COLOUR CONSULTATION - What to expect from the process
Every
room, space or building is unique. The nature and the colour of
the light, be it natural, incandescent, fluorescent or LED, will cause
colours to behave in very individual ways.
We all perceive colours in relation to, and as affected by, their surroundings.
For instance, red and green are complementary colours. A green swatch that sits next to a green swatch will 'appear' more green than if the red swatch was absent. A medium gray will 'appear' much lighter against a black background than it does against white. Add to this the complexities of light; full spectrum natural light may be coming through a window after bouncing off a lot of greenery, thus imbuing the interior space with a subtle green. Fluorescent bulbs are limited spectrum and calibrated for a particular colour bias. And incandescent bulbs, although full spectrum, flood the space with a golden light.
Picking colours for the interior and/or exterior of a building is a complex task. I like to make sure I listen carefully to my client's desires and needs before making recommendations. Colours can be used to brighten, to dim, to invigorate or to subdue an environment. And all colour work must be done in-situ.
I find each paint manufacturer to have its own unique offering. For each colour I work on, it is usually the case that only one of the manufacturers I research has the exact balance of pigments to make it perfect for what I'm looking for.
We all perceive colours in relation to, and as affected by, their surroundings.
For instance, red and green are complementary colours. A green swatch that sits next to a green swatch will 'appear' more green than if the red swatch was absent. A medium gray will 'appear' much lighter against a black background than it does against white. Add to this the complexities of light; full spectrum natural light may be coming through a window after bouncing off a lot of greenery, thus imbuing the interior space with a subtle green. Fluorescent bulbs are limited spectrum and calibrated for a particular colour bias. And incandescent bulbs, although full spectrum, flood the space with a golden light.
Picking colours for the interior and/or exterior of a building is a complex task. I like to make sure I listen carefully to my client's desires and needs before making recommendations. Colours can be used to brighten, to dim, to invigorate or to subdue an environment. And all colour work must be done in-situ.
I find each paint manufacturer to have its own unique offering. For each colour I work on, it is usually the case that only one of the manufacturers I research has the exact balance of pigments to make it perfect for what I'm looking for.
 Please be aware that colours look different on each screen, and as such swatch images should be considered to be approximations.
(Click images to enlarge) |
USING BOLD COLOUR
While I love to use neutrals and off-whites in spaces where other interior finishes bring strong colour to a space (furnishings, drapery, art), there are many instances where a bold colour is just the ticket. The swatches to the left are a selection from projects on which I have worked. They look very multi-coloured as a group, but individually and in moderation, they have each brought a unique personality to the space in which they were used. Some of the much brighter colours were used in kids' bedrooms or playrooms. The swatches to the left are a selection of bold colours I have specified for projects. And below are photographs of some of the swatches paired with location photographs. |
Please be aware that colours look different on each screen, and as such image colours should be considered to be approximations.
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WORKING WITH NEUTRALS
There are many locations and there are many clients for whom neutral colours are appropriate. If a room has boldly coloured furnishings, we may want the wall colour to be merely a gentle backdrop rather than a boldly coloured distraction. Muted, subtle neutral colours in themselves can be, and often are, used as a complete colour theme for a room. A neutralized colour is a pure colour whose intensity has been lowered by adding to it its complementary colour, black, white or grey. The original colour is still discernible but the intensity has been reduced. The swatches to the right are a selection of neutral colours I have specified for projects. And below are photographs of some of the swatches paired with location photographs. (Click images to enlarge) |
 Please be aware that colours look different on each screen, and as such swatch images should be considered to be approximations.
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More photographs to follow. Please check back soon. |
Please be aware that colours look different on each screen, and as such image colours should be considered to be approximations.
 Please be aware that colours look different on each screen, and as such swatch images should be considered to be approximations.
(Click images to enlarge) |
WHITES + OFF-WHITES
Every project will usually require the specification of at least one white or off-white, for the trim and ceilings. One can find an impressive selection of white paints on the market. It is easy to take white for granted, but in fact the very subtle details and balance of each white are very important. And it is critical that the correct white is used alongside each chosen wall colour. Most whites will have the tendency to tip towards either red, yellow, blue or green. Some whites have such a delicate balance of different pigments that they barely have a clolour bias to them - but these are very rare. The swatches to the left are a selection of whites that I have specified for clients. And below are photographs of some of the swatches paired with location photographs. |
Please be aware that colours look different on each screen, and as such image colours should be considered to be approximations.
The images and content of this website are Copyright © 2011 Ruth Hyndman