How Colour Tells A Story
When it comes to colour we often may think of a favourite colour, the blue sky, a vibrant flower…etc. When it comes to our spaces, it can be a little daunting staring at the gallery of swatches at the paint store. I’ve noticed that sometimes in an attempt to avoid design blunders, people may choose one shade of a single colour and will use it on a feature wall, decor pillow and curtains or rug. Matchy-matchy. Instead of looking cohesive, inviting and interesting, it looks underwhelming, one note and dated. A different approach would be to use a few shades of the same colour, as well is integrating it with other colours or textures in varying proportions. Colours tell a story. Here are some examples of how colours harmonies can convey a feeling:
This interior stairwell photo features a square tetradic harmony of red and it’s complementary green as well as yellow-orange and it’s complementary blue-violet. The artwork to the right of the window also echoes this lively colourway. Notably there is a contrast of saturation where the red and blue are high in chroma whereas the yellow has been toned down. This is also seen in the stained glass where the border and centre flower feature is bright whereas the square grid is mainly tinted pastel shades. Since yellow is the dominant colour in the room, the desaturated quality allows the room to feel energizing and “sunny” without being too overpowering or juvenile.
This severe, gothic fashion editorial image emanates drama. The austere achromatic black and white colour scheme leans into the drama which appears to be the artistic objective as well as mattifies the image and therefore slightly darkening it further tapping into its morosity. The use of black and white photography showcases the texture and dimensions of the model’s veil and dark yet delicate smokey makeup. This soft achromatic harmony is perfectly balanced and suited to the morbid and depressive mood and aesthetic. This image illustrates how imperative is that subject matter be matched with the best-fit colour scheme for maximum impact.
This painting by Claude Monet is part of his water lilies series. Monet is regarded as the father of Impressionism Art. Small brush strokes result in a work of art that doesn’t have razor sharp lines as seen in realism, but rather a softened, blurred, almost not-quite-in-focus, nuanced outcome. Monet’s paintings have an ethereal quality to them and perfectly synopsize the tranquility seen in nature. Monet’s colour palettes mirror the outdoors. An analogous cool-temperature palette of blue-violets, violet, and green-blues in similar values, temperature and chroma is notable. This results in a tranquil and peaceful masterpiece which can be attributed to the subject matter itself, impressionism painting style and lastly, a cool-toned analogous painting palate.
This traditional holiday tablescape is timeless and classy with a hint of a Bohemian touch. Set against a backdrop of white and metallic gold, this festive foliage is the focal point centerpiece. Shades and tones of green found in the eucalyptus, baby’s breath and mango leaves create a striking complementary contrast to the red of the pomegranate similar in value, tone and chroma. This also ties into the very tinted red (pink) translucent drinkware. This colour combination creates a centerpiece pleasing to the eye, keeps the white dishware and tablecloth looking crisp with no “after image” impeded or dulling it. The fact that the red and greens have been toned to reduce its brightness avoids the space looking like Dr. Seuss’ “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” over-the-top whimsical Whoville colour story and instead exudes richness and sophistication.
This interior Parisian bedroom showcases a monochromatic colour scheme of a very tinted orange-reds now pinks on the walls and curtains, a barely tinted blush-almost white duvet and orange-red toned to a honey soft brown lumbar decorative pillows.
The romantic archetype conjures up feminine and soft ideals. This is not only seen in the the textiles, but also the low saturated and high value, high tinted colour monochromatic palette.