Monday, February 25, 2013


More Color - Neutral Colors

 

 

Black, white and gray do not appear on the color wheel because they are not technically colors.  They are neutrals.  Brown is not found on the color wheel, but is made by combining any two complementary colors.  Neutral colors include monochromatic, monotone, and achromatic color schemes.  Achromatic neutrals are black, white, and gray only. 

Did you know that …

·        All neutral color schemes suggest calmness and can be very successful.
·        Neutral schemes are considered easy and safe but be careful that they don’t become dull and boring.
·        Neutral Plus is a good alternative to all neutral – A scheme that introduces one or more strongly chromatic hues in limited areas.

Who doesn’t love black?  Black…

·      suggests sophistication, elegance, dignity, wordliness, and mystery
·      is the color of authority and power
·      suggests formality (think black tie)
·      Is the color of mystery
·      Is a symbol of grief

 
While most of us love wearing black, use black sparingly in decorating.  It’s a great accent color.

Love white?  White…

·         indicates purity, innocence, cleanliness, youth
·         lends a sense of calm to a space

Here are a couple of tips when using white in decorating:

·         White looks good in a room that is enhanced by good natural light.
·         Choose warm creamy whites instead of stark whites.

Did you know that gray…

·         lacks assertiveness, but suggests intelligence, guarded behavior, a sense of discipline
·         is the color of aging as in “the graying of America”
·         is associated with wisdom
·         can seem chilling and impersonal
·        Gray’s energy imparts void, emptiness, lack of movement, emotion, warmth and identifying characteristics

Did you know that more men prefer brown than women?  Brown…

·         Is relaxing and easy to live with
·         associated with nature
·         conveys warmth and comfort
·         is solid and reliable, suggests stability
·         denotes masculine qualities
·         is the color of earth and abundant in nature

So next time you are faced with a decision concerning color, whether what you are to wear or what color to paint your room, remember that color influences the mind as it does the body.  Color works magic by communicating with our emotions. Color has the power to inspire, energize, soothe, and enliven.
Until next time...

 

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