colour theory – The Interiors Addict

The following is an extract from The Little Book of Colour by Karen Haller, published by Penguin Books.

When we understand that every colour can be used to create a positive emotional response, it becomes a powerful tool to affect our wellbeing; it has a transformative effect on how we feel, think and behave. Following is a quick reference guide as to how to use colour in different rooms.

RED
Some popular names: Rust, russet, cherry, strawberry, maroon, watermelon, pillar-box, burgundy, fire-engine
Positive effects using the right tone for you: Feelings of physical energy, excitement, strength and courage
Adverse effects using the wrong tone or too much: Can feel overheated and aggressive, can lead to feelings of impatience or being emotionally overwhelmed

Ideal area in the home

Bedroom – passion (lust)
Dining room – can stimulate conversation (though too much red can turn a discussion from friendly to heated)

Best avoided

Any room that feels hot, like a kitchen, or receives full direct sunlight
Study, meditation room, as can overexcite

PINK
Some popular names: Pastel pink, nude, shell, rose, dusty pink, blush, fuchsia, magenta
Positive effects using the right tone for you: Feelings of maternal love. Nurturing, compassionate
Adverse effects using the wrong tone or too much: Can feel emotionally fragile, emasculating, physically draining

Ideal area in the home

Nursery – eases tension, soothing
Bedroom – can help with grief or loneliness

Best avoided: Avoid soft pink in a home gym, as it’s physically soothing

YELLOW
Some popular names: Daffodil, buttermilk, magnolia, saffron, lemon, sunflower, mustard, fluorescent yellow
Positive effects using the right tone for you: Feelings of happiness, optimism and confidence
Adverse effects using the wrong tone or too much: Can feel overstimulating, can lead to irritability and feelings of anxiousness

Ideal area in the home

Hallways – these are usually dark without much, if any, natural light.
Breakfast areas – great if you wish to create a sunny, happy way to start the day
Brightens a dark space
Can create a sense of light, warmth and a friendly welcome

Best avoided

Bedroom – over time, a yellow bedroom is likely to mean waking up irritable and annoyed
Babies are very sensitive to colour frequencies, so avoid using cream, which also contains yellow
Spaces that already feel overheated

ORANGE
Some popular names: Terracotta, amber, peach, apricot, burnt orange, salmon, pumpkin, Persian orange

Positive effects using the right tone for you:

Feelings of fun, playfulness and joy
Supports feelings of physical comfort, security and warmth
Stimulates appetite
Feelings of sensuality and passion

Adverse effects of using the wrong tone or too much

Can feel too playful and over-stimulating
Too frivolous

Ideal area in the home

Kitchen, dining room – encourages socialising and stimulates appetite
Bedroom – look for soft peach and apricot tones

Best avoided: Study, meditation room – as orange can be playful and fun, you may find it difficult to concentrate

Image: Ayman Alakhras, iStock/Getty Images

BLUE
Some popular names: Sky blue, duck egg, periwinkle, navy, royal blue, turquoise, petrol, teal, powder blue, midnight blue

Positive effects using the right tone for you

Light blue creates feelings of calm and serenity
Can aid in reducing mental stress and relieving tension
Dark blue aids focus and concentration

Adverse effects using the wrong tone or too much: Can feel depressed, withdrawn, cold

Ideal area in the home

Bedroom – light blue helps to relax the body and prepares us for sleep
Study – light blue for creative, ‘blue sky’ thinking, dark blue for focus and concentration
Bathrooms – turquoise for morning energising and waking up the body and mind

Best avoided

Kitchen and dining areas – as blue can aid in suppressing the appetite
Spaces that already feel cold

GREEN
Some popular names: Apple, mint, forest, bottle, sage, jade, moss, pea green, pine, chartreuse, seafoam, pistachio, aqua, emerald, khaki, olive

Positive effects using the right tone for you

Creates feelings of harmony, peace, reassurance
Restorative, restful and tranquil
Lighter greens can be refreshing
Can help us to feel connected to nature

Adverse effects using the wrong tone or too much: Feelings of stagnation and lack of motivation

Ideal area in the home

Bedroom, study, home office, living room
A psychological primary colour – restorative and rejuvenating for the holistic whole

Best avoided: Using lime green in the bedroom – the yellow in this overstimulates the nervous system

Image: Nicholas Bjorn, product designer, NICHBA DENMARK

BLACK
Some popular names: Onyx, jet
Positive effects using the right tone for you: Sophistication, glamour, aspirational, protected
Adverse effects using the wrong tone or too much: Oppressive, cold, menacing, straining, intimidating

Ideal area in the home

Recommended for use only by those who have black in their tonal colour family
More supportive dark colours are dark browns, purples or blues

Best avoided: A room that already feels cold, small or with little light, as it will make the space feel smaller and possibly claustrophobic

WHITE
Some popular names: Ivory, oyster, pale cream, pure white, Brilliant White
Positive effects using the right tone for you: Clarity, purity, cleanliness, simplicity, sophistication, efficiency
Adverse effects using the wrong tone or too much: Isolation, sterility, coldness, unfriendliness, elitism
Ideal area in the home: Kitchen, bathroom (accent colour) – creates feeling of cleanliness
Best avoided: If white makes you feel very cold, then avoid using as the main colour. It can also feel sterile and isolating

Download the first chapter or purchase The Little Book of Colour

Celebrated interior stylist and author Megan Morton has used the latest dusty pink and purple Sheridan range to illustrate her unique colour theory.

The stylist’s ‘Three Degrees of Colour’ theory not only supports the range, but it’s a great method for anyone to employ when using colour in the home. Basically, you need to consider the room and adjust the levels of colour accordingly, whether it be the ‘accent a little, ‘enhance some more,’ or the ‘immerse yourself in colour’ approach.

“A beautiful home works when all the rooms and spaces have a holding palette – tones that hold them together beautifully. You can then use a little amount of your chosen colour in one room, be slightly more heavy handed in another and go fuller strength in another without the fear of over-colouring,” says Megan.

For example, given its functionality, a bathroom usually only requires a touch of colour and towels will usually provide this. The lounge room, however, requires that bit more – think layers of coloured and textured cushions on the sofa. The bedroom is the perfect space in which to go full-tilt with your chosen colour – think a feature wall and complementary cushions on the bed.

“Your instinct needs to play a part which is why colour palettes are such a hard one to copy from a Pinterest image,” says Megan, who always considers the entire space before starting on a project. “When it comes to the use of colour, you must consider the floor and wall tones as well as the external elements should the room enjoy windows looking outward. Rooms are never just four walls and a roof – they frame the outside world.

“My colour theory works across all tones in the same way that eyeshadow application works. Sometimes you only need a little, sometimes a bit more and some occasions require a lot! Ultimately though, you should always consider the room’s mood, tone and usage.”

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