TwoCreativeWomen

Color is one of my all time favorite subjects.  I try to incorporate color into just about every class that I teach because it is so important to design.  I thought I would share some of what I teach about color over the next few days.  Hope you learn something new!

Color is one of the most important aspects of Interior Design.  It is also one of the cheapest ways to make changes in a room.  Before you begin choosing colors for your space, you should ask yourself what kind of mood you want to create.  Do you want your space to arouse the senses or be calm and relaxing?  For example, red stimulates the senses and is a good choice for dining rooms.  

When choosing colors for a room, start with what you have; look for inspiration from your flooring, upholstery, rugs, and even artwork.  When you go to the paint store, take with you fabric and carpet samples, and anything else that will help you make your decision. 

When choosing colors remember the following principles:

1)  Paint dries darker.  The color in the can is not necessarily the color that will be on the walls.  

2)  Light changes color.  The same color will look different depending on the time of day. 

3)  Sheen changes color.  Paint comes in several sheen levels – flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss.  The shinier the color, the lighter it will look. 

4)  Texture affects color.  Smooth surfaces reflect light while a heavily textured wall will appear darker.  Remember also that shinier surfaces tend to show up a wall’s imperfections.  

5)  Colors affect one another.  Some colors will look different when placed up against certain colors.

Until next time...