If you ever had trouble choosing a paint color for your home or wondered how designers and artists always find the best color combinations you’re not alone. Their secret is the application of the color theory to every detail. Color theory is a useful tool that you can use when choosing paint colors for your paint, furniture and finishes and it’s easier to implement than you might think. Hi I’m Michele Irizarry CEO and Broker of Shore Prime Properties. We are fortunate to see so many home interiors and different paint looks. The various trends that we have seen over the years has allowed us to advise our sellers on what looks can help the home show its best and get top dollar when it comes time to sell. If you haven’t done so already please be sure to like and follow Shore Prime Properties. We’re on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. We post weekly content for home buyers and sellers and cover topics like design trends, DIY tips and the home buying and selling process. Let’s dive into the idea of color theory.
Color theory is both a science and an art that involves the study of hues and how to use them in harmony. In art color can affect the mood and aesthetics of a piece but the same principles apply to home design.
The color wheel: The characteristics of every color are determined primarily by its hue. The first color wheel dates to the 17th century when Sir Isaac Newton observed the visible spectrum of light during his prism experiment. He saw that all color combinations came from three primary colors. From those three, he discovered secondary and tertiary color combinations. Primary colors are red, yellow and blue. Secondary colors are primary colors mixed in various combinations that result in green, orange and purple and tertiary colors are colors made from one primary and one secondary color such as blue green.
Shade, Tint and Tone: American painter Albert H. Munsell expanded Newton’s idea into a three-dimensional color tree by adding the categories of chroma- the purity or intensity of a color and color value which is the lightness or darkness of a color. The interactions of hue, chroma and value are the basis by which we still interpret color today as shade, tint and tone. Which can change a color’s intensity and its appearance when next to other colors. That’s why you might think bright red and bright green look like the holidays but a burgundy and forest green look regal. Shade- a color to which black has been added. Tint- a color to which white has been added and tone is a color to which black and white or gray have been added.
How to apply the color theory and design: So now that you understand how colors interact you can use the relationships of all colors to find a beautiful palette that you can use in your home.
Step one- pick a color temperature. Choosing a color temperature for your room is the first step to using color theory and design. Color temperatures range from cool to warm and just like a thermometer you can gauge with your eyes how cold or warm a color is. Depending on a color’s temperature can invoke feelings of joy and passion or relaxation and creativity. Traditionally the three coolest colors are blue, green and purple but they can become warm if they’re mixed with a warm shade. The same applies to warm colors when mixed with cool shades even neutral colors have a temperature. You just need to determine their undertone. For example, a cool blue bathroom could feel like a serene spa, while a warm yellow bathroom could feel like a burst of energy in the morning. Think about what time of day you’d like to shower and when you spend the most time in your bathroom. Use color temperature according to your preferences and how you want to feel when you step into the room. You can mix warm and cool colors or stick to just one color temperature depending on the look you’re going for. A mixed color temperature palette can offer a more playful and bolder atmosphere than a single color temperature can.
Step two– choose a color scheme. It’s time to decide which colors you want to choose. Be mindful that the more colors you use the more carefully you’ll need to place them. The following combinations are known as harmonies and each will bring a unique look to your space. Monochrome: three shades, tones and tints of the same color create a subtle and relaxing aesthetic. A bathroom or bedroom is the best space for a monochrome color scheme. Complementary: two colors that are on opposite sides of the color wheel. This combination will emphasize the colors you choose for a bold look. A formal dining room or entryway looks great with complementary colors. Analogous: three side-by-side colors on the color wheel that offer an understated look. Consider an analogous look scheme for an office or another area that needs a hint of color without looking busy. Triadic: three evenly spaced colors on the color wheel that create a vibrant look using one dominant color and two accent colors. Use a triadic palette in a room with no windows such as a finished basement. Tetratic or double complementary: four colors evenly spaced on the color wheel. Typically there is one dominant color and three accent colors. Use a tetratic scheme in a child’s bedroom or creative hobby space.
Step three- balance your palette. How can you determine how much of each color to use? It can be easy to find a color that you love and run with it but make sure that you attractively balance your palette. Most designers abide by the 60/30/10 rule. A dominant color covers 60% of the room, a secondary hue takes up 30% of the room and accent colors top off the room at 10 percent. This rule doesn’t just apply to paint, it can be used for every element in the room. Pillows, furniture, lamp shades, window treatments and rugs should be a part of the color equation. The 60/30/10 rule is just a guideline though so don’t be afraid to find your perfect balance. Be sure to think about how your lighting will interact with the colors in the space too. As previously mentioned white and black affects the shade and tint of colors. If you have less natural light hitting the room you can add pops of white. If your room is full of sunshine consider adding darker accents.
When applied properly, color theory can transform your home into a space you love. For more help, an interior designer can be a great source of expert information and inspiration. Reach out to us today if you need any designer recommendations. I’m Michele Irizarry selling prime real estate at the Jersey Shore.
