Interior Design Color Effects.

 

Interior Color Effects.

Understand the Psychology of Color

When you enter a space, what do you feel? Are you overcome with a sense of calm that washes through you? Do you feel energized and ready to take on your day? Or do you notice tension creeping through your body, and all you want to do is escape your surroundings? Interior design sets the mood for a room, and one of the integral components that helps set the tone is color. This is called room color psychology.

Color Theory in Interior Design

In interior design, color psychology is the school of thought that focuses on color as a means of creating a specific atmosphere and mood. Hues are carefully chosen in order to invoke a certain emotional response in people and set a particular mood. Research into color theory has ascribed defined emotions to each hue, and it also takes into account various factors such as tint, saturation, and tone

Color psychology has been studied for hundreds of years. Color is the manifestation of how our brain and vision perceive different wavelengths of light. This spectrum runs from shorter wavelengths (blue or purple colors) to longer wavelengths (reds). In other words, it’s what is commonly known as a rainbow of color. The science of color made great strides forward thanks to experiments by Isaac Newton in the 17th century, which resulted in the first color wheel, and later by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who published the groundbreaking “Theory of Colors” in 1810. His work was the first to deeply examine the psychological effects of colors and their impact on human emotions.

Common Colors Used in Interior Designing and Their Associated Effects on the Human Psyche

01- Blue

Blue is one of the three primary colors (red and green being the other two). It is located on the farthest end of the light’s spectrum and is considered to be the coolest (temperature-wise) color to work with. It is believed that blue can help bring down blood pressure and can even slow down an elevated heart rate. 

-Psychological Effect of Blue 

Deeper shades of blue invokes a sense of confidence while generating an atmosphere of trust, loyalty, and dependability. Lighter shades of blue, on the other hand, are generally associated with the feeling of calmness, serenity, relaxation, and cool headedness. Blue is also considered to be a symbol of peace.

-Cultural Significance of Blue

Western countries often associate blue with sadness and gloominess, thus the phrase – ‘feeling blue’. But in Eastern countries blue is considered to be the holiest of colors. For example – In India, religious deities like Krishna, Rama, and Shiva are always depicted blue bodied as blue is considered to be a symbol of purity and divinity. Another interesting fact is that even though blue is often considered to be the symbol of masculinity, in China it is a symbol of femininity.

02- Yellow

Ah, the sunshine color! Yellow is associated with many feelings and emotions, but one thing it truly stands for is happiness and positivity. It makes the whole space come alive and creates an atmosphere of vivaciousness, playfulness, and joy. Since yellow lights are so commonly used in both commercial as well as residential settings, the color yellow is also considered to be the color of light and luminosity. Most of the new-age designers love to use yellow when it comes to color psychology in interior design

-Psychological Effect of Yellow 

Due to its close resemblance to the color gold, yellow is often associated with prosperity and abundance. It is also considered to be the color of wisdom, intelligence, and self-confidence. Since it is such a bright and happy color, it instantly uplifts people’s spirits and brings a smile to their faces. It generates a feeling of optimism and encouragement. 

-Cultural Significance of Yellow 

Culturally, yellow means different things to different people. In France and Germany, yellow is considered to be the symbol of jealousy and betrayal. In China, it symbolizes pornography! A yellow picture or a yellow book literally means a pornographic publication. In African and Egyptian cultures, yellow is revered as the colour of prosperity and wealth. Japanese consider yellow to be the colour of bravery and courage.

03- Purple

Always the color of elegance and royalty, purple color schemes inspire creativity and sophistication. While darker shades of purple look quintessentially classy, the lighter shades such as mauve and lavender create an atmosphere of calmness and poise, but in a much subtle manner. Since it is the color of elegance and luxury, purple is often used to decorate living room areas, receptions, foyers, and dining rooms, areas where your guests spend maximum time.

-Psychological Effect of Purple

 It is a color with a strong connection with creativity. It is believed that children should be surrounded by purple during the early years of their education to help their imagination and creativity flourish. Purple creates a psychological effect of being in a royal setting, surrounded by beauty and opulence. It is a very popular color among women, but deeper shades of purple can look incredibly masculine

-Cultural Significance of Purple 

 Both, in Western and Eastern countries, purple signifies power, wealth, fame, and royalty. For many centuries in a row, extracting purple dye from natural resources was an expensive and time-consuming process. Because of this reason, only wealthy people could afford to dress in purple clothes or accessories. In the past, kings, queens, and some of their closest associates used to wear purple as a status symbol.

But in some countries purple is also considered inauspicious. In the UK, Italy, Thailand, and Brazil, it is customary to wear purple along with black while attending someone’s funeral. In the US, purple is regarded as the colour of honour and courage. Their highest military award, the Purple Heart, is conferred to soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines to celebrate their distinguished acts of bravery.

04- Green

Whenever we see the color green, we think of greenery and nature. Now, since being in nature signifies health, connection with the soil, peace, harmony, and trust, it’s only natural to associate green color with all these emotions or qualities. Green has a very fresh and wholesome feel to it and if used properly, in the right context and quantity, green can have a very calming effect on your psyche. 

-Psychological Effect of Green 

Green is probably the most versatile color you can work with. Different shades and tones of green can generate different emotions in people. While pale green has a relaxing effect, dark green is usually considered to be the color of greed and jealousy. Olive green, on the other hand, is recognized as the symbol of peace and harmony. In general, green is the color of relaxation, comfort, health, growth, fertility, healing, ambition, and a sense of security.

-Cultural Significance of Green 

The color green shares quite a few common connotations on a global level. These include – nature, environment, ability to regenerate, military, and ‘the go signal of the traffic lights. In the West, green is the symbol of money, greed, and also, Christmas! In Eastern cultures, green symbolizes eternal life, fresh beginnings, youth, and prosperity. In Mexico, green is considered to be the color of freedom and in Ireland, the color of good luck.

Different  Shades Can Be Use To Create Deferent Moods In a Space

 When you’re choosing a paint color, it’s important to think about the shade as well as the hue. Different shades can create different moods in a space, so even once you know what color you want, you need to consider the shade. As a rule of thumb; A lighter shade will make a room feel airy and open, while a darker shade will make it feel cozy and intimate. If you want a room to feel energetic and exciting, go for a brighter shade. If you want it to feel calming and soothing, go for a softer shade. And if you want it to feel dramatic and luxurious, choose a deep, rich shade. No matter what mood you’re trying to create, there’s a perfect paint color out there for you.

With so many colors on the color wheel, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to choose. That’s why working with a professional interior designer can be a great way to narrow down your options and create a space that you love. At Instyle Deco Paris, we believe that every room should reflect your unique style. Whether you’re looking for a bold new look or something more traditional, we can help you find the perfect colours for your home. We’ll work with you to understand your vision and then provide a palette of options that will bring your space to life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

FLOORING IS YOUR CHOICE

 

FLOORING TIPS FOR TOP INTERIORS

Despite being one of the largest parts of a room, the floor is frequently forgotten.  Imagine a restaurant or bar or even your best friend’s living room and you’ll be hard-pressed to remember what the floor was covered in.  And, what a shame, because if you look closely, you will find some truly unique and beautiful floors right beneath your feet – from marble to rubber, wood to wool, vinyl to concrete.  And each can look magnificent.

However, before the more enjoyable aspect of aesthetics comes into play, your choice of floor is most importantly, governed by practical issues. Rules exist on which materials fit where, as materials can be porous, slippery or noisy and potentially difficult to live with.  On the other hand, with some careful planning and advice from the experts, the pores can be sealed, the smooth can be made safe and the clatter can be removed. Let’s take a tour of the house and see what works where.

01. Hallway Floors

This is the room where dirty feet pass and bags/prams/sports gear is unceremoniously dumped.  On the other hand, the all-important entrance to your house is where people get that first impression about what to expect from you, your home and your hospitality.   You, therefore, need impact combined with something that will clean easily. So choose marble for a statement, dark wooden boards for drama, birch for the clean and friendly feel, carpet for warmth or porcelain for crisp and clean.   This image is of the hallway at Harewood House and has traditional parquet wooden flooring. To see the whole project for more inspiration check out this project here.

02. Stairwell Flooring

Stairways use runners to reduce the sound of pounding footsteps of worse still, stilettos. Bright and cheery they will attract you up and inside the house.  For a traditional look, they can be held in place with brass rods and brackets. Try hardwearing sisal or luxurious woolen stripes or for a more contemporary feel try shapely edges or vibrant floral carpets.  

 

 

03. Kitchen Floors

For the most part, a kitchen is no place for a carpet.  However, this room is for considerably more than just cooking these days, so a rug by the sofa is certainly not out of the question. However, kitchens are most frequently covered in ceramic or porcelain tile or stone and what an amazing selection there is to choose from – terracotta, quartz, slate, marble and limestone in a vast selection of colors and each with their own unique characteristics. Besides cost and your personal style there is little to keep you from any choice as even limestone, which has caused many issues in the past due to its porosity – especially noticeable in the cheaper stones – can now be properly sealed.  Seek professional help for sealing as it is essential that it is done correctly if you want the stone to look its best in the long run.  

04. Bathroom Tiling

Another no-go area for carpets is the bathroom as moisture and bacteria will lead to rot in no time. However, for those who like to feel warm feet after their bath, underfloor heating is the perfect solution for under tiles.  Underfloor heating can now be fitted under most types of flooring and will keep the whole room at a welcoming temperature.  

05. Bedroom Flooring

If you fancy polished concrete in this room, there is no strict reason why you shouldn’t but, if like most, you want a more luxurious and certainly softer floor for your boudoir then carpets and rugs are your best choice for flooring. You have Two best option for flooring,

• Marble Flooring
• Wooding Flooring

01. Marble Flooring

There is simply something special about a marble floor. Classic and sophisticated yet bold and individual, each marble floor is a unique creation that only exists in that room. Created by combining a sedimentary stone like limestone with the enormous pressure of Earth's geology, marble in its raw form is tough, unyielding, and stubborn. Yet through centuries and millennia of working with this naturally stunning resource, we've developed ways to turn such a solid piece of rock into the epitome of flooring luxury, seen everywhere from palaces in Ancient Greece and Rome to the most highly-praised buildings in the world — and now to your own home.

02. Wooding Flooring

There’s a lot to like about hardwood flooring. It brings a bit of nature’s beauty into your home and it goes with just about any décor, be it traditional, contemporary, rustic or a stylish mash-up. It requires an investment of both time and money, but when the dust settles, wood floors are almost always worth it. Whether you are thinking of installing hardwood in a single room or your entire home, here are some factors to consider.

06. Living Room Flooring

A carpet or good quality laminate flooring or wood looks great in these areas. Don’t worry about changing flooring types between rooms, as a new material helps indicate the new zone so a change between the living room and dining room or the dining room and the kitchen is perfectly acceptable.

Flooring Ideas

From hardwood and natural stone to clever lookalikes and soft and warm carpet and area rugs, these flooring ideas and expert voices can help inspire a room remodel.

Curtains Design and Style

 

   7 Curtain Tricks Only Interior Designers

CURTAINS are obviously largely utilitarian, but there is a right and a wrong way to go about selecting and installing them in one's space just ask designers! We spoke with several pros who weighed in on the eight most important things to keep in mind during the curtain shopping and hanging process. Some of their insights may surprise you.

01. Different Curtain Styles Create a Unique Mood in a Space

 

 The curtains you choose will greatly inform the room that they go in, designer Lauren DeBello explains. "Do you want a luxurious, romantic feel? If so, curtains that puddle on the ground may be the right look for you," she comments. "If you want a cleaner look, choose curtains that graze the floor," DeBello advises. "Make sure to consider this when choosing the length of panels."

02. Create A Contrast With Your Curtains

For a larger window space, using curtains of two different styles and colors can make for an elegant contrast and an eye-catching design feature in a room, a great look for modern curtain ideas. In this colorful children’s bedroom by Kauinnes,te G the curtains combine a calming cream with a bright and unexpected use of color and pattern for the leading edge of the curtains. The Rick Rack fabric by Kit Kamp injects a playful element of fun to the space, and ties in with the pink and yellow palette used throughout the room, with the cream instilling a sense of balance and harmony.

03. Bring In The Beauty Of The Outdoors

For a timeless look, a patterned curtain that takes inspiration from the beauty of the outdoors, and features a floral or botanical print, can effortlessly integrate into spaces both classic and contemporary. Here, the John Lewis & Partners Oxlisa Readymade Eyelet Curtains elegantly frame the picturesque view from the window of the green garden, with the use of green for the delicate leaf pattern establishing a beautiful connection between the two spaces.

04. Lining Your Curtains is Key

"If you are getting custom curtains made, you should definitely get them lined, "advises Stephanie Purzycki, CEO and co-founder of The Finish. "The  sun can fade and damage drapery over time so it's worth protecting your investment by adding a fabric liner''.
" And there are other ways to jazz up your curtains to add a little extra flair, she explains. "You can enhance store bought drapes with trim to give them a custom look."

 05. Coordinate With Your Wallpaper

Many similar patterns can be used across both wallpaper and curtains, with both features able to bring in a beautiful element of texture, color and character into a room. For a statement, layered look, why not use a matching print and coordinate your curtains with your wallpaper. As shown in this delightful study by Kate Guinness, an orange and green Seville wall fabric, installed by The Textile Wall Company, matches the curtains to establish a luxurious, plush look that feels both cozy and unique.

06. Elevate Your Curtains With A Pelmet 

Curtain pelmets, often used in classic interior spaces, are used to conceal the top of the curtain. Adding a luxurious, decorative touch to your windows, pelmets can also be used for insulation around windows, great for older buildings and large window curtain ideas.In this traditional home, interior designer Christiana Syrris has used a beautiful, deep mustard hue on the walls, curtains and pelmets. With the different materials used adding depth and interest to the singular color palette, the pelmet used on this window elevates the design with gorgeous grandeur and tradition.

07 Go Two Tone On Curtain Panels

Sometimes the most simple designs can be the most effective. On a large, floor-to-ceiling window or door, adding a two tone curtain brings energy into the room. For a sophisticated scheme, stick to a neutral on the majority of the curtain, and add in a contrasting shade for the top third to ensure you still benefit from the color without it distracting from the rest of the space.

What Curtains Are In Style?

Over the last few years we’ve seen a resurgence of beautiful blousy style curtains, ones that are full length and with stunning prints and weaves. However, simpler farmhouse curtain ideas and country curtain ideas are also very much en vogue. Try to find designs that make the room complete and are integral to the rest of the scheme, because curtains should be as important as the furniture and accessories, not an afterthought. They can make a neutral scheme suddenly feel uber stylish, or add that level of luxury that you can’t achieve anywhere else. 

For some more guidance on choosing and planning the curtain ideas for your home, our curtain mistakes to avoid guide has plenty of advice.

How Do You Choose Curtain Fabric?

Consider the style and period of your home, as well as the other colors, textures and patterns in the room. ‘The best color for curtains is at least one shade lighter or darker than the walls,’ says fabric designer Vanessa Arbuthnott.

Lining your curtains will gives a fuller, more luxurious look. Consider interlining too – an extra layer of insulating fabric (sometimes called bump) between the lining and surface material – as this will reduce chills, and even noise, from outside. Unlined curtains are also one of the things that makes a house look cheap.

Emma Clarke says, 'almost any fabric can be used as a curtain provided it has beautiful drape. Best quality curtain lining and interlining materials give a luxurious finish, enhancing the beauty of the fabric and accentuating shape and fullness.'

What Is The Best Material For Curtains? 

The best material type is the one that suits your chosen room best. A big draughty house will benefit from heavy velvet curtains with lining to create that cosy feel during the cooler months and add a touch of luxury.

On the other end of the scale, linen in all its glory is perhaps one of the most popular choices and it’s easy to see why – slubby and glorious, it hangs beautifully and comes in an array of subtle shades. Voiles are a good curtain idea for bathrooms, and if you fancy a spot of glamour in the bedroom opt for silk-lined drapes. 

What Are The Different Curtain Styles?

Eyelets or pencil pleats are standard on ready-made curtains, so a decorative heading on made-to-measure curtains suggests quality, whatever your fabric. Choose from double and triple pleats, flop-over frills or informal gathers.

Clarke says, 'add character with headings and trims. At Warner House we love the pinch pleat heading: triple pinch for a heritage look, double pinch for a sleeker finish. And add luxurious brush fringe or smart animal print tape to the leading edge for a polished effect.'