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Where History Meets Sustainability

Color Theory: Part 4

10/5/2024

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Paint selection and using color is one of my favorite parts of working in different homes.  While we pull out of an all-neutral ideal and back into technicolor design choices, understanding how colors work together -or argue with each other- is a huge part of making a space work.

My personal affinity toward color is no secret, but I’m also a bit of an open book on how I choose my colors.  Truthfully, it’s all about finding a balance with personal preference and existing conditions.  Since this is the fourth part of the series, hop back to Part 1 for information on the color wheel, undertones, and some tips and tricks to finding the information on the color you love.
Part 2 is all about the nuance of color temperature with light bulbs, and how different light bulbs can change everything: from appearances to the energy levels called for in our brains.
Part 3 dives deep into the six main types of color palettes used to create a space.
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The Red Thread

In historic Nordic design, the red thread is a metaphor for a design characteristic that ties different elements together. It connects themes, stories, and ideas to help bring cohesion to what can be design chaos.  It is also my favorite place to start when I'm establishing a mood in different rooms. The red thread becomes part of the inherent considerations of the space: something that just is without question.

In my personal home, the red thread is stained wood doors, door casings, and window casings. In each room, including the private ones, this ties in with the rest of the house. By keeping it front-of-mind throughout, the woodwork also remains the emphasis in the places it needs to be: the living and dining rooms. To contrast all this lovely millwork, I've kept our wall colors cool-toned in each room with light, warm or neutral colors on most of the ceilings as balance.
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Consider Neutrals

One of the most seemingly simple things to do when planning colors in a room turns out to sometimes be the most complicated. Neutrals are a fantastic way to provide a restful place for the eye and to add negative space to a design, but choosing the right neutral -particularly with whites- can be surprisingly tricky.

When choosing neutrals, three things need to be front-of-mind: existing elements, lighting, and undertones. Choosing a neutral that conflicts with an existing element can make undertones shift and colors look vastly different from room to room. When working with a lot of neutrals, balancing undertones can take the same set up as a color palette. Cool whites contrast with dark browns and look fresh, but against cream can emphasize the gold undertone and look dirty. This can also change as light conditions do, so it is vital to try colors at multiple times of day and with different color temperatures.
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Set A Mood

The mood is one of the most important factors in selection. To set a mood, a few things need to be considered: What is the purpose of the space? Who is going to use this space? What should the space feel like?
Once those questions are answered, the real selecting begins.

Colors can suit different moods well based on color temperature and tone. Cool temperatures in dark, muted tones can make a space feel cave-like, safe, and relaxing. Warm tones can make a space feel vibrant and energetic. Determining what the needs are for the space really guides these choices. Layering in lighting helps to set the final touches.
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One technique consistently used to establish a mood is by choosing a few words to describe the room along with the purpose. This year, I've been working on a lot of bedrooms, and those moods -including "Dinosaur Garden" and "Heavy Metal Cat Party"- are very distinct, yet fit the overlapping needs of the users.

These mood ideas don't need to be in a very specific theme to work, and these can be really helpful in determining how color plays in the space. Add in the "red thread," and the whole place will feel dynamic, connected, and cohesive.
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    Katie Swanson

    I am a parent, creative spirit, and old house lover.  My big passions are sustainable design and preservation.  Bringing these together is key to moving existing homes into the future.

    There is definitely a mix of seasonal craftiness and old house projects with some major technology changes that help make preservation possible.  Along the way, I'm not afraid to share the ups, downs, and budgets.

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