Chapter 4

Elements: Light and Color

Elements: Light and color

Color is an influential element of designcheering or relaxing, depressing,

distressfulaffect apparent size of a roommake ceilings seem higher or lowercan simulate sunlightcan speed up recovery in a healthcare

setting

When we talk about color...

We have to talk first about lightwithout light, we cannot see color or

any other elements discussed last week.without light reflecting off the surface of

an object, we cannot physically see the color.

So does color exist in the dark?

NO

Color is dependent on the element of light.

Technical Definition

Light is the electromagnetic energy from the sun or other celestial bodies, from fire, from artificial sources that travel in wavelengths that range from too long (infrared) to too short (ultraviolet) for us to see.

In other words...

When light hits an object, some of the colors of light rays are absorbed and others are reflected. The wavelengths that are reflected give the object its color.

White objects reflect almost all the colors in light, while black objects absorb most of them.

Example:

A yellow lemon absorbs all wavelengths of color except yellow. That is why we see it as yellow.

If White Objects

reflect almost all the color wavelengths,

Then what color do we see if an object absorbs all color wavelengths?

The color of an object that we see results from three factors:

The way in which the object reflects light.

The kind of light that makes the object visible. (moonlight, sunlight, light bulb etc.)

and the physical condition of the viewer’s eyes.

Did you know?

You can actually change colors by changing the color of your light sources.

You can use filters, reflectors, diffusers, sheers, and special light bulbs to alter the colors we see.

A warm light will intensify red, yellow and orange, but will neutralize blue and violets.

Light that is cool and bluish neutralizes red, yellow and orange.

Color Psychology

You must consider more than aestheticsYou must understand the importance of

light and color upon people’s physical and psychological responses to the environment as well as their health.

You will need to know what result is desired, how to achieve it and how to predict its effects.

Table 4.2 page 95

Three dimensions of color (page

87)

1. Hue: The name of a color2. Value: The lightness or darkness of

a color3. Intensity: its degree of purity or

strength: brightness vs. dullness

Hue –

The simplest and most familiar color theory is based on the concept that there are three primary hues that cannot be produced by mixing any other hueRedBlueYellow

Primary Hues (see color wheel on page 84-85)

Primary hues cannot be created by mixing any other color together. Red, yellow and blue are the three primary hues used to create all other colors.

Memorize this color wheel!

Secondary Hue

Secondary hues stand midway between the primary colors of which it is the product

Green between blue and yellow

Orange between yellow and red

Violet between blue and red

Tertiary

Tertiary hues are the colors that stand midway between a primary and a secondary color. For example:Yellow-greenYellow-orangeRed-OrangeBlue-greenBlue-VioletRed-violetNote: The primary color is written first.

Background

The effects of background also lead to apparent changes in colors.

Orange placed against a blue background seems warmer and brighter

The same orange placed against orange and yellow seems duller and darker.

Interaction of Hues

When placed next to each other, colors produce effects ranging from unity to decisive contrast.• Blue, blue-green and green give a

restful unified effect• Blue and orange produces more

excitement and contrast

Analogous Hues

Near each other on the color wheelCreate a unified interior

Yellow, orange, redBlue, blue-green and green

Complementary Hues

These colors lie directly opposite each other on the color wheel.

Creates contrast in an interior• Red and Green• Yellow and Violet• Orange and Blue

Monochromatic

Only one hue is used

Warmth and Coolness of Hues

All colors have a “temperature”Red, orange and yellow seem warmBlues and greens seem cool

Advancing Colors

Warm colors: Red, Orange and YellowThey are considered advancing because

they seem nearer to us than they actually are.

Upholstering a piece of furniture in intense red increases its apparent size

Painting a wall red will visually make a room seem smaller, because the color advances.

Advancing color

Receding Colors

Cool Colors: Blues and GreensReduces the apparent size of

objects. On a piece of furniture, cool colors will make it appear smaller

Used on a wall, it will help visually increase the size of a room

V A L U E

The relative lightness and darkness of a hue

Easy to understand when done without color. (page 88, fig. 4.18) where it indicates the lightness or darkness between pure white and pure black

However

Value gradations apply equally to colors and are determined by the amount of light the colors reflect.

How can a color’s value be made lighter?

By adding white to the color, which we call a tint.

Pink is a tint of Red.Tints are very pale, clear and cool.

How can a color’s value be made darker?

By adding black to the color, which is called a shade.

Maroon is a shade of red.Can also be created by adding gray

or brown.

A room composed almost entirely of light values seems

BrightAiryCheerfulUplifting

A room consisting of all dark values brings

A sense of securitySolidity

A final word about Value

In a monochromatic room, value is a key element in providing transition and avoiding monotony and harshness.

Value can also affect the apparent size of objects, light values increase the size because they reflect light and dark colors reduce the size because they absorb light.

When perception is concerned, value is the single most critical characteristic of color. Value contrasts are vital in distinguishing forms, judging depth and distinguishing changes in plane, especially for the very young, elderly and those with limited vision.

Intensity

Refers to a colors purity and strength.

In other words, the degree to which it differs from gray.

Example: pink is always red in hue and light in value, but it can be vivid, almost pure pink or it can be neutralized or grayed pink.

Example: pink is always red in hue and light in value, but it can be vivid, almost pure pink or it can be neutralized or grayed pink.

High Intensity or Strong Low Intensity or weak

Playing with intensities

If a hue is placed next to an analogous color, it will appear to have a lower intensity than when it is placed next to its complement.

In other words

If you want to decrease the intensity of a color, use an analogous scheme, filter the light (less light), or provide an object that is more intense such as a painting.

If you want to increase the intensity of a color, use a complementary color scheme and illuminate with bright light.

Color Harmonies

Planning a color scheme for a room is one of the fun steps of the design process.

As a designer, you will need to know what happens when colors are combined in order to produce the desired effects for your customer.

Two Categories

Related – harmony and unityMonochromaticAchromaticAnalogous

Contrasting – varietyComplementaryDouble ComplementTriadTetrad

Monochromatic Colors Scheme

Literally one hue is usedCan vary in regard to light and darkCan vary in intensityIf done right, this room will be

unified and harmonious, however, a major danger is monotony.

You must provide variety in other elements.

Achromatic Color Scheme

Neutral Color SchemeWhite, Black, greyVery low intensities of warms colors Will need to accent with color in

accessories for visual excitement

Analogous Color Scheme

Based on two or more colors with the same degree of common hue.

Space will automatically have some degree of unity.

Contrasting Color Schemes

ComplementaryDouble ComplementTriadTetrad

Complementary Scheme

Built on two hues that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel.

Can be a lively scheme, but can also be more subdued when using a low intensity.

Split Complement

See figure, page 86Composed of three huesAny hue and the two hues at each

side of its complement.Makes the contrast less violentAdds interest and variety

Yellow, Blue-violet and Red-violet

Double Complement

Two set of complementsUsually near each other on the color

wheelIf too far apart, it is hard to identify

and create a harmonious feeling.

Triad Color Scheme

Any three hues equidistant from each other on the color wheel.

In full intensity, it can be a bit shocking.Can translate to:

Mahogany, French gray and vanilla (red, blue and yellow)

Sage Green, Cocoa Brown and dove gray (Green, orange and violet)

Tetrad

Any four hues equidistant from each other on the color wheel

These schemes can lead to rich, yet unified interiors.

Factors to Consider in Selecting Colors:

The reaction to color is highly subjective. You will need to spend a lot of time with your customer to get a good feel for their preferences.

Always get large samples of carpet, paints and wallcoverings. You cannot make a true judgment from a small sample.

Select samples under similar lighting and in the setting it will be going into.

Cont…

Increasing the area of a color will change its apparent hue, value and intensity. For example, a small paint chip will appear several times darker when seen on a large wall area because vertical surfaces receive less direct illumination than horizontal surfaces.

Textures will affect color as well. Color appears brighter on a smooth, shiny surface and is neutralized on a rough textured surface.

Finally….

When trying to unify an entire house, it is best not to consider the rooms individually. A unified color scheme throughout the house brings harmony and continuity, increases visual spaciousness and makes it possible to shift furnishings from one room to another.

Test yourself….

What have you learned about light and color?

End of Chapter 4 Lecture