Orange is Hot for 2008 and 2009, the colour Orange continues its stellar run as a fixture for home dcor colour in 2008; and the leader in Colour forecasting, Pantone, projects that the Orange colour trend will continue on beyond 2010. Its no surprise why, Orange is a warm, inviting, dynamic, invigorating and energetic colour.
Home decor based on your Colour Personality – Confused about selecting colour for your home? Why not try choosing decorating colors based on your unique personality? I decided to have a bit of fun and searched out several websites that cover colour personality types.
The Pratt and Lambert colour quiz was the most comprehensive colour personality test of all those I reviewed. Taking into account not only colour likes but other factors that make you different. This test was the only one that returned a colour scheme that was very similar to my personal decorating style. I was impressed. According to the Pratt & Lambert site my colour personality:
Colours in this palette are reminiscent of a sunny seaside. These combinations are refreshing and invigorating. They provide sparkle with lightness while also imbuing a sense of soothing calm. Oceanic hues are ideal for making a bathroom, bedroom or study an oasis. These colours provide a balance for those with a hectic life. The person who decorates with these colours is looking for their home to be their escape.
Home and Garden TV has an interesting colour wheel that you can spin with your mouse and find the colour that sings to your soul. When I spun the colour wheel my eyes landed on my favourite colour Pink. Once I selected Pink, I was given five other shades of pink to choose from. I ended up selecting two pinks (Lavender Pink and Hot Pink) I adore. According to the HGTV site these colour choices mean:
If you like lavender pink, youre seeking to be more inventive. New possibilities flood your mind. By constantly examining possible practical applications, you create new things, new ideas. Using this purple-pink shade in room design is empowering. You and others will become more determined and self-constructive in a lavender pink office or library. Because it invites warm, exciting conversations, its perfect for dining or living rooms. Guests will feel welcomed.
If you like hot pink, you are constantly thinking about exciting things to do. Through your body language and appearance, without even being aware, you are sending out enticing messages. Designing with this magenta shade of pink creates adventurous conversations and situations. It makes you and others less sceptical and more enthusiastic. Use this colour to turn dull into exciting. Think party room!
Not scared to use strong colour, winters often love reds but avoid soft pinks. Achromatic colour schemes employing tonal variations of black, white and grey are commonplace, giving clean lines and sharp contrasts. Assertive purples are considered a safe choice for the main colour in a colour scheme, a sharp contrast to other seasons that will use purple sparingly as an accent. Blues run the gamut of ice blues through to blue blacks, cool and delineating and reflect onto the green palette giving a range of strong aquas. Neutrals are blacks, whites and greys for dramatic relief against the stronger feature colours. You wont find warm creams here. Simple colour schemes are favoured – one colour as the canvas and then accents of other strong colours for contrast and drama. Like winter personalities, the winter palette is self-assured and intense. Subtle colours are left to the other seasons.
Colour Psychology – Perhaps many of you are contemplating new decorating and painting projects and perhaps you arent aware of the impact that colour has on our mood. Before you pick up that paint brush or roller, read through our colour psychology information. It just might help you set the appropriate mood for your indoor space.
First Things First – Choosing a Colour Scheme
Red packs a wallop, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat and energy in most people. It instils feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants, and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room.
Orange, like red, tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, paints in various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms.
Yellow is also warm and welcoming, but it is more attention- getting than either red or orange. For this reason, it is a good paint colour to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways.
Blue, which is part of the cool colour palette, makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it is not the best option for a dining room … unless you’re on a diet.
Green is another relaxing colour that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; mid tones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces and schools.
Violet is a tricky colour, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favourably to violet, so this colour can be used successfully in children’s bedrooms and play areas.
These general guidelines are a good starting point in your search for a paint colour. But remember that colour choice is a very personal matter. You’re the one who has to live with your new paint colour, so choose a hue that suits you, your family and your lifestyle.
And after investing time choose the right colour, make sure it continues to look that way long-term by investing in a top quality paint.
