Interior Color Design

The greatest challenge in color design is to be able to predict and control the result of a color scheme. Effective color selection can be an inexpensive yet powerful element in any design. Color can perform a multitude of roles and can affect a person's emotions, energy level, and sense of order, or disorder. As well, it can set the tone of an interior and make it seem formal or informal, masculine or feminine, cooly aloof or invitingly warm. The aim of successful interior color design is to be able to control these effects through the masterful use of color as a design tool itself.

Some client ask their designer what is the right color for them. Well, that is a good question indeed. To answer that question let me share with you the interview of Ms. Erin Cecille Langan (design director of DWP) which is done by sigma paints. DWP (Design Worldwide Partnership) is an interior design and architectural practice with 12 offices and over 450 staff located in the middle east and Asia.

 What is the right color for me?
I believe the right color is the color that brings you the most happiness. There is no right or wrong choice. Whatever one feels most drawn to or intuitively inspired by is "right". Color, as with creativity, should have few rules and one should consider it an area for vast exploration.
What are the tools used to define the right color for my environment?
As a design director for DWP,I rely heavily on the natural environment where my project is located. I often take stones, sand, leaves and shells to obtain a computer paint match that creates a soothing interiors color for wherever the project might be located in the world.
How important is color in interior design?
There have been many studies especially with regards to healthcare interiors, that indicate color and the environment make a great impact on the time it takes a person to heal. DWP is working in the healthcare market to bring softer, warmer hues to hospitals and clinic with a residential feel.

What are the main psychological effects of color?
In interior design, color is used to specific purposes depending on the setting. When DWP does restaurant design, we rely heavily on reds, and oranges as they create more energy and sense of urgency allowing the restaurant owner a higher table turn for their setting groups. Likewise, spa design often tends to a cooler palette of blues and greens as this direction encourages peace and relaxation.
What are the main physiological effects of color?
There is a vast array of studies that have been done on this topic. One example is how color impact moods, feelings, and behaviours, by Kendra Cherry, several ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Chinese, practice chromotheraphy, or using colors to heal. Chromotheraphy is sometimes referred to as light therapy or colourology  and still used today as a holistic or alternative treatment. In this treatment:
Red was used to stimulate the body and mind and to increase circulation.
Yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.
Orange was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels.
Blue was believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain.
Indigo shades were thought to alleviate skin problems.

How can different colors affect your mood?
Studies have shown that this varies from person to person. It can also be influenced by regional or historical factors. The colors that remind you of a happy memory or have an emotional appeal from your home country can be elevating for the mood.
How can different paint colors affect a person's mental state and his reaction to different situations?
Given that paint is usually the dominant finish in the person's environment, it is a large part of our everyday lives. Taking the time to understand which colors will promote positive and peaceful feelings in one's home and work environment can create a more peaceful and harmonious society.
How can different colors affect our health in a positive way?
Colors that brings one joy will decrease stress and anxiety. The places that we spend the most amount of time should reflect the color palettes that enhances a positive feeling when we are surrounded by them.
How can we define color as per the functional area of our environment?
As an Interior designer, color is often used to cue clients to circulation paths, hierarchy of space, featured walls, and identity areas of importance. It can shape a space simply by creating areas of focus that either grab our attention or allow certain areas to pass unnoticed.

Image credits: http://www.evermotion.org/

So long fellows, together we say it out loud with conviction,

In God’s name I will live my dreams. 
Living the dream,
Bernard Cadelina
"The architect" 

P.S. If ever you are looking for an architect to design your dream house, I might be of help, just send me  an email tophilippinedreamhouse@gmail.com.
PPS. “Therefore I say unto you, all things whatsoever you pray and ask for, believe that you will receive them and you shall have them.” Mark 11:24

PPS. Do you have already a plan how you gonna achieve that dream? My dear friends I am inviting you to join Bro. Bo Sanchez Truly Rich Club. I had been a member of this club for a couple of years now and It had blessed me so much spiritually and financially. Please click this link http://bosanchezmembers.com/amember.

Make mine bleached

I have a love affair with wood, but I don't like the golden wood tones that come along with wood that is clear coated or lightly stained. Do I have lots of golden  wood tones in my home? 

 Yes, history looks after that because my home was built in the 80's when oak was the standard for hardwood floors and furniture. When all your furniture is handmade with love, it's difficult to get rid of it, so I accept my golden tones as period pieces.

 

As I've renovated  the upstairs portion of my home, I moved to natural maple flooring  which is about as warm as I can stand. This beautiful cardboard/ brown paper bag colour is very popular right now, and it is a warm tone that isn't too overwhelming.   The great hardware makes this chest look distinctive and sophisticated, but it's not mine!

 When I designed my summer home, my mantra was think driftwood.  Everything there is new, but looks bleached and old!

 There are alternatives for people like me - naturally weathered wood, bleached wood, wood that has whitewashes or gray washes. These tones seem to go so much better with today's modern interiors.  Let's explore the options....

When you make your own furniture you have more options to get the look you want. This new bed made from oak doesn't have a hint of yellow or orange in sight.  I controlled the warm tones by using a  greenish grayish wash before the final semi gloss clear coat.  The  old mid century modern dresser was stripped and treated in the same way,  but I rubbed more of the wash off  so the two pieces didn't look like a perfect match -  I like harmony  with  variety.

The Designer Inside 

This is another example of a washed gray finish that allows the wood grain and imperfections in the wood  to shine through. While it is more traditional in design, the overall look of  this piece  would allow you to use it in most rooms. Give chests like this a chance in your  bedroom, bathroom,  hallway, foyer or living room .

 

The Designer Inside 

 This traditionally designed sideboard  made from mango wood  could be used in any room decor.  Mango wood is a hard, dense wood that has been seasoned and kiln dried. If left unfinished it has  hues of green brown and yellow which can be interesting .   Because mango  is quick growing,  hard and harvested after the tree has stopped giving fruit, it is  considered the wood of the future.

 

 Atlanta Interior Designer Global Living

 I'm in love with the cool tones in this room, buy I would like to see a little more variety in the various wood tones used.  The bench could easily be removed and then the sideboard which is beautiful, could shine.

Traditional Hall design by Orange County Design-build Spinnaker Development

 Everything here is light and airy. The floors seem to go on forever.   It is truly  a room that would let you breathe. If I built a new home this would be my floor choice.

 Random House

White always looks so fresh when paired with bleached or toned wood.  You have to be careful when you choose lighter woods because they are easily overwhelmed by stronger colours. 

How do you feel about bleached, washed or otherwise light woods?