Explore the depths of black as the Chromatic Theology series continues.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of white will be present in color variations – charcoal, black bean, cast iron, domino, pewter, etc.

BLACK is a powerful color that exhibits strength, dignity, and formality. Black can translate to the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Like white, excess black can cast the notion of emptiness or boredom, except with heavy and depressing implications. Add a dash of casualty by lightening the severity of black and selecting a shade of grey (ranging from dove to deep charcoal). Because saturated black can be imposing, avoid using expansive solid black color in small spaces, or infuse intimacy in a large space by intentionally using large amounts of solid black color. Combining black and white in one cohesive color scheme uses sharp contrast to achieve crisp, tailored results; the same color scheme can be harsh and austere when unsuccessful. If your personality walks on the serious side, but with an added dose of mystery, black might just be the color for you.

Want to get acquainted with the rest of the rainbow? Indulge in the rest of the series with these previous posts.

This wraps up the session on color theory and psychology. Any questions?

(Images from The Style Files, Greige, and Lonny.)

The post Chromatic Theology: Black appeared first on EcoSalon.

Dive into a pool of untainted color (white) as the Chromatic Theology series continues.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color (pure, unsaturated color in this case). To some extent, the distinctive attributes of white will be present in color variations – eggshell, gardenia, snow, cream, moonlight, ivory, etc.

WHITE often reveals clarity, innocence, and pure simplicity. White is the perfect palette to make architectural elements sing. Nearly all colors tend to distract from and compete with architecture and furnishings, but white elevates and emphasizes style and aesthetic details. White embodies the power to transcend climate, radiating warmth and coziness in the winter and offering fresh, cool relief in the summer. If used in excess, an entirely white interior can appear unfinished, empty, sterile, and bored. But when combined with the right elements and proportions, white is an inspired way to capture innocence. This color pairs well with all other hues, serving as a great frame for more aggressive colors or simply gleaming on its own.

Come back next week to explore the depths of black.

Want to get acquainted with the rest of the rainbow? Indulge in the rest of the series with these previous posts.

(Images from Elle Oh and The Society Inc.)

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Sink into glamor with a drip of royalty as the Chromatic Theology series continues with violet.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of violet will be present in color variations – lavender, plum, eggplant, periwinkle, magenta, etc.

VIOLET is a secondary color with a challenging personality. Take a mental meander back to elementary school and recall that violet is a mixture of red and blue. This specific combination of hues is ambivalent, as a heavy dose of tension exists within violet’s conflictions of warm and cool, calm and intense. Spaces and color schemes implementing violet are often ambiguous and dramatic.

Pale tints (amethyst and lavender) boast whimsical and magical reflections of light, while deep shades (eggplant and plum) are symbolic of dignity and regality (and sometimes laced with a threatening undertone). If you are new to the world of color, or your eye is less than impeccable, avoid saturated violet tones or dabble with caution (sometimes the power and force of pure drama result in discord and uneasy aesthetics). Oh, but when violet is applied with skill – the result is stunning success, insinuating artistic expression and sensitivity.

Want to get acquainted with the rest of the rainbow? Indulge in the rest of the series with these previous posts.

(Images from The Society Inc., Trine Thorsen, James Merrell, and The Style Files.)

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Plunge into a gorgeous case of the blues as the Chromatic Theology series continues.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of blue will be present in color variations – navy, cerulean, peacock, indigo, blueberry, aegean, etc. 

BLUE is the coldest color (for more on warm and cool colors – devour this post). Blue demonstrates intense relaxation, denoting simplicity, purity, dignity, and truth. This hue is frequently coupled with intellectual activity; blue is contemplative, thought provoking, and meditative. Saturated or bright, blue can be lively without tension. Blue reflects the calm expansiveness and subtle movement of the sky and ocean. Light tints (robins egg and ice blue) express soothing tranquility balanced with quiet optimism. Darker shades (deep navy and indigo) frequently have a dignified and undeniable presence – sophisticated, heavy, and potentially depressing; these dark shades of blue are often associated with authority, having official implications. Pair regal shades of deep blue with crisp light neutrals to infuse a hint of optimism.

Come back next week for a dose of glamor and drama – violet.

Want to get acquainted with the rest of the rainbow? Feast your baby blues (or sultry hazels) on the rest of the series with these previous posts.

(Photographs from Lonny, A Punch of Color, Michael Eastman, and A Perfect Gray.)

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The recent Chromatic Theology series has given me a slight tinge of color envy. Soak up this post and feed your jealous streak with a heaping dose of green.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of green will be present in color variations – grass, avocado, chartreuse, apple, kelly, olive, etc.

GREEN is a secondary color with harmonious emotional content. Green draws life from yellow, while blue lends a calming effect. One of the only unanimous forms of beauty is nature; green is the predominant color in nature – commonly regarded as the ideal color, carrying the positive charisma of all hues. Color schemes implementing green have been used extensively in offices, institutions, and public spaces, denoting the negative “˜institutional green’. Even in large doses of saturated color, green is rarerly offensive. This hue is considered innately pleasurable, sharing calming and restful implications with nature.

Come back next week for an optimistic and lively case of the blues. In case you need to catch up on color, gather a ray of sunshine or a drop of citrus with these previous posts.

(Photographs from James Merrell and Elle Oh.)

The post Chromatic Theology: Green appeared first on EcoSalon.

Rejuvenating with a drop of citrus is a refreshing way to continue the Chromatic Theology series. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of orange will be present in color variations – mandarin, magma, creamsicle, rust, marigold, sweet potato, etc.

Never underestimate the power of color. Each post in this series will explore an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. (In case you need to catch up on color, gather a glimpse of red or a ray of sunshine with the previous Chromatic Theology posts.)

ORANGE is a secondary color with conflicting emotional content. Recall a few of your second grade lessons and remember that orange is a mixture of red and yellow, boasting the charisma of both colors. Orange demands attention, yet simultaneously extends a warm invitation. The intensity and drama of red are balanced with the mild optimism of yellow. If you like the dangerous connotations of red, opt for a softer, subdued effect with orange. If you find yellow a little too submissive, add a hint of personality with orange.

Come back next week for a dose of color envy – green.

(Photographs from Living Etc, James Merrell, A Creative Mint, and Little Brown Pen.)

The post Chromatic Theology: Orange appeared first on EcoSalon.

Never underestimate the power of color. Each post in this series will explore an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. (In case you need to catch up on color, gather basic knowledge and catch a glimpse of red with the inaugural post.)

Basking in the warm glow of gentle yellow is a perfect way to continue the Chromatic Theology series. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of yellow will be present in color variations – mustard, butter cream, saffron, sunflower, etc.

YELLOW is a strong warm color, with pleasant and optimistic emotional content. Yellow is the least problematic color, a cheerful and non-aggressive hue. This jovial color is highly-reflective, producing expansive characteristics reminiscent of sunlight. Soft tints of yellow (butter cream and pastel pineapple) serve as great background colors – active with mild stimulation.  Inviting yellow into your home is like ordering a glass of house wine, safe; you may not swoon for the taste it leaves in your mouth, but at least you won’t hate it either. Yellow is simple and amiable, and every now and then – unexpectedly brilliant.

Come back next week for a drop of refreshing citrus – orange.

(Photographs from the portfolio of Twig Hutchinson, Mel Yates, and Christine Rudolph.)

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Color – seven simple hues with complex connotations. I still remember the moment I met Roy G. Biv in sixth grade science class. Mr. Biv and his mnemonic for the visible color spectrum still produce nostalgic perceptions of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. This color taxonomy is an efficient way to organize over six million colors into seven simple hues. Each of the six million colors has unique characteristics, charisma, and emotional implications, but for the sake of sanity, I will relish in the over-generalization of hues and only recognize six. At the risk of offending the amiable Mr. Biv, I also plan to neglect indigo.

Color envelops life, painting every aspect of our environment, consciously and subconsciously affecting our psyche. Among the wealth of scientific studies and results, there sits a practical and applicable cup of knowledge on color. Hues communicate psychological and emotional impact. Although personal impression and perception ranges, general information can help guide your color choices. Selecting the correct color can create an interior atmosphere to suite your space, aesthetics, ambiance, and psychological needs. Never underestimate the power of color.

Each post in this series will explore an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color.

Where better to start than red? To some extent, the distinctive attributes of red will be present in color variations – cranberry, cinnamon, flamingo pink, cardinal, etc.

RED projects stimulation, force, and intensity. Often considered the strongest color, red provides concentrated psychological impact. Red is like a sexy negligee for your walls, saturated red lips – dramatic and dangerous. Save red for use in active areas that can handle tension, it can be unsettling and unsuccessful in spaces suited for relaxation.

Want to expand on color a little more? Soak in the knowledge of these basic color applications. Come back next week for a flirtation with sunshine – yellow.

(Photographs by Gaelle Le Boulicaut, VivaTerra, and A Creative Mint.)

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