Color Essentials
The Essentials of Understanding Color Theory and Design for Interior Decorating
Interior decorating is a challenging and exciting field that requires a well-rounded understanding of color theory and design concepts. The way colors interact with each other and how they affect people's moods and emotions can greatly influence the overall success of the design. Properly incorporating these principles into an interior space can create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall functionality of the space.
Color Theory
Color theory is the basis of all interior design. It is the science of color mixing that provides the building blocks for decorating. Learning about color theory covers topics such as the color wheel, color hues, tones, and shades. Understanding these concepts can then be used to pair colors in specific combinations, ensuring that the colors complement each other and create a cohesive color scheme throughout the room.
One critical aspect to consider when utilizing color in interior decorating is lighting. The type and placement of light fixtures can affect the color of the room drastically. Therefore, it is essential to consider the room's natural lighting sources and light fixtures when making decisions about color.
Design Theory
The design concept deals with the physical aspects of interior decorating. The design of a room is determined by factors such as size, shape, ceiling height, and other architectural features. Proper design requires enough knowledge of space planning, traffic flow, and accessorizing to create a practical and functional living area.
One of the primary objectives of designing an interior space is to create a balance between function and aesthetics. The furnishings that make up an interior design must serve a purpose, whether it's storage, seating, or entertainment. Still, they must also create a visually appealing space that enhances the user's experience.
Understanding the importance of color theory and design principles is crucial to creating a visually appealing, functional interior space. With these fundamental concepts in mind, one can create stunning interior spaces that enhance every aspect of modern living.
Where to start?
At artSparx we've developed a color program that will help you solve all your color challenges. Start by visiting the 'Colors for residential and commercial interiors' feature, providing you with overall information on using colors sucessfully in any environment. Next, browse the following colorScheme features to tailor and design your color palette to fit your interior color needs. From basic ideas on how we see color, to the unique 3 step colorScheme system created at artSparx especially for you, we'll help you understand the elements of color, and how to incorporate these ideas to create successful color solutions to any project.
Color Palette
From selecting Historic or Period colors to mixing original colors for glazing and decorative effects, the artSparx Color Palette is here to help. You'll find color mixing recipes, ideas and basic color principles to help get you started.
ColorSelect System
The artSparx colorSelect System provides detailed instructions and step-by-step tutorials for creating custom color effects in your home or office. For artSparxPro members. You'll learn how to: Use the correct base colors: Creating a glaze: The Colorant: The Mixing Ratio: Mixing the glaze The basic glazing process Getting Ready Testing your glaze mixture Quick Chart: Proper use of colorants
ColorScheme System
Understanding the 12 step color wheel Creating a 12 step color wheel. Basic principles of color Primary, secondary and tertiary colors Tints and shades, value and hue, neutral grays Creating harmonious color schemes Using complementary and contrasting colors Using triadic colors to create balanced color schemes Using tetrads to create balanced color schemes
Color Theory
About Color How we see color Learning to use color Advanced color principles For those interested in in-depth color learning. Ideal for designers, artists, illustrators and graphic designers.
Painted Scrolls on Ceiling Beams
The charm of painted scrolls on ceiling beams needs no introduction. This decorative accent is a delightful addition to any room. And though beams are common elements in many interiors rarely do one see them used as a focal point for decorative applications. Whether you enjoy the old world charm of Italy, or the contemporary flair of a San Francisco loft space, these tech iques can be adapted to suit the most creative inspiration.
Hand Painted Floor Cloth
Freshen any room with this creative checker board painted floor cloth.
The magic of a painted floor cloth can transform a common space into a unique and beautiful expression of you and your family’s personality. Use these versatile cloths for entrance floors, children's rooms, porches, or just about anywhere. Due to the hand painted nature of each floor cloth there is a great opportunity to customize an interior detail to the home, adding quirky elements and personal touches that help create these singularly unique painted floor cloths.
Mica Powder
Highlight your bronzing patina with these high quality mica powders.
Mica Powder. - Perfect for artists and craftsmen alike, these powders have many uses and mix with clear vehicles ranging from acrylic and oil based mediums to shellac. You control the pigment content - use very little for a translucent veil of metallic or use more for a solid metal look. Intermix colors to create your own mica palette. Ideal for 'Flash Gilding', where you apply the mica directly over size that is at perfect tack.
Americana Style
Outside the early American farmhouse, a wooden sign, carved in the shape of a pointing hand, sternly admonishes: "America: Love It or Leave It." And judging from the contents of the Americana-inspired home, the inhabitants choose to love it.
Early American Style
Colonial Amercians drew inspriation from their European heritage. Curent design styles would filter across the ocean and become reinventedin early America. Proportion and scale took reign over ornementation, A neutral color palette of grey blue, greens and rose pinks is readily apparent.
Stucco Rustico - Aged Plaster
Stucco Rustico is a Traditional interior and exterior textured plaster that epitomizes the rustic old world charm commonly associated with Tuscan environments. I love this treatment for its ease of application and the natural, organic glazed appearance that results when using mineral based plasters and glazes. Whether a rough application or a smooth finish, this treatment holds true to the test of time and, in fact, feels as if time itself stopped to wash the walls personally.
The Rustic Color Palette
The Rustic Style color palette falls within a distinct range of color tones and is essential in creating a successful Rustic interior. By using the appropriate color tones you can create a variety of design styles ranging from Period and Historic, regional or thematic. Color helps define our experiences within an interior and exterior environment. It affects us on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level and can be calming and passive, expressive and vital.
Painted Floral Details
Floral patterns used as accents in fabrics and furniture are common place details in the English Country home. These graceful and organic patterns complement the cozy interior of this style and work particularly well with lace window treatments, an heirloom tea service set and the natural and rustic charm of wooden ceiling beams and slightly irregularly textured walls.