DECODING COLOURS

Colours do set the tone for a space. They can simply make or break a décor language. It is not only essential to have an aesthetically appealing colour selections but it should even compliment the purpose of the space for which it has been picked for.Colour is an integral element of our world, not just in the natural environment but also in the man-made architectural environment. Colours have always played a role in the human evolutionary process.

When choosing wall and flooring colours, it’s important to keep the goal of the zone in mind.Colour has a profound influence on any territory and the people in it. Use it to your advantage to create an inviting, productive space.

Here are few tips and tricks to follow before you pick that right shade :

1. Pattern Play :

Choose a colour palette from the largest pattern in the space which has been designed. The colour can be picked up from the upholstery, carpet/rugs, or an intricate artwork in the space. It’s a cheat for you to follow and let the colour do it’s work.

2.Vertical Dark to Light :

Indoors reflects the outdoors, take the cue and follow the thumb rule of dissecting colour shades on the basis of as appeared outside(in nature). They can be categorized widely in three categories, ground depicting the floor, trees and buildings depicting the walls and the skies depicting the ceiling. Now the colours can be kept in mind and set in the right shade from here, ground has to be the darkest, walls a little lighter and the ceiling has to be the lightest to have a balanced and harmonious colour play.

3.Start Small :

If you’re not sure of how and where to start off, take baby steps. Always take up a smaller job, say a powder room or a bathroom and experiment with colours in such small spaces. This will not only will give you a direction but your take on colour selection and visual experience will get a boost too. So go ahead and shower that small corner in your crib with some experiments!

4. the colour-wheel way :

Refer to the colour wheel for instant assistance, for example analogous colours are found next to one another on the colour wheel, such as green and blue. These are relaxing colours and are best suited for the informal spaces such as a courtyard, lounge. Colour wheel will give your vision the visual direction of selecting the colours in a more informed manner.

5.Lighting the right way :

To enhance spaces, lighting should be paid utmost attention in achieving the perfect picture for your designed spaces. Many times we don’t give lights the importance and depend solely on our colour selection for the final picture. For example, if a bright colour(say, red) is painted on a massive focal wall in a room and if it doesn’t get the desired lights, the room would appear to be too dark and shady at night. Lighting not only enhances the spaces but it adds another dimension to the spatial planning and aesthetic appearance of the elements which make up the room.

6.Decorative Depth :

Transform flat and dull walls into interesting and personalised spaces with a hint of subtle or dramatic visual texture and broken colours. For example, giving a dull white wall in your living room a makeover with textured paints, this will instantly give a new dimension to your zone.

There are tons of finishes available in the market these days to add an intense value to your arena.

These are some quick tips and tricks to evaluate your colour bonanza spree while decoding the colour for your space.The impression of a colour and the message it conveys is of utmost importance in creating the psychological mood or ambiance that supports the function of a space. Decoding colour is a simple step process if the elements and planning are in sync.

• Article curated by Ar. InshaSoni& Ar. KeshavAhuj