Why does harmony matter? ‘Colour Stories’ is Moyo’s regular column to awaken your senses and The dictionary defines harmony as “a pleasing combination or arrangement of different things”. Whether connect you to the energy and ‘story’ we do it consciously or unconsciously, our brains are of colour. Colour stories are also used constantly searching for harmony, and colour is no in the fashion world, in a similar way exception. So when we do see it, we are forced to stop to moodboards, to convey a particular and pay attention. theme or mood. Each issue Louise Using colour tools to create harmony looks at a particular colour, or colour combination, and encourages you to There are a couple of useful techniques you can use to explore all the creative possibilities it ensure that the colours you choose are going to create brings. Louise also features colourful harmony and balance in your home. You can use these when you’re working with colour in any area of designs by students of The Art and your life as they’re a great way to build your colour Business of Surface Pattern Design confidence. e-course and takes inspiration from the beautiful world around us. Did you know that the colours you live with can have a profound effect on your emotions, mood, health and general wellbeing? Colours, and the way they are used throughout your home, really do have the power to make you feel happy and comfortable, or sad and disconnected, so it’s important that we surround ourselves with colours that feel right for us. But it can be tricky to get it right. You may love dark purple and bright pink but there’s no saying they’ll look good splashed all over your living room walls. So how do you know which colours look good with which, and which will work best in which space? Whether you’re looking to make over your home, or give your favourite room a facelift, here’s our guide to choosing the right colour schemes for you…
USEFUL TOOL 1: The colour wheel The colour wheel, first created by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666, is the most basic tool for combining colours. It is designed so that virtually any colours you pick from it will look good together. It’s an easy way to identify colours you like and see how you can combine them to create a harmonious space. So, how does it work?
Cool and warm colours Yellows, oranges, and reds are considered warm colours and opposite them – the greens, blues and purples – are considered cool colours. Interior designers tend to use warm vibrant colours in rooms that encourage energetic activity, play and socialising, such as living rooms, studios, hallways, dining rooms, and playrooms, as they stimulate our emotions. They are also a good choice for any room that sits in a cold or shady part of the house. Cool colours quieten our emotions and create a sense of peace and calm. They also sharpen our thoughts, boost our intellect and allow our minds to focus and do their best work, therefore they work well in private rooms, like bedrooms, offices, and nurseries. If there’s a room in your house that is constantly in the sun, painting it a cool colour will make it feel colder. Every colour has a warm and cool shade so when choosing colours, think about the way the colour makes you feel to ensure you are choosing the one that is right for you. To maintain balance in a room, add warm touches to a cool colour scheme and vice versa.
The colour wheel
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