Everyone responds to colour. But everyone does not have an identical response. Your experiences, your cultural influences, fashion influences and trends are amongst some of the factors that impact on your response to colour. This is essentially why people react differently to colour. Because of this it is risky to have someone singlehandedly select colours for spaces that matter to you.
While you can have guidance from family and friends, books and from colour experts, even though colour is perfectly coordinated, if it doesn't speak positively to you, the colour scheme will be unsettling. It is essential that you get involved and tune in to your response to colour.
Combining colours.
Many are literally afraid of colour. They are horrified over the risk of selecting the wrong colour(s). This fear is linked to the fact that poor colour combinations can actually make a space feel uncomfortable in the least and uninhabitable in the extreme. The best colour combinations are those that mix warm and cool colours; i.e. combining colours from opposite sides of the colour wheel. The energy such as blue, green and violet with an accent of a warm colour such as yellow, red and orange will give a room the decorated look and appear to have energy, depth and polish. The Split complementary, tetrad and triad colour schemes will achieve this balance. Use classic colour tools such as the colour wheel to assist.
Neutrals.
You may be wondering how do neutrals have a place in a discussion of colour. Don't be fooled. There is more to neutrals than cream, off white and taupe. When aiming for a neutral scheme think natural; think nature. Colours such as sky blue and sea green can be considered a neutral. And colours do not need to be white and washed out. Experiment with deep rich chocolate brown, khaki, olive green, sages, steely grey and nearly black purples can be viewed as neutral. Some reds and oranges can also be considered a neutral. Neutrals help bring tranquillity and calm. So whatever your favourite colour you can find a neutral version for your zen space. To create drama in neutral colour schemes, have a mixture of light, medium and dark tones and use a generous amount of varying texture.
Putting it all together. For visual interest and good balance, use at least three colours in a space. But do not use them in the same proportion. Be guided by the tried and true 60-30-10 ratio: main colour 60 per cent, secondary colour 30 per cent and accent colour 10 per cent. For a tranquil space, avoid strong contrast by keeping colour values closer together. Expand the perceived space in your home by creating a colour flow as you move from room to room. Each room should have a connection with adjacent rooms by using at least one colour from the adjoining space. Every colour has a warm and cool version. Think lipstick red versus brick red. The undertones of a colour can take it from bold and bright to quiet and warm. Mix compatible undertones for the most cohesive look and feel. Whatever colour you select, consider going just a little darker for a more professional and 'decorator' look.
Colour fallacies.
Dark colours do not make a room appear smaller. But the contrast of light colours against dark does. Don't be unduly influenced by trends. Colours from another era can date your space and give it a tired and unfashionable look. So while you do not want to be a slave to what's 'in' you do not want trends to be the sole determinant of your choices. In 2012 one of the major colour trend setters, Pantone Institute announced that Tangerine Tango was the colour of the year. It will be downright silly to be guided by that only. What if you hate the colour? You will be miserable until the Colour of the Year changes next year. Creating a colourful environment that you feel comfortable in will require you to understand your personal reaction to colour, as well as to complementary and contrasting tones. Look for colours that speak to how you will like to feel in your space.
