Why is colour an important step of the design process?
Let's talk colour and why is it so essential to select correctly.
Colour is all around us in every environment setting. It is vital to select a colour according to the light that is filtered into the space.
Colour can be fun to try and play around with. However, a lot of people may feel scared when selecting a colour. Colour is highly complex, be confident but always experiment first. It is best to paint big test swatches (always do two coats). Once you have allowed the paint to dry, check the colour throughout the day as the morning light will throw a different colour than midday or the afternoon.
“Without light, colour does not exist.”
Image by Monstera
Colour has three dimensions:
Hue - The attribute by which we recognize and describe a colour such as red or yellow. Primary hues are red, yellow, blue. Secondary hues are orange, green and violet. The tertiary hues are red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, and red-violet.
Value - The degree of lightness or darkness of a colour in relation to white or black.
Tint- is made by adding white yo s pure colour. The new colour will be lighter, has a higher reflection value than the original hue and is used to create pastel colours.
Shade - A shade is made by adding black to a pure colour. The new colour is darker and has a lower reflective value.
Tone - Is made by adding grey to a pure colour. This results in a softer variation of the original colour.
Saturation - The brilliance or dullness of a colour. This depends on the amount of hue in the colour.
Image By Ｌａｒａ , Pexel and KoolShooters
Colour can change the feeling of a space and set the tone. It can affect our mood. For example, black can add richness and depth; it is stylish and has a sense of sophistication, or Red is an appetite stimulator. It can evoke passion and, in some people angry.
Image by Mitchell Luo
You make a space feel more intimate and bring walls forward by using dark colours, but be careful how it may enclose the space and make it feel smaller.
If you do not feel confident with painting your walls a bright colour, why not add it through textures such as rugs, cushions, blankets or even lounges.
Another tip to look to nature, if you look at the bush, you will notice the ground floor is dark, and as you move your eye upwards, it starts to get lighter with the green and blues. Using dark colours below and lighter colours up high is a simple guide when building your colour scheme.
If you don't feel confident, you can always go to a colour rep at Dulux, mitre- 10, bunnings, or a local paint supplier and they will be happy to help you out.