Colour & Style Theory
Colour, style, pattern, texture and light are all important elements of a decorating scheme. Each of these elements is as important as the next, and should never be chosen in isolation.
Exterior Colour Schemes
The exterior of a house looks better with a variety of colour – 60%, 30%, 10% is a good guide. Choose colours that fit in with the surrounding landscape. Take into account the fixed colours of the house i.e. aluminium joinery and roof colour.
Remember…
- dark colours have more upkeep.
- dark colours are not recommended on plaster or large areas of timber as they absorb heat and break down the surface.
- dark colours are best limited to features or highlights.
- colours always look lighter on the exterior when painted, especially on plaster walls.
- select a colour one or two shades darker than you want, in the daylight it will be perfect.
- paint out unattractive areas such as downpipes; match them to the corresponding wall colour.
- very light or bright colours can be overwhelming in the sunlight.
Interior Styles
‘Style’ is flair, panache, and chic. It provides the wow factor, and should always be memorable and original. Defined by a period in time, a country or an area of the world, style is seen when a similar family of colours are used throughout a home and the same accents combine to create a cohesive whole, harmony, unity and flow.
Styles change, that is why we re-decorate. You want colours or finishes that will not date, then you can limit the need for change, by keeping the large items neutral (flooring, kitchen, fabrics and walls) and using accessories to create interest.