Colour-physco

Working as an interior designer one of the most complicated decisions that you have to make is the colour scheme for a project. As an architect I am used to work in blanck & white, but coulour is what it gives personality to a space. It gives the warmth required to make a room habitable. Monochrome images talks about the depht and volume of an space but colour is more related with feelings and perception. 

In 1666, English scientist Sir Isaac Newton discovered that when pure white light passes through a prism, it separates into all of the visible colors. 

While perceptions of color are somewhat subjective, there are some color effects that have universal meaning. Colors in the red area of the color spectrum are known as warm colors and include red, orange and yellow. These warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility. 

 

Gilardi House by Luis Barragan

 Colors on the blue side of the spectrum are known as cool colors and include blue, purple and green. These colors are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of sadness or indifference.

Several ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Chinese, practiced chromotherapy, or using colors to heal. Chromotherapy is sometimes referred to as light therapy or colourology and is still used today as a holistic or alternative treatment.

Red was used to stimulate the body and mind and to increase circulation. 

Yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body. 

Orange was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels. 

Blue was believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain. 

Indigo shades were thought to alleviate skin problems.

Verner Panton interior

Most psychologists view color therapy with skepticism and point out that the supposed effects of color have been exaggerated. Colors also have different meanings in different cultures. Research has demonstrated in many cases that the mood-altering effects of color may only be temporary. A blue room may initially cause feelings of calm, but the effect dissipates after a short period of time. 

 As a conclusion there is a lot of presure on choosing the colour for a wall and even more combine it with another. Sometimes you can go crazy but there is this inner responsability as a designer that your choice will have an effect on people. Experience it is crucial and learning from errors give you the correct answer to paint a white canvas.

Verner Panton

Explore more about colours physicology HERE