July 12, 2022

Defining Space with Colour

Open floor plans are highly sought after these days in all styles of homes, from modern architecture to traditional houses. The multifunctionality and feeling of extra space with large, open rooms are powerful, but there can be a downside.

Large, open spaces can feel endless and unstructured, and can miss the distinct personality that makes individual smaller rooms feel intimate and homey. To get the best of both worlds, try visually dividing your floor plan into distinct zones, without the need for walls. Colour is extremely powerful in defining the style and mood of your home, and it can help define your space plan as well.

Smart use of colour can make small areas appear larger or open areas appear more defined. Colour can visually support purpose and function, add depth to a small space, add volume to a low space, and provide visual cues for purpose or wayfinding. There are so many ways to use colour to make the best of your space, that go beyond simple aesthetics. Take a look at some of the examples below…

 

a round wood table with 3 chairs in a room with teal ocean coloured walls
a sitting room with a chair, a wood stump table, and a full wall of navy blue coloured book shelves

Bookshelves - Old Navy 2063-10

a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and black walls

Walls – Black Tar 2126-10

Colour can evoke specific physical and psychological responses which need to be taken in to consideration when planning your colour.

Red is considered the ‘physical’ colour; it has the ability to raise our pulses and create the illusion time is passing faster. It can also induce appetite, great for a kitchen!

Blue is known as the ‘intellectual’ colour; it tends to stimulate thought, communication, concentration and is often used in offices or work spaces.

Yellow is the ‘emotional’ colour; it can evoke optimism and confidence, but can also evoke depression and anxiety.

As a general rule, warm colours are stimulating, cool colours are restful.

Colour’s prominent role in wayfinding has become a focus in architecture.  Humans use colour as a primary means of sorting and grouping objects: think about the uniforms of sports teams or the coloration of prescription medicine pills.

Colour association is strong and memorable for regular occupants and occasional visitors alike.