HOW TO USE COLOUR LIKE A PRO!
By SATISH BABUSENAN
Let’s try to understand the 60 30 10 Rule and SOME other hacks for choosing colours for your room.
There are many principles designers use when they create an interior. Harmony is only one of them, but it also, perhaps, the most striking. (The others are Balance, Rhythm, Emphasis, Scale, Contrast and Detail; in no particular order.)
So it is good for you to know these hacks before you set about choosing colours. By the way, this applies not just to the walls, floor and roof; but also to the drapes you choose, your furniture, the upholstery and every other object that is visible to the human eye. (All dogs, we know, are colour blind; and cats probably don’t care). According to experts, dogs only see blue, yellow and a bit of grey, but that’s not the subject of this blog.
The principle of colour harmony has always concerned artistic minds but it is only since the Renaissance that the idea has been concretised and codified. Colours do have psychological and symbolic connotations but these are certainly not universal; these vary across cultures and over time.
It is your home and your comfort we are talking about so you can be the perfect judge on what colours to use. However, it is good to know the laws before you break them. The very word ‘Design’ also means Intentionality. As is said in Shakespeare somewhere, it helps to have a method to your madness.
Interior designers have a rule of thumb for colours. Its called the 60 30 10 rule. According to this, 60% of all you see is the Dominant Colour of your room. This includes the walls, sofa and the main furniture. We would recommend you keep this colour neutral (grey or white).
30% of all you see is the Secondary Colour. This includes the cushions, curtains, table top, etc. It can be any colour you like. Choose it from the Colour Wheel. But always remember that colour has psychological influences on you and so give it a thought before you settle on one.
Now comes the last 10%. This will be your Accent Colour. Could be the colour of the window frames, a lamp, an art work etc.
The 3 Colour Schemes
Based on how you choose your colours, you’ll get your colour scheme. There are 3 schemes.
Of course the bottom line (as we recommend it) is to use white or a neutral hue such as grey or even black as the dominant colour of your room. That goes for the 60% part of the scheme. Now choose your Secondary colour too.
The colour you choose for your accent colour (that important, last 10% will determine which scheme you have arrived at.
- A Complementary Colour Scheme. If you use any colour which is on the OPPOSITE SIDE of your secondary colour (the 30% colour) on the colour wheel, you’re using the complimentary colour scheme.
- Analogous Colour Scheme. If the accent colour you choose is close to the secondary colour on the wheel, you are on the Analogous scheme.
- Monochrome Colour Scheme. If you do not choose a separate colour (!) but prefer to use a shade (a darker version) or a tint (a lighter version) of the 30% secondary colour itself, then you’ve gone monochromatic!
Quite simple, isn’t it? Know this rule before you break it if you must!
With all the tips above, you should be able to transform your space into your own private sanctuary.
However if you want guidance, do get in touch. We’ll be glad to take the weight off your shoulders.
Or, if you just wish to acquire the best accessories available online based on a well designed colour scheme, select from the products which our team has carefully put together for you.
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