Color theory and color harmony

Color theory encompasses a multitude of definitions, concepts and design applications. All the information would fill several encyclopedias. As an introduction, here are a few basic concepts.
A color circle, based on red, yellow and blue, is traditional in the field of art. Sir Isaac Newton developed the first circular diagram of colors in 1666. Since then scientists and artists have studied and designed numerous variations of this concept. Differences of opinion about the validity of one format over another continue to provoke debate. In reality, any color circle or color wheel which presents a logically arranged sequence of pure hues has merit.

 PRIMARY COLORS - Red, yellow and blue.
In traditional color theory, these are the 3 pigment colors that can not be mixed or formed by any combination of other colors. All other colors are derived from these 3 hues.


 
SECONDARY COLORS - Green, orange and purple.

These are the colors formed by mixing the primary colors.

 
TERTIARY COLORS - Yellow-orange, red-orange, red - purple, blue - purple, blue - green and yellow - green.
These are the colors formed by mixing a primary and a secondary color. That's why the hue is a two word name, such as blue - green, red - violet, and yellow - orange.

 
COLOR HARMONY
 

In visual experiences, harmony is something that is pleasing to the eye. It engages the viewer and it creates an inner sense of order, a balance in the visual experience. When something is not harmonious, it's either boring or chaotic. At one extreme is a visual experience that is so bland that the viewer is not engaged. The human brain will reject under-stimulating information. At the other extreme is a visual experience that is so overdone, so chaotic that the viewer can't stand to look at it. The human brain rejects what it can not organize, what it can not understand. The visual task requires that we present a logical structure. Color harmony delivers visual interest and a sense of order.

Some Formulas for Color Harmony...

There are many theories for harmony. The following illustrations and descriptions present some basic formulas.

A color scheme based on analogous colors...
Analogous colors are any three colors which are side by side on a 12 part color wheel, such as yellow - green, yellow, and yellow - orange. Usually one of the three colors predominates.


A color scheme based on complementary colors...
Complementary colors are any two colors which are directly opposite each other, such as red and green and red - purple and yellow - green. In the illustration above, there are several variations of yellow - green in the leaves and several variations of red - purple in the orchid. These opposing colors create maximum contrast and maximum stability.

A color scheme based on nature...

Nature provides a perfect departure point for color harmony. In the illustration above, red yellow and green create a harmonious design, regardless of whether this combination fits into a technical formula for color harmony.

More Benjamin Moore

I like quite a few of the shades of the spring 2011 Pottery Barn/ Benjamin Moore collection. Below are a few more selected colors, Sparrow and Smoked Oyster. I know I said in an earlier blog that I might paint a feature wall in the bedroom Stone Brown, but I might actually go for Smoked Oyster.

Green & White at Home

I like to mix up white with acent colors, I usually chance depending on season and lime green is a favorite for spring. A few years back I painted one of the walls in the hallway a lime green benjamin moore color and liked it so much it is still there. The insiprational pictures on how to use lime green are from Living Etc.Certain is that the front doorpainted lime green visitors would not get lost!

Benjamin Moore & Pottery Barn Spring 2011 Colors

As they have done for a while Benjamin Moore and Pottery Barn have created a paint collection together for us to redecorate our homes in. Below are a few of the spring 2011 favorites of mine. I'm thinking of painting a feature wall of the 'Stone Brown' (last one below) in the bedroom.

 

KITCHEN SET DESIGN

You alau plan kitchen set, of course you need to make sure that the design kitchen set that you create will be very functional, efficient and enjoyable, and physically comfortable to work. Getting quality kitchen cabinets and high-quality devices certainly important. But far more important is the design and layout and dimensions of the right size.

Now before you design or renovate dream Kitchen set right attention following several principles.

First, the traditional concept: triangle work (Work Triangle)

KITCHEN DESIGN COLOR IDEAS

type='html'>Are you planning on redesigning your kitchen? If so, you are probably anxious to pick the right colors for your new kitchen. Picking the right color might be the most important decision you make because it sets the tone for the room. Picking the right colour may mean the difference between a great kitchen design idea that will give you pleasure for years to come or a poorly accentuated kitchen that never looks quite right.

When you start to plan all those kitchen design ideas, you should think about these ways we respond to the different colors:

Black
Black is usually associated with darkness and despair. It is also often associated with death so you might think twice before using this color. The color black will absorb light and unless you want your kitchen to be a depressing place, black should be used sparingly.

White
Very much the opposite of black, white works to reflect about 85% of light. White seems to make rooms seem brighter and larger. Unfortunately, white walls are vulnerable to scraping and marking and a kitchen environment might not be the best place for white with food flying all around.

Red
Darker shades of red will create a sense of warmth. Red will also act to stimulate and energize so it can be a very exciting and vibrant color for a kitchen. Afterall, the kitchen is an exciting place where many wonderful foods are created. Brighter reds may counterbalance neutral colors and add lexcitement to the kitchen.

Orange
Orange has some of the same characteristics of red and may work well with a kitchen. The brighter the orange you use, the more lively the room will become. A softer orange will tend to make the room more warm and welcoming.

Green
Green works will to balance red and orange. For a kitchen, a darker shade of green may work the same as black. It is probably best to stay away from the darker greens and and stick with the lighter shades.

Blue
It is said that blue works to calm the nervous system. It can soften bright rooms but is not too ofen used in a kitchen. Very similar to green, if a dark shade of blue is used it may end up with the same effect as black. The lighter shades of blue make people feel peaceful and comforted.

Yellow
Yellow is a fantastic color that is often used in kitchens. It is a cheery and stimulating color. Lighter yellows will work to make the kitchen feel larger. It is a powerful color though that is best not overused. Yellow is best used in combination with another color.

Color Inspiration: Peach and Yellow

Lately, I have been obsessed with this spring color combination - peach and yellow.  The colors in this combination create a dreamy, fresh, and vibrant feel!  Can you tell I'm done with winter and ready for spring??  I swear I was meant to live down South where it is warmer.

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Below you see a peach and gold color combination as evidenced by the wall color and the acrylic chair.  I would love to use this color combination in a girl's nursery or bedroom. 

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In the next photo, I love the color of the peach curtains paired against the yellow chair.  

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Kristen Hutchins creates a more subtle and softer look pairing these two colors by using a peachish, pinkish throw and pale yellow euro shams.  And, how much do you love the lucite desk chair?

Here, Kristen Hutchins picks up the two colors with the fabric on the sofa seat and the peach tulips - Just lovely!

Okay, now I am ready for some sun and warmth!  How about you?  Happy Friday!!

Use of Color

Love the painted squares in navy with the white interior of this flat. Stunning backdrop to the pictures and a nice feature. Picture borrowed from Danish magazine Bo Bedre.

Fall Dressing the Living room

It's getting darker and colder in London and I just dressed the living room for the winter in warm pink, purple and brown. Soon time for the Christmas decoration!

NYC feel

Another one of the estate agents I regularly check in with is Skeppsholmen. They had this NYC feel/looking apartment on a month back and I just love it. Not sure I would paint my walls a purpuly/ grey,at least not for very long, but all the colors in this apartment just comes together so very nicely I had to share it with you!

Blue & Green

I am taking an e-Color course that I won as a giveaway and it has opened my eyes to the world of color.  Every time I look at an interior shot, I immediately notice the color palette.  I've been enjoying pinpointing the color combos so much that I've stared saving my pics by the room type and by the color palette used in the room.  

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Domino

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Domino

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Domino

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And, did you notice the variety of accents used - pink, orange, yellow, etc.  So, any favorite color combos you've been loving lately?  

Note:  Thank you all for your incredibly sweet comments about our new house paint job - seriously, I was overwhelmed by the response!!  It made my day!

Pop of Color

Pop of color using one of my favorites; the Vitra DSR chairs. They are very comfy to sit in and am becoming increasingly popular, hard toopen any design magazine (at least European) with out seeing at least one picture with one. The below is from the Danish magazine Bolig Liv

Neutral Magnolia

All new flats in the UK are painted with the universal neutral shade 'Magnolia'. Usually I think this shade is boring, but surfing on my lunch hour I find these pictures that are living proof neutral in Magnolia can look lovely!