Olangana Designs - Colour: Classification of Colours

Olangana Designs - Colour
Colour is an important part of our day to day lives. The choice of decorating, furnishing and
clothing is strongly influenced by colour. People use the power of colour to express
themselves.
Colour is defined as the sensations produced on eye by rays of light. It is seen in the medium
of light. Without light there is no colour. All colours of the spectrum are contained in the
white light. This can be seen when the light is passed through a prism, the light rays of
sunlight get separated into colours of the rainbow – VIBGYOR.
Classification of Colours:
Numerous colours around us have been classified in order to organize and identify them.
The colours are classified on the basis of the colour wheel. Now, what is a colour wheel? A
colour wheel is the spectrum fixed into a circle. In addition, these colours are also classified
according to their origin or properties as follows:
 Primary colours: The primary colours are red, blue, and yellow. They are called
‘primaries’ because they cannot be obtained by combination of other colours, as
they are the source of all other colours.
 Secondary colours: The secondary Colours are green, orange, and violet. The colours
formed by mixing two primary colours in equal quantities are called secondary
colours.
 Tertiary colours: The tertiary colours are formed by mixing a primary and a
secondary colour in equal quantities.
 Warm colours: Colours that contain much yellow or red are considered to be warm.
These colours have the element of fire or sun within them. Warm colours are
generally associated with a bright, energetic and rich look. They create a visual
impact of reduced size and length and are often used in rooms that admit little or no
natural daylight. These colours exude a sense of coziness, warmth and comfort to
the space.
 Cool colours: Cool colours include blue, green, violet etc. They have the element of
vegetation or water in them. They project a soothing effect. These are peaceful
colours as they bring in freshness and a relaxed feeling into any space. They also
create a visual impact of enhanced size and length. In rooms exposed to bright
sunlight, a cool atmosphere is desirable. Green is one of the most tranquil or restful,
as it is the colour of nature in fields and trees.
 Neutral colours: White, black, grey, brown, tan, beige etc. are called neutral colours.
They form a very effective background for bright colours. Whenever we are not sure
of a right colour scheme, neutral colours come in very handy.
 Black: It is said to be the first colour known to a man. It is associated with death,
darkness, evil and mystery. In interiors black can be used in luxurious setting.
 White: It symbolizes innocence, purity, peace and faith. In interiors white is used
on the ceilings, bathrooms and kitchens. It includes here delicate and feminine
touch to the interiors and helps to emphasize other colours. Very expensive to
maintain.
 Grey: It is a colour obtained by mixing black and white. In interiors grey can
manifest other colours. Used for walls, draperies, floors, upholstery, steel
cupboards, grills and gates.
Application of Colour in Home:

 The colour in a room should create the mood or atmosphere wanted by its occupant.
The decoration of different rooms differs.
 It would be highly improper to use pale, dull or artificial colour in the recreation
room and intense colours in the master bedroom. The delicate pastel colours that
are popular and appropriate are suitable.
 The decoration of a room should be done according to child’s own preferences, and
must reflect age and interests of child. As the kids grow older, the strong colours
which, they liked as children, should be replaced by more subdued and artificial
colours.
 In a living room, colours should give a comfortable feeling in order to create a
welcome atmosphere for visitors as well as for members of the family. Very bright pr
very warm colours, and depressing ones should specially avoided. If a housewife
wants to create an atmosphere of dignity and refinement, she should select
sophisticated colours. Sophisticated colours are often toned down or greyed so that
they look neutral.
 Colour trends in the Bedroom are all about creating a personal space that expresses
your inner-most desires. For many of us that means a retreat in which we can relax
and rejuvenate.
 Shades of medium to dark brown are perfect for the Bedroom because they are
nurturing and satisfying our souls. Greens and browns are a classic combo that is
very popular right now. They provide a feeling of warmth. One should be careful to
choose the right shades of green and these shades should be fresh and light.
 A dining room should have appetizing colours. The colours most stimulating to
thoughts of food and the enjoyment of eating are peach, pink and other tints in red
and orange. Whereas most appropriate colours for such a room are those having all
tints and shades of yellow-green, blue and purple. A pale tint of yellow can be
appetizing, but dark yellow is unattractive.
 A kitchen colour scheme should be cheerful, light and bright. Cool colours are
thought to counteract the heat of cooking. White or light-coloured walls are usually
best for visibility. Natural wood is also desirable. One vital colour, primary or
secondary can be used in the interior cupboards, furniture, etc. The colours in the
kitchen should be stimulating enough so as to make a cook feel creative. For kitchen
ceiling white is preferable.
 Bathroom walls and fixtures should usually be white, for hygienic reasons as well as
for making them look beautiful. Bathrooms are often decorated in colours that are
suggestive of water, such as green, blue, violet or grey.
Size and Proportions of the Room:
A small room can be made to appear large if light, cool colours are used on the walls. A long,
narrow room will appear to have better proportions if the small end walls are painted a
warmer colour or darker shade of the same colour is used on the long walls.
Colour in Interior Design:

The needs, activities and social status of a family as well as its financial position will affect
the amount one can spend in designing the house. Budget could be divided according to the
function and utility of each room.
The basic principle to be kept in mind while deciding the colour is:
 One colour should dominate. The basic colour should occupy at least 60 to 70% of
the whole colour scheme of a room.
 Second colour should be in lesser quantity.
 Third colour if used should be in the least quantity. The smaller the area of a colour,
the brighter it may be.
 A safe scheme would be of tints and shades of one colour.
 An easy scheme consists of white or off-white plus one or two clear colours.
 A scheme should be definitely dark or light.
 Either warm or cool colours should dominate.
 A neutralized colour is generally best for large areas.
 If a scheme lacks brightness, a brilliant contrasting colour note or white may be
added. Grey should be accompanied by some brilliant colour.
 Use contrasting colours to give emphasis.
 Change your colour scheme from room to room.
 Colour should suit the age, occupation, climate, interest and personality of the
occupant and surroundings.
 Light colours soil easily and may require extra cleaning while dark colours show
dust.
 Surfaces with rough textures make colours appear darker than surfaces with smooth
textures.
Prepared by
Miss Harshitha
(eMBA)
D/O Mr. Ramesh

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Olangana Designs - Colour

Application of Colour in Home:

Colour in Interior Design:

D/O Mr. Ramesh

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