Living with Colour

Colour has an important effect on our lives. It has the power to change our moods, or even invoke an emotion. There are certain colour combinations that visually explain this effect. In this article we will explore the relationship colour and it's effect on our lives.

Dark or Light?

Colour can mainly be broken down into 'dark' and 'light' colours. Colours express our emotions and our personality. Some colours exist in harmony with other colours where others stand out and negatively affect others. To choose a colour scheme for your home or furnishings is a difficult one and can encompass many considerations. Choosing a colour scheme is a personal choice but with these hints, it will make your choice a little bit easier!

How does colour work?

As I have already mentioned colour is mainly broken down into 'dark' or 'light' categories. But within these categories are different variables.

Colour is perceived by the rods and cones contained in the human retina, within the eye, as thousands of waves of electromagnetic energy of varying lengths. These energy waves reflect reds, yellows or blues and the retina categorises these into what we perceive as thousands of different colour possibilities.

With this ability to perceive these colours, we are able to use colour to our advantage. The body's reaction to colour perception is a physical one, and therefore colour combinations are a powerful tool for us as beings aware of our surroundings.

Colour can evoke emotions based on physical reactions:

Certain colours can make us have a physical and/or psychological reaction based on how our rods and cones interpret them. Essentially, this means that the information comes through the retina and is interpreted then this information is passed along, for processing by the brain. It is during this exchange of information that we experience the reaction to each colour. A good example of this would be hot and cool colours. A further explanation of this is below:

Red

Red evokes feelings of heat. Red is referred to as a 'hot' colour. A volcanoes lava, fire, red-hot. Red attracts attention and is a very daring colour to use in decorating. When done properly, red can

Hues that are a product of red and contain reds are considered to be 'warm' colours. Yellows, oranges etc. Placing these colours together can amplify the effect of red.

Blue

Blue evokes feelings of cool. Blue lagoons, a cool ocean, ice. Blue is referred to as a 'cool' colour. Blue is the opposite colour to red on the colour wheel and can invoke the opposite emotion. Blue represents a sense of calmness and contentment.

Hues that are a product of blue and contain blues are considered to be 'cool' colours. Green, turquoise etc. placing these colours together can amplify the effect of blue.

White

White and other pale pastel colours have an absence of visible colour and are the closest colors to transparency. With increased light, the hues variations decrease. These colours can evoke feelings of well-being, relaxation and even a perception of increased space. Creams, whites and light pastels are part of the light colour group. Placing these colours together can amplify the effect of white.

Black

Black and other dark solid colours have black in their composition and can make a room seem smaller if used in excesses in decorating. Browns, greys and silvers are all part of the dark colour group. Placing these colours together can amplify the effect of black.

Successful colour schemes take into account the effect of colours on our moods and our subconscious in addition to our preconceptions. Next time you have a few minutes, take a walk and look past objects and notice only their colours and see how they make you feel. You might find that you experience a reaction to a certain colour, a reaction that is agreeable, enough to make you want to explore this colour further. Think about what colours make you feel content, and this is a colour possibility for your home.