Color or No Color?

By: Marjorie Henderson - 1849Design Owner and Interior Designer

Creating a blank interior slate using white background and accenting colors.

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Do you like the blank slate of white walls or the colorful canvas surrounding you? For me, I have always loved mixing color, creating a warmth and comfortable environment in which I can relax in. The palette that I picked for my home in the pictures below portray a bohemian theme; warm shades of tans and clay, along with cool shades of blues and grays. With the browns of the floors guiding my wall color choices, these colors seemed to flow so well together. Plus, we have a large dog that muddied up my new white walls fast!

I actually started picking colors for our home while it was in the building process. Having the ability to virtually pick everything, right down to the knobs on drawers, was one of the most exciting things to me. But there were still times when I wasn't sure of a choice I had made because I couldn't see it beforehand. I wanted to make sure all material choices meshed first, and then I went ahead and picked color.

WITHOUT LIGHT, THERE IS NO COLOR

As a designer, when making color choices, many factors are considered. Some of these factors include geographic location, spatial position, and client preference. In geographic locations, certain styles are more prevalent than others, such as a beach theme near lakes and oceans or rustic and cabin themes in mountainous areas. When looking at the spatial areas of certain rooms, it is important to note where the sun comes up and sets, as well as the size of the space. If the room seems dark and the size of the room is smaller, keeping the paint lighter in that area is going to make the room brighter while creating a larger spatial illusion. But, if the room is large and bright, color can really have an impact. The sky can be the limit. If the client wants a darker room color in a darker part of the house, a richer color can create a very cozy and enclosed haven. And then there is what the client likes, which ultimately goes. I usually choose some swatches first before meeting with clients. The color swatches most generally have lighter and darker tints, shades, and/or tones of my color choice, in case the client likes a lighter or darker version of what I ultimately chose.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOR

While the color wheel shows us that opposites attract and interact the best with each other, I have found that this doesn't always apply to spaces, whether the colors are being used in the same space or adjacent spaces. Mixing many different colors can be a mistake and create chaos throughout while using all one color throughout can be bland and sometimes monotonous. Yet, if you do not like using multiple colors on walls, that one color chosen can be seen in different ways throughout spaces by use of decor and pops of color contrasting it. For example, you wish to have many spaces one color, such as white, off-white, or gray, but each room has a different decor and color chosen to pop out in that room, such as maybe pillows, decor pieces, furniture, pictures, etc. Maybe a different theme is applied to each of the rooms to create their own identity. Or if there is an open concept throughout, maybe keeping them united as one is the way to go.

Gray tones give this living space a neutral vibe with accenting colors completing the design.

Another factor that comes into play with color involves how certain colors can affect a person's mood psychologically. Grays can create a sort of soothing atmosphere in the home, but if used throughout with no other color contrasting, can become mundane and dull. In other spaces such as workplaces, studies show it has been known to cause depression amongst females. Bright, warm colors in the kitchen can entice eating. They can also be warm and inviting, but if used in a sunroom, could make an individual feel too warm. As I mentioned before, whites and light shades can increase the size of the room in illusion while also creating a bright, open and airy feeling. Blues are used greatly in any environment. But, again, if used in a certain type of space, can actually affect one's mood to become somber, or why they say someone is feeling "blue."

It can definitely be tricky to decide on color, especially when it will most likely be present in the space for many years to come. If you have no idea what color to choose, reaching out to an interior designer is definitely the way to go. This choice can be daunting for many individuals and create a sort of stress trying to decide what may work and what may not. With trends changing constantly as well, an interior designer can work with you to help ease the stress of the decision making while creating the interior spaces of your dreams.

If you are looking for any design assistance or have any questions on design services, please visit my website at 1849 Design.