Colour - Your Choice

Introduction to colour

There are no strict rules when it comes to colour use but a basic understanding of colour theory, and most importantly a strong understanding of what you want to achieve, will help you reach your desired look.

Consider the current light you have in your room and how this changes throughout the day and even the seasons as the sun changes position. Understanding your space is key, so familiarise yourself with the surface, shadows and shapes.

Think about the use of the room. Dark colours can feel comforting and work well in bedrooms. They can feel a little overbearing in living rooms and other spaces that more time is spent in during the day so use them sparingly, or limit them to a feature wall, which can help give a focal point to a room. Also note other colours used within the room such as furniture, pictures and ornaments. Something that compliments these will help tie the room together.

Don’t forget, with our paintable papers you don’t need to redecorate when you fancy a change, simply try another colour or even repaint it the same colour to refresh it.

Colour Theory

Basic Colour Wheel Theory

In the standard RYB (red, yellow and blue) model, these three colours make up the ‘Primary’ colours. The three secondary colours (green, orange and purple) are created by mixing two of the primary colours. Tertiary colours are made by mixing primary and secondary colours. (see fig 1)

The colour wheel can be split into 2 sections of warm and cool colours. Generally warm colours are energetic, cool colours are calm and create a soothing impression. (see fig 2)

Differing tints, shades and hues are created through adding white, black or grey to a pure hue (see fig 3) as per the following;

  • Tints - adding white to a pure hue
  • Shades - adding black to a pure hue
  • Tones - adding grey to a pure hue

Figure 3 may seem more reminiscent of the paint sample cards and charts you’ll see in stores.

Colour Wheel

Colour Choice

If you are mixing different colours then think about complimentary colours and ‘neighbouring’ colours. A brief search on the internet will help but in summary complimentary colours are those on the opposite side of the spectrum or colour wheel. Colours such as blue and orange, purple and yellow, red and green are all complimentary colours and work well together. Once a tint of a hue is taken down and paler colours are used then great effects are still produced.

‘Neighbouring’ colours are those next to each other on a colour wheel. These also offer a more subtle difference to colours that will offer a soft differing palette to the eye.

We would suggest you use samples before making your final colour choice. The rule of thumb is always try before you buy. Paint manufacturers will offer guidance and specific colour ranges that work well together.

White Works

Painting our papers white creates a perfectly clean finish suitable for any home. As well as working well on its own, white will also go with any other colour whether it be pale neutrals or strong bolds. 

Pale Colours

Neutral colours provide a variety of moods and offer an elegance and sophistication to a room. Pale and neutrals work well in areas you want to feel light and clean such as kitchens and hallways. Smaller spaces can benefit from lighter colours to help with the illusion of more space and light. Keeping to a ‘warm’ palette, such as pale yellows, reds and warm greys will work well here. Certain cool colours, such as pale greens and cool greys (light mushroom) can work well in kitchens and can add a feeling of cleanliness.

Strong Colours

These work very well when used sparingly, especially with white walls and can produce very dramatic effects. They can also work well in small rooms such as cloakrooms and WC’s.

Location

  • Corringham Road, Gainsborough
    Lincolnshire, DN21 1QB

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