Decorators and designers often refer to the colour wheel. Well – here is the representation of one. I like this one as it’s quite usable for interiors.
Basically the three primary colours (red, blue and yellow) cannot be mixed by any other colours. They sit like a triangle in the wheel. All other colours are mixed from a combination of two of these. The mixtures are shown on the spokes between – red and yellow forming the oranges, blue and yellow the greens and red and blue mixing to create purples.
The simplest way to think about it is:
1. Colours from opposite sides of the wheel will add vibrancy to your room. (purple and yellow, green and pink). They will go together, and they will add spark.
2. Choosing colours that sit next to each other on the wheel are more restful. Blues and greens and so on.
I’m developing a theory as to which appeals to who…. it seems to be that brighter colours, and opposites appeal to extroverts. Introverts seem to prefer more muted and neutral colours. Extroverts like a lot of stimulation and ‘noise’ from their environment, hence the desire for more colour.
Introverts like to retreat inside themselves to relax – so that kind of ties in with a need for quieter colours. Introverts find too much external stimulation tiring, whereas extroverts find it energising.
I have a degree in Psychology so I’m endlessly interested in this kind of thing.
What do you think? Does this ring true for you?
Wonderful post, I’ll tweet and facebook it too. That image with the orange, OMG amazing!
Thanks for sending it to me!
maria
Oh I LOVE this kind of insight. Please do more!!
I think I’m somewhere in the middle…. everything I choose color wise tends to be in the blues and greens and now grays but just the other day I bought the most beautiful salmon/tangerine purse. I get all excited each time I pick it up!
I used to tell my mom I would want a home with 1,000 rooms to satisfy each and every color combination and decorating style I like. That may be a little over the top… but it still feels true today, I like so many things.
Cheers~Ivy
Wow – that is a lovely bag. Love your winter trees… sigh. Don’t get them in this sun-burned country!
Yes! I agree with this. I am a designer and color consultant and find the same true with my clients. I am so fascinated with color-and most definitely the psychology behind it. Such interesting stuff!
I’m more of an introvert, but I’m “artsy”…so I think that’s why I like to mix it up a bit. I favour calm, relaxing colours on the walls and bright colors(IE; yellows, pinks, etc) tend to be subdued but I like adding plenty of bright colors in accessories. I think the analysis of personality to color is interesting but can get complicated..just as personalities are.
Hmmm – I’m going to have to think about it more, as you’re right. Arty people are more adventurous without being extrovert.
I think it definitely is true – in decorating and in clothing choices! I took a course in color psychology about 25 years ago – still find it fascinating, and use it when working with clients.
Colour psychology – that sounds amazing. I’m definitely going to research it more