The Elements of Color

Color means many things to many people. Some color meanings are well known and used by marketing executives to convey a message to the public. Red is used in many restaurants as it excites and increases the appetite. It speaks of a zest for life, passion, opinionated, and a strong leader. Yellow speaks that you are highly optimistic, original, imaginative, idealistic, creative and spiritual. Deep green conveys a richness and luxury that often builders use when building homes or condos. Orange is a combination of both yellow and red.

Color responses are learned through our culture, but some feelings on colors are purely individual. Red can expresses excitement and vibrancy. Pink hints at trustworthiness and sweetness. Blue reflects a calm environment, while green is associated with nature and growth. Yellow represents happiness, and brings light and cheer to any room. Brown conveys contentment and comfort. Purple is a regal color, which denotes nobility. A purple person is perplexing and highly creative with a quick perception of spiritual ideas. Orange takes on the characteristics of both red and yellow. Lovers of this color work hard and are adventurous and enthusiastic. White implies virtue and innocence, while black is bold and dominant. Gray depicts a sedate and composed environment. You prefer a secure, safe, balanced life. You work hard and are conservative, composed and reliable. Taupe communicates conservative thinking, being a person who is stable and reliable as well as responsible.

Selecting a color Scheme

When selecting a color scheme you should begin with your own preferences on color. Color combinations are as follows:

Complementary Color Schemes - These are rooms that are designed around two colors that are on the opposite sides of the color wheel. The colors will intensify each other and make for an exciting and stimulating room.

Examples: red and green or yellow and purple

Triad Color Schemes - When three colors on the color wheel that are located at equal distances from each other are used.

Example: red, yellow and blue

Analogous Color Schemes - A color scheme that uses two or three adjacent hues on the color wheel. This is a very harmonious scheme and is soft on the senses.

Example: yellow, yellow-green and green

Monochromatic Color Schemes - When only one color family is used in a room. Different tints and shades of a color can be used throughout the room.

Monotone Color Schemes - A room that has a monotone color scheme uses only one hue throughout

Glossary of Color Terms:

Analogous -A restricted palette three adjacent colors on the color wheel, which are harmonious, using the Hub color to decide the compliment color used. Chromo - the intensity and purity of a color

Color Wheel - the arrangement of colors in a circle in the order of the spectrum. It shows primary, secondary and territory colors.

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