RSW No.] No.

3
[RSW Title] COLOR THEORY PRINCIPLES
[COURSE CODE | SUBJECT] AR 212 L & S ARCH’L INTERIORS
[SECTION] AR II-1A-F

Arch. Camille Laureen A. Reyes. NIÑALGA,BRANDON E.

PSYCHOLOGY OF COLORS IN INTERIOR DESIGN

How do different colors influence mood, emotions, and behavior in interior spaces?

According to the theory of color psychology, different colors have different effects on
people's emotions, brain activity, creativity, and productivity. People feel at ease when
they are surrounded by soothing colors like blue or green. In contrast, a person feels
energizing and impassioned when they are surrounded by strong, vibrant colors like
crimson, maroon, or orange. Similar to how they seem calm, neutral hues like white or
gray.

The foundation of color psychology is the study of how the human brain responds to
various shades of each color in the spectrum. Despite the fact that the impacts of the
colors may appear to be comparable, research reveal that every person reacts
differently to conventional color schemes.

How can interior designers use color psychology to create spaces that promote well-
being and productivity?

One of the numerous ways to incorporate elements of nature-inspired design into

buildings is through the use of color, which can improve focus and general well-being
while easing stress and mental weariness. Additionally, a good use of color can support
a feeling of peace, relaxation, and wellbeing, which is crucial in spaces meant to
promote mindfulness and rest.

How therefore may color psychology be used in home design?

 Warm colors are excellent for giving a space a cozy or pleasant atmosphere.
 To induce calmness, cool colors can be used.
  Bright, striking colors can be utilized to pique curiosity or inspire innovation.
 For spaces that should feel cozy or peaceful, pastel colors are ideal.
 Black, white, and grey are examples of neutral colors that can be utilized as
anchors to make other vibrant colors shine out.

COLOR HARMONY AND SCHEME

What are the principles of color harmony, and how do they apply to interior
architecture and interior design?

The 60-30-10 rule is a quick and efficient technique to maintain color harmony in a
project for commercial interior design. It advises dividing your color scheme into three
categories: accent color, secondary color, and dominating color. The primary
background color that establishes the tone and atmosphere of your area should be the
dominating color. The secondary color ought to be a contrasting or complimentary hue
that gives your room character and variation. Bright or strong colors that catch the eye
and provide focus points in your room should be used as the accent color. Any color
scheme may be created using this rule, and the proportions can be changed to suit
your needs and preferences.

How can designers effectively use color schemes (e.g., monochromatic,

complementary, analogous) to create visually appealing spaces?

A color combination that you use for your design presentation is known as a color
scheme. Color schemes might be monochromatic, analogous, complementary, triadic,
or tetradic, among other variations. Every color scheme has an own mood,
significance, and effect. For instance, a monochromatic color scheme employs a single
hue in many tints, hues, and tones to provide a unified and attractive appearance. An
analogous color scheme employs hues that are close to one another on the color
wheel to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere. Colors that are opposite one other
on the color wheel are used in a complimentary color scheme to produce a dynamic
and contrasted impact.

COLOR AND LIGHTING

How does lighting (natural and artificial) affect the perception of color in interior
spaces?

North-facing rooms typically have cold, bluish natural light. Bold and powerful colors
interact with this light the best. Lighter color choices may make your workspace appear
dark and subdued. Spaces that face south receive the greatest natural light. You can
go dark or light, but keep in mind that darker hues will typically be highlighted while
lighter hues will be washed out.
West-facing rooms: Early morning illumination can cast shadows and dull hues. Choose
hues from the cooler end of the paint color range to balance the warmth and
saturation. Spaces that face east will have some greenery and natural light.

What are the best practices for selecting colors in relation to different lighting
conditions?

You must have a firm grasp on your brand identity and retail theme before deciding on
your color and lighting design. The values, character, and image you wish to convey to
your target market make up your brand identity. Your store theme is the idea or
narrative you wish to share with customers through your retail location, such as a certain
atmosphere, culture, or way of life. For instance, you could want to use natural hues like
green, brown, and beige as well as soft lighting like sunshine or warm white if your brand
identity is eco-friendly and organic and your retail concept is nature-inspired.

COLOR IN MATERIAL SELECTION

How does the choice of materials (e.g., paint, textiles, flooring) affect the overall color
palette of an interior space?

Answering inquiries about layout, flow, focal points, styles, and other conceptual factors
is the first step in any effective interior design process. However, as the project
advances, designers must finally begin recommending highly precise interior features
and materials.

These materials, which are frequently referred to as "finishes," are those that will be used
to emphasize the design, conceal structural elements, and offer any outstanding utility
still required. The choice of materials and finishes will have a significant impact on how
the design comes together, whether it fulfills the client's requirements, and if it appears
complete, coherent, and intended.
What considerations should designers make when selecting materials to achieve a
desired color scheme?

UNDERSTAND YOUR CLIENT’S REQUIREMENTS

Recognize the fashion sense, taste, and preferences of your clients. Asking your
customer to give samples of rooms or houses that they believe best represent their own
style is a terrific idea. The more details they can provide, the greater your likelihood of
selecting products that they will enjoy.

Depending on the kind of agreement you have with a customer, you might also spend
some time with them in a specialty retailer or home improvement center looking
through materials and helping them choose ones they want to use.

DETERMINATION
Determine the ambience of the space. Yes, emotions are arbitrary. However, there are
tried-and-true techniques for influencing how an environment affects its occupants
emotionally. Darker hues and tougher materials may impart an air of luxury and even
quietness, which is why these are frequently used for private places in a home. Bright
hues and cozy materials are far more sociable and welcoming, making them ideal for
communal areas like the kitchen and living rooms.

BE CONSISTENT
Be consistent throughout the home, and tie together concepts in thoughtful ways. Unless
your client has fairly unusual tastes, they will want a theme to be present in the colors and
materials used for each room.

MATERIALS FOR EXTERIORS

Make sure the materials you select for the exterior of your home are acceptable for the
neighborhood, climate, and home's style. To assist your clients in maintaining and
increasing the value of their homes and maximizing their own pleasure of the property,
there are a few generally accepted norms that you should go by.

MATCH YOUR MATERIAL SELECTION

Match the purpose of a room with the material you choose. Hard surfaces, for instance,
may make the space easier to maintain, but they can significantly affect the room's
acoustics. Does your client want to hear noises from their neighbors or the clinking of
dishes? Most likely not, and careful space layout offers several opportunities to reduce
excessive noise.

Last but not least, remember who will be residing in the house when choosing the
materials for a remodeling. Are your clients young families with children? Consider how

this will effect your choice of noise-canceling materials and whether you're choosing
options that are robust and simple to maintain.

BUDGET
Don’t forget about the budget. Custom materials like stone, woodwork and metals will cost
significantly more than stock versions. If budget is an issue, use small details and accents as
a place for more lavish or unique materials and finishes. This can help save money and
draw more attention to special, personal touches.

CASE STUDIES AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Analyze specific interior design projects or spaces and assess how color theory
principles were applied to achieve particular design goals.
Plan for real life

In the interior design process, "Space planning is first” this is the first step
when designing interiors.

Create a vision

Once the designers have an idea of how the space should function,
they mesh those requirements with the client’s desired aesthetic and
atmosphere, to create a concept for the space.

Materials and construction

Natural materials reign supreme. The designers at Maison often

incorporate fabrics like wool, silk, and linen, and favor furniture with
solid wood construction and or well-made antiques.
Juxtapose contrasting elements

When a designer combines different materials, shapes, patterns, and

textures, the differences between them can enhance their innate
properties.

Layer the details deliberately

The sweeping strokes of an interior design concept are nothing without

the supporting details. Whether that’s the scale of a lampshade or the
stile width on a cabinet door, a good designer must be detail-oriented
and will specify all of the particulars in order to best support the overall
vision.

1.CONTROLLING TIME

Having good time management skills is essential for interior design firms.
There are only so many hours in the day, yet there are numerous tasks
that need to be completed. By planning your time properly, you can
prioritize projects, keep on track, and meet your never-ending
deadlines.
2. MARKETING YOUR LARGE IDEAS

Selling huge ideas is one of the major difficulties interior designers

confront. Often, all you have to convey the mood of a whole room is a
floor plan or a few images. Selling something that doesn't exist
physically is challenging.

3. EXECUTION OF THE BOOKS

Indeed, even designers must manage the books. Accounting

documents, such as invoices and purchase orders, can be very
confusing. However, a lot of interior designers choose to employ
accounting software made just for designers. It simplifies bookkeeping,
making a laborious procedure into one that can be completed in 10
minutes.

4. KEEPING CLIENT EXPECTATIONS IN MIND

You've probably worked with a customer who had really high

expectations. Managing expectations and interacting with people are
two key aspects of being an interior designer. Do not lose heart. Set
limits, stick to your budget, and don't forget the deadline.

5.PERFORMING WITHIN SHORT TURNS

The project may need to be completed by your client by next week or

by next month. Interior designers frequently work with short deadlines,
no matter what the situation. Time management and organizing skills
must really be put to the test in this situation.

6. TRENDS AND TIMELESS STYLE ANNOUNCEMENT

Introducing the newest trends while keeping a feeling of timeless style is
one of the hardest tasks faced by interior designers. When a room
becomes old after a few months, you don't want your client to feel
upset. One of the most important creative talents for designers to
acquire is keeping up with the latest trends and knowing how to
implement them gracefully.

7.CONTROLLING COSTS

Budgets need to be constantly monitored by interior designers. You

can find yourself in a bind if a client changes their mind or a project
takes longer than expected. To ensure that no money is lost during the
creation process, a company's operations must be conducted
effectively in every area.

8. MANAGING SEPARATE PROMOTION

There are several platforms for self-promotion, from Pinterest to

Instagram. It can be challenging for designers to master them, though.
Investigate other interior designers' practices and methods for
showcasing their work online. Keep in mind that your social media are
your portfolio. Be sure it looks fantastic.

9. WORKING WHILE MOVING

Work doesn't cease just because you're not in the office. It can be
challenging for interior designers to conduct business operations while
on the go without the proper software. Think about using document-
accessible cloud-based business management software, which allows
you to work from anywhere.

10. A REMINDER OF BREAKS

Business entrepreneurs in general, including interior designers, work
incredibly hard. There is never anything less than 110%. But it's critical to
know when to take a break for the sake of both your health and your
business. Many designers struggle with knowing when to leave a
project and take a break.

REFERENCES:

Anonymous (2022). THE POWER OF COLOR INTERIOR DESIGN. Retrieved

from the website https://www.rockfon.co.uk/about-
us/blog/2022/interior-colour-design-for-
Bobwellbeing/#:~:text=Warm%20colours%20are%20great%20for,to%20st
imulate%20activity%20or%20creativity.

Anonymous, (2023). HOW DO YOU USE COLOR THEORY DESIGN

PRESENTSTION. Retrieved from the website
https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-do-you-use-color-theory-
design-
presentations#:~:text=Each%20color%20scheme%20has%20its,a%20war
m%20and%20cozy%20feel.

Anonymous, (2022). HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MATERIALS AND

FINISHES. Retrieved from the website Whttps://foyr.com/learn/how-to-
choose-materials-and-finishes-for-interior-design-projects/