"Psychology of Colour"

"Colour Psychology"

Colour affects us both emotionally and visually. Without us even being aware of it...Colour affects our "Mood" and "Emotions" - Take a little boys room painted Red, for example - studies showed signs of aggression and anger played out by him.

We have to be very weary when advising on Colour - certain questions need to be asked together with some of the key factors of Interior Design like Function;Occupants and Style need to be considered.  A young girl aged 6 would not like to walk into an "Army Themed" bedroom with Camouflaged Tents and GI Joe themed toys laying about...or Would she?

Colour also creates illusions of an Area appearing Larger or Smaller. Position of that Colour in this Space can also affect us indirectly. For example - a rich Red Persian carpet on the floor could give off a Warm, Regal feel - yet  the same carpet hung on a wall could create an Over-powering and an Intrusive feeling.



These are a few Guide-lines of the affects the Following Colours could have on an Area.

Red can be associated with Anger,Passion,Stimulation.Best used in Resturants and Dining areas as it is known to stimulate ones Appetite.

 

Pink can be associated with soft and sensous emotions. Best used in Little Girl's Bedrooms and Guest Loo's.

Orange can be associated as a Colour that is Exciting and Intense. Best used in Areas where creativity and enthusiam is encouraged. Eg: Classrooms and Kitchens.

Yellow can be associated as a Luminious and Cheerful colour. Often used in Studies and Kitchens. It can also be used in Hospitals and Doctor's Rooms.

Green is one of the most versatile colours and can be used throughout. It is associated with Relaxation; Health and Food. Therefore best used in Kitchens; Resturants and Clinics.

Blue is associated with Peace; Space and Tranquility. It does also act as an appetite suppressant; therefore not recommended for Kitchens and Resturants. Best used in Bathrooms; Bedrooms and Doctor's Rooms.

White is a Pure and Clean colour. Just like Green it can be used as an "All-rounder". It creates an Illusion of Space and Transparency. Also speaks "Peace" and "Calm".

Just a few other pointers  to remember:

Black creates a sense of Elegance and Dominance.

Grey's create a more Conservative and Soothing Feel.

Brown creates a feeling of Stability and always lends itself to a more Earthy Feel.

The lighter the "Hue/ Colour" the more softer the Emotion.

The darker the "Hue/Colour" the more intense/drastic the Emotion.

Hope you have been enlightened by Colour Psychology...and next time you feeling a little "Down" - Look at your wall colour and see if that might be the cause of why you feeling this way...Take Care... 'Til next Time. Happy Painting :-)FK

"Fresh Cut Roses..."

 I was introduced today to the most beautiful fragrance...The Yankee Candle Fragrance.


"Yankee Candles - Fresh Cut Roses"
(One of my Favourites)



I have never experienced aromas like these...they eminate the exact smell of their "Title". Ranging from "Baby Powder" (I watched as my customers went oooh...and aarh... to the various smells) to "Island Spa" and "Sun and Sand"...These are sure to be a winner in the Store...Love...Love...Love:-)

www.yankeecandle.com

"Baby Powder"

"Wedding Day"



There is a variety of Candles available - the Glass Jars seem to be very popular with some burning up to 140 hours. These make up special "Birthday" and "Mother's Day" gifts. But not forgetting they also have a variety on "Seasonal Fragrances" for "Christmas and other special Holidays"... The "Wedding Day Collection" makes up into perfect "Thank You" gifts for your bridal party or can also be used for "Table Memoirs"...The choice is so Inviting I could have one in every room..."Happy Smelling all your Yankee Candles"...LOL...FK:-)

"Sailor-made"

With Summer around the corner...I started thinking of "Fun activities" I could do to keep my almost three year old son entertained. He loves anything to do with the Water...so the Beach is always a Favourite. My Creative "Right side of my Brain" often drifts off  into other "Inspiring" ventures so I started thinking about everything and anything to do with the Sea - From the grains of the Sea-sand; to the deep red Corals; to the red and white Lighthouse at the Oyster box to the piece of drift-wood that has washed up to the shore...There is so much which you can draw from this Island of Nature...




Fun Themed Closet Doors (Design dazzle Blog)

 

 



Kid's Themed Party (The Party Dress Blog)

 



Beach Themed Wedding

  

I searched for a few Pictures of Inspiration to get those "Creative Juices" flowing...You could use these anywhere - for Kids Parties; Beach Themed Weddings; Beach Houses; Kids Bedrooms...the List is Endless.  The Best part about Decorating using this theme is that it is very hard to get it wrong...From Stripes to Checks (Red and all shades of Blue to Sea-sand Beige) to Lighthouse or Boat printed Fabrics the more "Beachy" the Better...Have Fun with this Theme as you are sure to enjoy that "Holiday Feel" the room gives off...:-)



Deep Reds and Optical White Coral Ceramics

  


"Inspirational Story board"

 

I found a few Pictures of one of the Front-window Displays that I had done of a "Little Boys Nursery" with the ever popular "Nautical Theme". Hope you like it...'Til next time FK.



"The Union Jack Scatter was a Fun addition."



"My Nautical Themed Front Window Display"

I enjoy adding a twist in every Theme - from the traditional "Boat Sketched" Wallpaper (which you can't really see clearly) above the shelf , to the duco-white "Boat-like" Sleigh Cot. The "Pod Chair" (a modern take to the hammock) is a fun piece for any kid leading them way into their teens.

xxxFK:-)



"Verandah Living"

I've been so out of touch these few weeks...I just feel like I need to slow down. The best place to relax and catch a breath is "My Veranda". I was sipping on a good cup of coffee and I started thinking about this Space. A small piece of "Get-away"...from our buzzing lives - work; kids; husband; family gossip; politics...etc...etc...I just needed to exhale and savour this moment. I needed to be surrounded by pleasing fabrics; colours; foliage and accessories. This is "My Space"...and I love to come here to gather my thoughts - Spiritually; Emotionally and Physically...so that I can get back on track... revitalised!

We all need a Space in our Homes where we can go to from time to time and just be...Whether we curl up with a good read in our Bedrooms or create a scrumptious spread in our Kitchens...this space needs to echo un-wind...It must be a space where we are most "Happy"...

With my Veranda being my Haven...I decided to feature a few "Pics" for Inspiration. I love the "Colour Scheme" of this Veranda as the Painted wooden Flooring and Shutters not only echo the same Hue but the Horizontal Design Lines are carried through Perfectly. The Crisp White of the balustrades; Chairs and Architraves stands out from the Greige Back-drop of the Wall Colour.  

Blinds are becoming ever popular on our Verandas as these create a Cosy; Private space. They are also functional in protecting our Furniture from the harsh sun's rays. Just ensure that the materials used are "Weather-proof" and "UV resistant" with all the necessary specifications like "colour-fastness and anti-mould" features etc...

"Veranda's are perfect Spaces for Entertaining" (Weather permitting)

                          

These areas create the perfect "Back-drop" for Scrumptious Breakfast or Brunch Spreads...as the Colour-schemes can be repeated in the Fruits, Floral and Savoury selections....Bright Fabrics and tableware can be co-ordinated around existing Furniture Pieces and the overlooking landscapes...

Lighting needs to be considered for Dusk settings as these Evening Sundowners can create an almost "Parisian Cafe" feel...

A "Swing Bench" is a Fun add-on to any Veranda

                                     

Love this "Colonial Feel" with the rope-ties and ceiling fan...and not forgetting the Large Palms. The large leave patterned fabrics and stripes are perfect co-ordinates for this Look.

This caught my "Design Eye" as Retro-styled furniture and Patterns are creeping into the Millennium.

The contrasting combination using the same Hues are interesting...and I love the additions of "Metallic" in the ottomans - It just "Glams" this veranda up.The side tables are a very interesting design and I love them grouped to stand-in as a coffee table. A touch of extra colour in the Scatter cushions create a clean; un-cluttered look to this Veranda. Love the carpet colour and Victorian take to the Pattern...almost giving an Eclectic finish to this Area.

Hope you're Inspired to "Re-do" your Veranda. Happy Decorating...'Til next time.FK:-)



"You're Invited..."

It's wonderful to receive an Invitation to a Wedding...The excitement is overwhelming - knowing that two people who love each other are making a commitment for life...I love "Weddings" - I often help "brides-to-be" with "Colour Schemes" and "Inspirational boards"...because there's nothing better than planning a wedding. The most important element, I feel , is the "Colour Scheme" or "Theme" as this sets the tone for everything...You can't do "Invitations" or book the "Venue" without a "Vision"...Wedding "Inspirational Mood-boards" are vital as these can be handed out to the "Wedding Party" and everyone becomes in tune with your vision...The Invitations;the Cake;the Flowers...Reception Decor ect...all need to be worked around this...

The lastest trends depending on the Season - are "Greys; Black and White" or "Greys accented with Reds". These create a "Dramatic" statement. "Yellows and Teal" are making perfect "Summer Weddings" and the ever popular "Pink" teamed up with layers of tints;tones and shades of Pinks...are great "Spring backdrops".Fuschia pink works perfectly with Black and recently I worked on a "Fuschia Pink and Lime green" Wedding Colour Scheme and it turned out beautifully....

"Black and White accented with Red"

                                        

"Pink Layered Table Decor"

                                                      

"Black backdrop with Fuschia Pink Accents"

                                            

"Fuschia Pink and Lime Green"

                                             
"Finding your Inspiration"...Look through "Bridal Magazines" or "the Internet" - Cut and Paste pictures that appeal to you...Start your "Wedding Scrapbook"...It can be a table-setting; a Floral arrangement...even colour glassware...anything...Remember:This is "Your Day" - you need to be guided by what feels right to you! Enjoy Planning...'Til next time:-)FK.

"Inspiration"

As a decorator I often look to "Fashion" for Inspiration...as the two are so closely linked. As a past-time I select "Co-ordinating Outfits" and link these to "Room-settings"...try this - it's great fun:-)...You often can find your own "Style" in Decor by selecting an outfit of your own and in-corporating a "Decor Scheme" that best suits you...

"Romantic Chic"



"Glamour Girl"



"Urban Chic"

"Funky Chic"

...'Til the next time:-)FK.

"Colour"

"The Colour Wheel"

I decided to start with the Element of "Colour" - as this is the most important "Element in Design"...You often hear different Terminologies used...like "hues" - Colour in it's pure state. "A Tint" - when white is added to a hue..."A Tone" - when grey is added to a hue. "A Shade" - when black is added to a hue. I find if you know the basic terms you will understand where the Colour stems from. We all learned at school about "Primary Colours" and "Secondary Colours"...but that is where it stayed...Nowadays we hear about "Complimentary Colours" - colours that lie opposite each other on the colour wheel...these colours compliment and accent each other (work well together)...Many of my clients are afraid to work in a "Complimentary Colour-scheme"...we often find ourselves working with "Monocramatic Colours" - colours that start from a single hue and are extended by adding tones; tints and shades...ie: Colours which are in it's Pure state then white; grey or black is added to it...this is whereby you will have different variations of one colour(lighter; intermediate or darker versions...)We often disguise this by adding another Element of Design - like "Texture" - with fabrics; patterns and dimension...To create an ambience of interest... But that we shall leave for another day...;-)

"Monocramatic Colour Scheme"

                                                    

I have posted a picture below of a "Monocramatic Verandah"...Keeping in tune with this Month's Theme - "Entrances"...I feel this picture depicts the best way in which various tones and shades from the same Hue can be displayed to it's fullest potential...Maybe look around and see where you use "Monocramatic Colour Schemes"...I know I often use it in my "Dress Sense"...it can be great Fun...Can't wait to see those Pics...



"Monocramatic Colour Sceme  used in this Veranda Setting"



                              

Look at the "Shutters" and "Cane Chairs" - These depict the "Shade of the Colour"...The "Wall" is a lighter "Tint" of the Colour... and the "Ceiling" is a "Tone" of the colour....The colour in it's Pure State stems from the "Carpet Colour" - Green...I also love the "Foliage" around which throws off  lots of light to accent the "Hue" even more...That too is a discussion for another day -"Lighting" and the effect it has on Colour...Till then..."Happy Decorating with Colour"...;-)FK.