In this colour guide we have provided information regarding home colour selection inclining more towards room aspect and mood. Room aspect and mood plays the major role in selecting colours. Room aspect will affect the intensity of colour while the mood of occupants will help to cope up with functionality of room.
Light and colour both plays an important role in the overall feeling of the space. The amount of light reflected by a colour, and thus the intensity of that colour, depends on the light level that the colour receives from the sun (i.e. a lighter colour wall will reflect more light than dark ones). This colour guide will help you to choose colours keeping in mind all four aspects of house (i.e. Northern Aspect, Southern Aspect, Eastern Aspect and Western Aspect). Aspect is concerned with the orientation of the house/building/room. It emphasize on the position of doors and windows in the outside walls of the house so that the maximum sunlight and breeze can enter into the house. The amount of light received from the sun eventually depends on the aspect of that room. Hence, while selecting colour, consider carefully that how much natural light enters the room during the day.
Now talking about Sunlight, than it depends on the season. So while selecting a colour scheme, it is important to consider on the amount of sunlight available throughout the year. Light enters through windows or glass doors, so you have to keep in mind which direction they face and accordingly, the colour guide will help you to choose colour.
In this Colour guide we have put up few colour schemes keeping into mind different aspects of room.
01. Rooms with Northern Aspect
Rooms that are north facing do not receive direct sunlight in all seasons. They get direct sunlight only during high summer (because sun travels higher in the sky in summer). Below fig illustrates the path of sun in summer and winter.
Image Courtesy – Permaculture Research Institute
In order to eliminate darkness and add little warmth to the rooms with northern aspect, bright colour schemes are appropriate. Include bright colours like red, yellow and orange colours in wall paints, furniture and other room accessories. Cold blues and greens should be avoided.
02. Rooms with Southern Aspect
Rooms that are south facing receives good amount of light during day time in summers and winters both. Daylight keeps these rooms bright and warm. Hence to balance this brightness and warmth dark and cool colours are perfectly suited. Opt for cold colour schemes like blue, green & brown with lighter tints as it will suit best giving summery feel even during months of winter.
03. Rooms with Eastern Aspect
Light in East facing rooms dramatically changes with time. The room receives bright light in the morning due to sunrise and it gradually fades by evening as the sun shifts towards west. A mix colour scheme will work well in this condition. Both warm oranges and cool blues together will offset the midday change in lighting condition.
04. Rooms with Western Aspect
West facing rooms remain dull from morning till noon. As sun tends to move towards west, these rooms have full access to sunlight from noon to evening. A more neutral scheme involving greens and grey will work well in these rooms.
Neutral Scheme:
Neutral colours don’t exist on colour wheel. These colours are created by mixing two complimentary colours (i.e colours opposite to each other on colour wheel for e.g. blue & orange) or by adding white, black, or grey to a pure colour. For example grey is the neutral colour formed by mixing white and black. Neutral colours are black, white, grey, beige and cream.
How Colour Feels?
The psychological effect of certain colours in certain situations room will also play an important part in your colour scheme selection. For example, bright colour like red paint excites and invigorate. Cool blues and green paints are much more relaxing.
As every room has its purpose, colours are like cheery on top. If you want your room to give warm feeling use more of warm colours like red, yellow and orange. As these colours reminds of sun or fire they give a feeling of warmth.
Similarly, use cool colours like blue, green and purple for giving cold feel to your room. Cool colours remind of water or greenery.
Image Courtesy – Fhpcman
Earth tone colours like brown, beige and neutral grey helps to concentrate, hence they are best suited for home office.
Bright and florescent colours raise enthusiasm and should be preferred for kids’ room.
Likes and dislikes of the colours again depend on the individual’s choice. People who share the space will have individual tastes and preferences. For that it is necessary for all the occupants to understand room aspect and effect of colours on mood; which we have briefed in this colour guide and then canvas the thoughts of all the occupants before making a decision on a colour scheme.
Also Read:
Colour Terminologies Used in Home Design
Basics of Colour Theory – Everyone Should Know
Influence & Psychology of Colour
