Color Basics...

 Color Basics

It is every inspiring designers dream to have big name clients and a working budget into the tens of thousands… but its not as easy as it may seem. There is a great deal information that needs to be understood before any aspiring designer or design enthusiast can effectively design a space.  Color is a very important concept to understand and it serves so many purposes.  Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your colors. 

Everyone sees color differently:

First things first! The ability to distinguish the different shades of any given color range vary widely depending on the person, each person has a self limiting range of ability to see the differences in shades, hue, and value of colors.

Light can be your friend or your enemy:

Direct and indirect light can not only affect the appearance of your color but also impact the appearance of other colors and objects in the room. Taking into account where your light sources are coming from will help a great deal in deciding which colors to choose. Indirect light can scatter the color onto another surface making that object or surface seem darker or even changing the appearance of the color and even the room all-together.

Know your materials:

Knowing how to match your prints and colors sometimes just isn’t enough.  Have you ever noticed a blue blanket doesn’t completely match the blue accessories in the room? That is because materials absorb color differently, a blue wool throw will almost never exactly match a blue vase. The reason for this is again… light.  Colors react to light differently so knowing what type of light conditions and how the materials and colors will react will ensure that you are able to match aspects in the room that tie the design together.

Not only can color make or break a design concept, but, because humans live in such a visual world it can effect the emotions and feelings of the people in the room. Understanding color and your clients needs, wants, personalities and lifestyles will allow you to customize their space.