Spaces Vol 1 Is 6

Text: Shristi Pradhan,
Spatial Design Company
Setting Moods
Among the many finishes applied on walls, one of the most
commonly used is paint. Wall surfaces act as a background
against displays, or even as a dominant feature of a room and
if used properly, effectively sets the mood of the room. It is
widely recognized that colours have a strong impact on human
moods and emotions. Hence choosing the appropriate colour
is a daunting task.
COLOUR SCHEME AND CHOICE
While deciding on colour schemes, a few factors have to be
kept in mind. The
orientation and extent of
daylight supply to the
space through windows/
openings, and the type and
location of artificial
lighting used for specific
purposes, are important in
the sense that ill
illuminated areas require
lighter shades of colour.
The duration that the
space will be used, the
purposes it will serve and
the climatic condition also
needs to be analysed. In
addition, the character or atmosphere desired (calm, restful,
stimulating, exciting, dignified, playful, etc.) also affects the
colour scheme to be chosen.
Choosing the correct colour can also make a space visually
aesthetic as well as functional. A small space can be made to
seem larger and an oddly shaped space to seem better. For
example, if the end walls of a long and narrow room are of a
strong warm colour, while the sides are lighter and cooler in
tone, the ends seem to come closer visually and the sides move
away, making the room look more normally shaped. Similarly,
a dark ceiling will tend to seem lower than the same ceiling in
a lighter tone.
COLOUR EFFECTS
Colour creates some surprising effects. Warm colours like red,
orange and yellow are said to advance, that is, appear closer
than they actually are, while cool colours like green, blue, and
violet recede, appearing farther away. Light colours make
objects look larger and
lighter than they are, while
darker colours make them
look smaller and heavier. A
dark floor and ceiling can
greatly reduce apparent
height and may even seem
oppressive. A door painted
to match the colour of the
wall around it or a window
curtained in a tone
matching its surroundings
will blend into their
environment. On the other
hand, the same elements if
treated in contrasting
colours will be emphasized. However there is no hard and
fast rule to make any interior space lively. A small room can
also be inviting and cosy using warm colours rather than going
against space size.
COLOUR HARMONY
The concept of colour harmony is one of the keys to
under-standing the theory that lies behind the development
of various colour schemes. Before choosing any colour for
102 SEP-OCT 2005 SPACES