One of the more enjoyable
aspects of having your home painted is color selection. Understanding how color
can impact your environment is an important part of the selection process. A
little color theory might be helpful. The primary colors are red,
blue, and yellow. When equal parts of the primary colors are mixed, they produce
the secondary colors orange (a mixture of red and yellow), green (yellow and
blue), and purple (blue and red). Adding white to a color produces a tint, while
adding black creates a shade. By mixing varying amounts of the primary and
secondary colors, as well as white and/ or black, an almost infinite number of
colors are possible.
For decorating purposes
color has certain psychological aspects. The intensity and brightness of a color
can create a specific mood. For example, yellow is a warm color that has
been found to heighten anger and anxiety. Blues are cool colors, and promote
tranquility. Other colors, such as gold and burgundy are associated with
royalty, and create a feeling of formality and elegance. The use of a room should
also be considered. Green is a relaxing color and lighter greens work well in
study areas and bedrooms. Playrooms are enhanced with informal colors like muted
oranges. Red has been found to actually stimulate appetite, which is one reason
it is popular in restaurants. Color can also change the
appearance of a rooms size. Dark colors make a room feel smaller, while light
colors create a feeling of spaciousness. A narrow room can be made to appear
wider by painting one, or both, of the narrow walls a darker color. A light
color will make a ceiling appear higher. Because color is a response
to light reflected from an object, the light source can have an impact of the
appearance of a color. The same color may look considerably different in natural
light, incandescent light., and fluorescent light. Each light source emits
different amounts of energy in the visible spectrum, and can enhance or subdue a
particular color. With so many factors to consider, and
choices available, the choice of selecting a color can seem
overwhelming. Color selection is first and foremost, a
personal preference. While the factors discussed in this
article should be considered, what really matters is that
the color you select is pleasing and creates the environment
you desire.