White When used properly, white can be impressive. But if you make the décor too white, it can look sterile and be hard on the eyes. For best results, create rhythm by breaking up the white with other colors, textures, patterns, and shapes. Yellow When done right, yellow can create a lively feel. But this color can also be difficult to nail down. Different tones evoke different moods, which don’t always have the intended effect. Test thoroughly before you begin decorating with this color. Green Like blue, green is a calming color. Richer, more saturated greens can evoke health, nature, and a lively energy. Using green successfully means striking the right level of brightness, saturation, and tone. Purple This color has the shortest wavelength of all of the colors, which means it tends to look farther away than it is. Purple isn’t quite as calming as blue, but also not quite as passionate as red. It can evoke spiritual feelings or dramatic moods. Black Unlike brighter colors, black absorbs light and can make a space feel smaller. As with white, black can be very dramatic, especially when contrasted and rhythmically combined with other colors. Being the darkest color, it can create a “somber” mood or heavier feeling. Red Red is very stark. It stands out and keeps your attention. In marketing, this color is used to evoke passion and desire, and it has a similar impact in home environments. It has been shown to increase heart rates, which makes it a good choice for dining room projects. Use in moderation for best results. Blue On the other hand, this color is used to create a calming effect. Blue is a “cool” color, and is best used in environments where a tranquil mood is desirable. Bathrooms, bedrooms, and offices are common choices for blue color schemes. Tan Tan is an earthy color. Unlike blue, it is considered “warm,” and can have a stabilizing, comforting effect. Under-saturated tan colors can appear drab or worn. General Color Tips Regardless of your color choice, there are a few best practices to keep in mind: First of all, find the right level of saturation. Richer colors carry more energy, while de-saturated colors carry less. Colors that are too rich can overpower the décor and throw the mood off balance, while colors that don’t have enough energy can detract from the desired mood or evoke an entirely different feeling. Second of all, create rhythm by breaking up the colors. Too much of a good thing isn’t a good thing anymore. Create rhythm by contrasting a color with textures, patterns, objects, and shapes that are black, white, or gray. A design scheme with multiple colors can work sometimes, but they can also be difficult to pull off. Finally, test everything. Test big to see how colors make you feel. Small swatches can give a good idea of how a color will impact a room, but the larger the sample, the more the color will actually evoke the mood. Another benefit of testing is that you’ll be able to see firsthand how the color will affect you – the above guidelines are only guidelines, and everyone’s reaction may be different.]]>
