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 What is color, exactly and how do we see it? All light is made up of color, but the human eye and brain must work together to translate light into the colors we’re familiar with. In interior design, as in art, harmony comes from a pleasing arrangement of colors. Because of the associations we have with colors that appear in nature, some are considered cool (green grass, blue water). Others are warm (red fire, yellow sun). Remember that all colors contain other colors; red, for example, may have a blue or an orange base. In selecting colors for your home, you should absolutely begin with the colors you like, then think of how they play into a color scheme – which is generally composed of three hues, one of them a contrasting accent color that adds visual excitement to a room. As you develop your scheme, consider the value – the relative lightness or darkness of a color – because it can make a difference. A change in shade is made by adding black; and a tint is a color with white added. This is why the green chintz you think is a perfect match to your walls can feel all wrong: It may be because it’s the wrong shade, or it has too much of another color, like yellow, in it. By holding your swatch and paint chip up to a color wheel you can determine how close together they really are. |
 Connect rooms with color Even two walls painted different colors in one room can work -- as long as the trim is the same and the colors aren't too far afield.
Waking up made easy A cool green vase makes the warm reds and purples pop in the bedroom at left. You don't always need multiple colors to enliven a room, though. The cozy yellow bedroom at right radiates energy and warmth. YELLOW BEDROOM PHOTO: ANDRÉ BARANOWSKI |
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