When you select colors for your home, having a good understanding on how colors are created is very helpful. The color wheel is a wonderful tool that helps us to see how colors are made and how they interact with one another.   If we begin with the color red and follow the color wheel in a clockwise fashion,  we can begin our learning experience.

  • Red -  this color can range from looking very warm to versions that are much bluer.  Yellow makes the red warmer and adding blue changes the red into a color that feels and looks cooler.  When white is added to red it creates pink which is much softer than pure red. Red is an intense color and very energetic.  You could use this color in an area where you want a sophisticated and luxurious design.
  • Orange – When you mix red and yellow, you create orange.  Depending on the type of red or yellow that you use, there are numerous types of oranges.  They can range from the bright orange of the fruit to the rusty colors that you may see in a Tuscan style home.   Orange makes us feel warm, energetic and can increase our appetite.  In your home, bright orange adds a contemporary design to any room while more rusty earthy versions can provide a warm and comforting feeling.
  • Yellow  – Adding yellow to any color usually warms it up.  Yellow is a bright color and is nice to use if you want a cheery look to your home.   Yellows can range from very bright to softer and more pastel tones.  Use the very bright yellows in smaller areas and the softer yellows to paint an entire room.
  • Green – The colors yellow and blue create green.  The more yellow the green has in it the warmer it feels.  Greens provide a calm look and remind us of nature.  To connect your home to the outdoors, choose greens that remind you of the plants around your home.
  • Blue -  If you want your home to feel relaxed use the color blue.  Pastel blues can provide a softer look while darker options create a more sophisticated and masculine feeling.
  • Purple – Mixing blue and red together make purple.  Adding white to purple creates lavender.  Some purples are wonderful to use for a retreat area and other purples can provide a playful look to a child’s room.
  • Neutrals (Browns) – Browns are made by combining a number of different colors.    Neutrals vary quite a bit and can have an orange, red or even blue tone to them.  Using browns and tans provide a sense of grounding in our homes and they work well with other colors.
  • Black and Grey – Both black and grey are sophisticated colors and can be a great backdrop to other colors.  Adding white to black creates grey.  Grey’s can have blue or yellow tones to them.
  • White – The color white comes from many different sources.  Some versions are very cool while others can have hints of yellow, pink or even orange.  Selecting the correct white is important since you want it to relate to the other colors and finishes in your home.  White is always a wonderful color to use when you want other colors to stand-out.  Galleries use it all of the time in this way so that the artwork is the main focus.  Try using just white tones on all of the finishes and furnishings in a room for a soft and contemporary feel.

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Carol Gilman is an artist and interior designer.  Her company Clio Design provides residential interior design services, original artwork and art consultation services.  Please visit her website at www.cliointeriordesign.com.

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