ Attracting Attention: High-intensity colors are more likely to catch the eye,
making them useful for highlighting important elements.
➢ Evoking Emotions: Bright, saturated colors tend to evoke feelings of
energy, excitement, or joy, while muted colors can create a sense of
calmness or sophistication.
➢ Creating Contrast: Contrasting colors with varying intensity levels can add
visual interest and depth to a composition.

SATURATION

Saturationis a term often used interchangeably with chroma or intensity. It refers to the
purity, vividness, or brightness of a color. A highly saturated color appears bright and
vibrant, while a low-saturation color appears dull or grayish.

Saturation plays a significant role in creating visual impact and conveying emotions:

➢ Attracting Attention: High-saturation colors are more likely to catch the eye, making
them useful for highlighting important elements.
➢ Evoking Emotions: Bright, saturated colors tend to evoke feelings of energy,
excitement, or joy, while muted colors can create a sense of calmness or
sophistication.
➢ Creating Contrast: Contrasting colors with varying saturation levels can add visual
interest and depth to a composition.
 COLOR SCHEME
1} COMPLIMENTARY COLOR SCHEME

SPLIT
DOUBLE
COMPLIME
NTARY COMPLIME
NTARY

2} MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME

3} ACHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME

4} POLYCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME

5} ANALOGOUS COLOR SCHEME

6} TRIAD COLOR SCHEME

7} TETRADIC COLOR SCHEME

WHAT IS A COLOR
SCHEME?
IN COLOR THEORY, A COLOR SCHEME IS A COMBINATION OF 2
OR MORE COLORS USED IN AN AESTHETIC OR PRACTICAL
DESIGN.
A COLOR SCHEME IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF ANY CREATIVE
PROJECT, FROM INTERIOR DESIGN TO FASHION OR GRAPHICS
ETC.
NOT ONLY IT DOES ADD VISUAL INTEREST, BUT IT ALSO HELPS TO
COMMUNICATE A MESSAGE AND CREATE THE DESIRED MOOD
OR ATMOSPHERE.
UNDERSTANDING HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT COLORS FOR
YOUR PROJECT THAT WILL MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN
ENSURING ITS SUCCESS.
COLORS THAT ARE OPPOSITE TO EACH OTHER ON A COLOR WHEEL IS KNOWN
AS COMPLIMENTARY COLOR SCHEME. IT IS ALSO KNOWN AS OPPOSITE
COLOR SCHEME.
FOR EG: RED & GREEN, BLUE & ORANGE ETC.

THERE ARE 2 COLOR SCHEMES THAT COME UNDER COMPLIMENTARY COLOR

SCHEME ARE: SPLIT COMPLIMENTARY COLOR SCHEME AND DOUBLE
COMPLIMENTARY COLOR SCHEME

o SPLIT COMPLIMENTARY
COLOR SCHEME -: Colors that are adjacent to
the opposite color on a color wheel are known as split
complimentary colors.
Also, Colors that make Y formation on a color wheel. FOR
EG: Instead of taking red, we take red-violet and red-
orange as a split complimentary of green.

o DOUBLE COMPLIMENTARY
COLOR SCHEME -: When we used pairs of
two complimentary colors on a surface or in an
interior then it is called as double
complimentary color scheme.
A double complementary color scheme is also
known as contrasting color scheme. FOR EG: The
colors yellow, yellow-orange, violet, and blue-
violet make up a double complementary color
scheme.
 MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME
A monochromatic color scheme is a color palette based on a single
color, or hue. It uses different shades, tints, and tones of that hue to create
a cohesive and harmonious look.
It is also called as TINT AND SHADES COLOR SCHEME.
Eg:- Red, Mehroon , Pink.

ACHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME

An achromatic color scheme is a color palette that uses only neutral colors:
black, white, and gray. It's essentially a grayscale palette,
focusing on the contrast and interplay between these three colors.
It is also called as NEUTRAL COLOR SCHEME.
 POLYCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEME
A polychromatic color scheme is a vibrant and diverse approach to color design that
involves using a wide range of colors. Unlike monochromatic schemes that focus on
variations of a single hue, polychromatic schemes embrace a multitude of colors,
creating visually rich and dynamic compositions. It is also called as MULTIPLE
COLOR SCHEME.

ANALOGOUS COLOR SCHEME

An analogous color scheme uses colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.
These colors share a common hue, creating a harmonious and visually pleasing
palette. Also called as ADJACENT COLOR SCHEME.
 TRIAD COLOR SCHEME
A triad color scheme is a color palette that uses three colors equally spaced on the
color wheel. These colors create a vibrant and balanced look, offering a dynamic and
eye-catching aesthetic. It makes equilateral triangle on a color wheel. Primary color
scheme also comes in it.

TETRADIC COLOR SCHEME

A tetradic color scheme, also known as a double complementary scheme, uses four
colors arranged in two complementary pairs on the color wheel. This creates a visually
rich and complex palette with lots of potential for contrast and interest.
It forms square or rectangle on a color wheel.
MEANING OF
COLORS
 Color is a powerful tool that can be used to communicate emotions,
ideas, and messages. Different colors have different meanings, and
these meanings can vary depending on cultural context and personal
experiences.

General Color Meanings

Here are some common meanings of different colors in many Western

cultures:

▪ Passion, love, anger, excitement, energy, danger, strength,

power, courage. Red is a very intense color that can have a
physical effect on people, raising blood pressure and respiration
rates. It is often used to attract attention or to make a statement.

▪ Energy, happiness, vitality, creativity, enthusiasm,

warmth, success, fun. Orange is a warm and vibrant color that is
often associated with youth and playfulness. It can also be used
to convey a sense of adventure or excitement.

▪ Happiness, hope, optimism, joy, warmth, caution,

intellect, deceit. Yellow is a bright and cheerful color that is
often associated with sunshine and happiness. It can also be
used to indicate caution or warning.

▪ Green: Nature, growth, harmony, peace, tranquility, health,

wealth, luck, envy. Green is a refreshing and calming color that
is often associated with nature and the environment. It can also
be used to represent growth, renewal, or prosperity.
▪ Blue: Trust, calm, peace, loyalty, depth, stability, intelligence,
sadness, depression. Blue is a cool and calming color that is
often associated with the sky and the ocean. It can also be used
to represent trust, loyalty, or intelligence.

▪ Royalty, nobility, wisdom, luxury, imagination, mystery,

spirituality. Purple is a rich and regal color that is often associated
with royalty and wealth. It can also be used to represent mystery,
spirituality, or creativity.

▪ Sophistication, formality, power, elegance, mystery,

death, mourning. Black is a powerful and versatile color that can
be used to convey a variety of meanings. It is often associated
with sophistication, formality, or power. It can also be used to
represent mystery, death, or mourning.

▪ Purity, innocence, peace, cleanliness, simplicity,

goodness, light. White is a pure and simple color that is often
associated with innocence, purity, or peace. It can also be used
to represent cleanliness, simplicity, or goodness.

▪ Warmth, wholesomeness, dependability, comfort,

nature, earthiness. Brown is a warm and earthy color that is
often associated with nature and the outdoors. It can also be
used to represent warmth, comfort, or dependability.
Color psychology is the study of how colors affect human behavior and
emotions. It's a fascinating field that explores the subtle yet powerful ways in
which colors influence our perceptions, feelings, and even our actions.
How Color Psychology Works

Color psychology is based on the idea that colors have inherent meanings and
associations that are deeply rooted in our biology, culture, and personal experiences.
These associations can trigger emotional responses and influence our behavior in
various ways.

Key Principles of Color Psychology

▪ Emotional Associations: Colors are often linked to specific emotions. For example, red
is commonly associated with passion, excitement, or anger, while blue is often linked
to calmness, trust, or sadness.
▪ Cultural Influences: The meaning of colors can vary across different cultures. For
instance, white is associated with purity in Western cultures but with mourning in
some Eastern cultures.
▪ Personal Experiences: Our individual experiences with colors can also shape our
emotional responses. Someone who had a traumatic experience with a yellow car
might associate yellow with fear or anxiety.

Color psychology is widely used in various fields, including:

• Marketing and Branding: Companies use color psychology to create logos,

packaging, and advertising campaigns that evoke specific emotions and
influence consumer behavior.
• Interior Design: Interior designers use color psychology to create spaces that promote
certain moods or feelings. For example, calming colors like blue and green are often used
in bedrooms, while energizing colors like red and orange are used in gyms or workout
spaces.
• Healthcare: Color psychology is used in healthcare settings to create a calming
and healing environment for patients.
• Education: Color psychology is used in educational settings to enhance
learning and focus.
Color is an essential element in interior design, capable of transforming a space
and influencing the mood and atmosphere. Understanding the psychology of
colors and how they interact can help you create interiors that are not only
visually appealing but also emotionally resonant.
Key Considerations

• Color Psychology: Each color has unique associations and can evoke
specific emotions. For example, warm colors like red and orange can
energize a space, while cool colors like blue and green can promote
calmness.
• Room Function: The purpose of a room should influence your color
choices. For instance, a bedroom might benefit from soothing blues and
greens, while a living room could handle more vibrant hues to encourage
social interaction.
• Lighting: Natural and artificial light can significantly affect how colors
appear in a space. Consider how light will interact with your chosen
colors at different times of the day.
• Personal Preferences: Ultimately, your personal taste should play a role
in your color selections. Choose colors that you love and that make you
feel comfortable and happy in your space.

Color Palette Ideas

• Monochromatic: Using different shades and tints of a single color can

create a sophisticated and cohesive look.
• Analogous: Choosing colors that are next to each other on the
color wheel can create a harmonious and calming atmosphere.
• Complementary: Pairing colors that are opposite each other on the
color wheel can create a vibrant and energetic space.
• Triadic: Using three colors that are evenly spaced on the color wheel can
create a balanced and visually interesting palette.
Specific Color Effects

• Red: Energetic, passionate, bold; can increase energy levels but

should be used in moderation.
• Orange: Warm, cheerful, optimistic; can stimulate creativity and social
interaction.
• Yellow: Happy, bright, uplifting; can enhance focus and concentration.
• Green: Natural, calming, refreshing; can promote relaxation and well-
being.
• Blue: Tranquil, peaceful, serene; can lower heart rate and blood pressure.
• Purple: Luxurious, sophisticated, creative; can inspire imagination and
introspection.
• Neutral Colors: Versatile, calming, balancing; can create a sense of
spaciousness and allow other colors to stand out.
Vastu of color
Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian architectural science,
emphasizes the importance of colors in creating harmonious and
positive living spaces. It suggests that colors can influence energy
flow and affect the well-being of residents.
Key Principles of Vastu and Colors

• Directional Significance: Vastu associates specific colors with different

directions. For example, green is associated with the north, red with
the south, and blue with the west.
• Elemental Balance: Vastu links colors to the five elements - earth,
water, fire, air, and space. Using colors that resonate with the
element associated with a particular direction is believed to
enhance positive energy.
• Room Function: The purpose of a room also influences the choice of
colors. For instance, calming colors are recommended for bedrooms,
while vibrant hues are suitable for living rooms
Color Recommendations for Different Rooms

• Living Room: Light and airy colors like yellow, green, or blue are
recommended to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Bedroom: Soothing colors like light blue, green, or pink are ideal for
promoting relaxation and restful sleep.
• Kitchen: Energetic colors like orange, red, or yellow can stimulate
appetite and create a positive cooking environment.
• Pooja Room: White or light shades of yellow, blue, or pink are
recommended to create a serene and spiritual ambiance.
• Study Room: Light green, blue, cream, or white can enhance focus and
concentration.
Color Recommendations for Different Directions

• North: Green is considered auspicious for north-facing walls,

symbolizing growth and prosperity.
• East: White is recommended for east-facing walls, representing
purity and new beginnings.
• South: Red and yellow are suitable for south-facing walls, bringing
warmth, energy, and vitality.
• West: Blue is considered ideal for west-facing walls, promoting
tranquility and emotional balance.
• Northeast: White and light blue are auspicious for northeast-
facing walls, encouraging spiritual growth.
 • Southeast: Silver and light grey are recommended for southeast-
facing walls, representing elegance and creativity.
• Southwest: Peach, light brown, or earthy tones are suitable
for southwest-facing walls, promoting stability and
grounding.
• Northwest: White and light grey are recommended for northwest-
facing walls, symbolizing purity and mental focus.
Important Considerations

• Personal Preferences: While Vastu provides guidelines, it's essential to

incorporate your personal preferences and create a space that you
love.
• Balance: It's crucial to balance the use of colors and avoid overusing any
particular hue.
• Professional Consultation: If you're unsure about applying Vastu
principles, it's best to consult a Vastu expert for personalized
guidance.

By understanding the principles of Vastu and colors, you can create living
spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also supportive of your
well- being and prosperity.