Color Transforms

In his book Interaction of Color, Josef Albers states that “color is the most relative medium in art.” From our studies of color theory, this statement holds true; color is subjective because the perception of color differs from each individual. This makes sense due to the fact that the physiology of the human eye is unique to the person. For instance, two people may characterize the color red differently, claiming that a certain shade is more red than another shade. Similarly, two people may interpret the color red differently, one arguing that it represents love while the other argues that it symbolizes anger. Even with all these differences in perception and interpretation of colors, people will often agree that color has the power to transform design, a power that can be easily seen in interior design.

Take the room shown above as an example. Although it may seem like a simple room, it shows a clever use of color to make a small room appear larger without any major renovation. By using the knowledge that light and cool colors make objects “recede” into the distance, the designers of this room took advantage of a light color palette for wall paint and furnishings, creating an airy and open atmosphere for the room. This can be contrasted with the restrictive feeling presented by the darkly painted room shown below, all due to the fact that dark and warm colors tend to “draw in” objects, making them appear larger.

In addition to the use of a light color palette, the designers also painted the moldings and borders a lighter shade than the main walls of the room. This technique creates a three-dimensional effect, characterized by the darker colored walls appearing to be pushed back, further enlarging the room.

Certainly, the actual proportions of the room did not change at all. However, due to the subjectivity and the interaction of the colors used, the light and cool shades and tints make us perceive the room as larger. Undoubtedly, color is a powerful tool when it comes to transforming designs for the better.  

*Images taken from School of Interior Design and Color; Credit to School of Interior Design and Home Decorating