“One can speak poetry just by arranging colors well.” ~ Vincent van Gogh
The Depth of Color
Color is such a fascinating topic to me as a designer. There are entire modern organizations dedicated to learning about color, the influence of color, and the projection of color trends. Research on color is not just a modern-day intrigue, the psychology of color has been of interest in the Western World for millennia. Sir Isaac Newton was a pioneer in color studies by way of his studies in light. From his studies, we know that the elements required to create color are a viewer, an object, and a source of light.
The viewer is the part that I am interested in as a designer. I want to understand how color is perceived and the impacts color can have in a variety of spaces. Everyone views color very differently, I find it nearly impossible to communicate color in an articulate way with clients at times. The perception differences, all the studies, and research, and even Evidence-Based Design will begin to show the reader just how deep and wide the topic of color can be.
This blog is a behind-the-scenes look at how I select color for clients and their spaces.
Different Spaces & People
Color theory is a deep conversation but the first step in selecting any color for a client is to get to know them. Everyone is unique and every space is unique. I cannot apply the same process with every person because that just does not make logical sense. We all have our own perceptions of color that are rooted in our experiences. All of us have different colors we are naturally drawn to and deterred from. Depending on your age group, cultural and spiritual background, we all associate different colors with different emotions.
Some Considerations
A few of the things I consider as I start to think about colors, textures, and materials are:
- Age groups and abilities
- Different age groups will see and respond differently to different colors. Infants, aging populations, and vision-impaired individuals will be able to see vibrant colors more easily than muted colors, for example.
- Historical spaces
- Historical spaces can require very specific colors and pigments related to the era that the building was constructed. Historic buildings are a whole breed of their own when it comes to design and construction. A lot of consideration goes into historical compliance for the aesthetics of the time period.
- Type of space
- Ultimately, the type of space can give the best direction on color selection in conjunction with client conversations.
- Is the space a sacred or spiritual space?
- Is it a residential space?
- Is this a space for healing?
- Is this a space for entertainment?
- Is it a public or private space?
- Ultimately, the type of space can give the best direction on color selection in conjunction with client conversations.
These are just some examples of things that I take into consideration before I start to draw on inspiration. Sometimes, the programing phase will bring inspiration through listening to what a client needs.
Drawing Inspiration
After thoughtful research, I am able to start pulling a color palette together. This palette can be inspired by the conversations with the client, from nature, from art or fashion,
I do not always create a color palette prior to having more materials pieced together. For some clients though, showing them the source of inspiration instills trust in the design process. Even if the concept seems abstract and they cannot quite visualize the space yet, the colors evoke the emotions they hope to feel in the new or updated space.
Feng Shui, Color, & The Five Elements
His Holiness Professor Lin Yun brings Chinese color theory into the practice of BTB Feng Shui. The Five Elements are derived from the I Ching and the Bagua, a tool in Feng Shui, can provide great insight on colors that can be useful to the Chi of spaces. According to Professor Lin Yun, “In the practice of Feng Shui, the philosophy of color is an important consideration when painting the interior of a home or office. A Feng Shui expert will sometimes advise a person to use or avoid certain colors.”
This adds to the cultural and spiritual aspects of getting to know a client. Once I know more about a person’s elemental make-up, I am able to give better direction on a color selection from a Feng Shui perspective. Certain colors can be very supportive to a person’s Chi, while others might feel very draining.
The Five Elements are not only used in Feng Shui but throughout Chinese culture and history for their healing properties. The Five Elements comprise everything we see in our world. I value this tradition and continue learning more on how to apply the Five Elements in peoples’ environments through the use of color and shape.
As the reader can see, there are many considerations when it comes to selecting and developing a color palette for any interior environment. The most important component to color, in my opinion, will always be the viewer. As designers, we must strive to select colors that influence people in meaningful and supportive ways, in order for people to thrive in their interiors.