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Overview
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781782405795 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Frances Lincoln |
| Publication date: | 11/06/2018 |
| Pages: | 256 |
| Sales rank: | 546,094 |
| Product dimensions: | 7.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.20(d) |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
"Let me die from having being drunk on indigo skies, my liver ... overflowing with stars." Sanober Khan
SKY TO INDIGO BLUE
* * *
Positive and intense or calming and restorative, blue is the colour of both the pinstripe suit and the denim shirt, of things nautical and naval; blue exudes confidence, inspiration and familiarity. It marks our daylight hours, dawning pale, becoming bright then drawing to a dark mysterious close. From cloudless sky to delicate duck egg, piercing sapphire to ultramarine, the blues are intrinsically linked with the natural world. These are energizing, refreshing and invigorating colours in our homes.
As we are confronted daily with visual overload, it becomes ever more important that our private spaces are uncomplicated environments in which we can unwind and escape the stresses and strains of the outside world. Colour can be used in clever ways to help this quest for rest and relaxation, and the blues are perfect for invoking calm and balance.
Blues do not have to be cool, or make a room feel cold. Quite the opposite in fact. As the sun streams through the windows on a warm sunny day, blue tones can be the perfect colour choice to lift the spirits. Here, blues are used together with soft sandstone yellow and natural biscuit tints, creating a calm and balanced atmosphere of warmth with cool colour.
Use greenish blues and watery colours to create a restful space. The blue colour family has always been a favourite choice in the bathroom. Choose a mix of warmer and deeper tones of blue, reminiscent of the ocean, to prevent your bathroom from feeling too cold. A distressed paint finish on the walls can create warmth and natural cosiness in your space.
Duck-egg blues inspire a beautiful palette of colours to play with, ranging from greenish tints through to clean, clear bluer tones. Soft green-blues act as a blank canvas, providing a perfect base on which to layer stronger colours and patterns and build up a unique scheme. Soft reds or dusted terracotta work well, as the cool and warm colours contrast and complement one another.
Blue and white form a classic colour combination, both in the home and in our wardrobes. Evoking the seaside, deckchairs and coastal nautical stripes, this fresh and invigorating colour pairing will take you back to holidays and afternoons spent by the sea. Crystalline or mineral blues reflect the light. Play with colours from the sky, sea and sandy white beaches, look closely and note the different shades. Nothing here is simply blue, and nothing is actually white; pale sand, creamy whites and sun-kissed peachy whites all add warmth and soften the scheme. Tonal shades of blue merge effortlessly from indoors to outside. Try light and deep blues together in a single scheme, contrasting clear and pale shades with deep and intense. Where possible, use natural surfaces with a matt finish to enhance the depth of colour. Layers of blues range from turquoise to periwinkle, forget-me-not to deeper tropical ocean or jewel blues, through to darker accent shades of indigo.
Pattern and texture can elevate a palette of simple colours into something quite magical and extraordinary. No surface here is flat and the tactile imperfections of individually crafted features – from the faded plaster and relief detailing to the intricately carved and painted wood and hand-embroidered cloth – reveal the many shades of blue in these aged and decorated surfaces. Notice how well blues and oranges enhance one another.
Embrace opportunities to use pattern in unusual ways. Colour and decoration can lead visitors through your home, highlighting dark corners and bringing vibrancy to tired areas. Vivid turquoise or electric blue are bold colours to incorporate into a room scheme and they will add originality and character; you may not want to fill an entire room with such bright blues, but they work well as accent colours used in a thoughtful and precise design.
Design an interior around things you love, objects that are full of memories and sentimental value. Don't hide your keepsakes away. Display these collections as they can often add a pop of colour to your colour scheme. Layer accents of contrasting colours; white is clear and sharp, while soft oranges and natural wood colours add warmth to the blue background.
Deep inky blues have a rich and alluring history. These evocative colours are linked to ancient rituals and tribal traditions. The saturated blue tones are said to have a connection with the heavenly night sky and aid an awakening of the senses. Indigo and deep blues can elevate a room scheme, creating a space that is both tranquil and meditative, yet also invigorating and inspiring.
For centuries the colour indigo was rare and sought after in the West. This dark and mysterious plant dye, as exotic as spices and as valuable as gold, was traded through long-established merchant routes. From African Dogon tribal cloth to Japanese shibori fabrics, indigo is experiencing a revival, its natural quality and intense colour can add a luxurious depth when used in the home.
Dark midnight skies and inky blue backdrops create the perfect canvas on which to play with brighter colours. Contrasting hot colours are perfect against this rich base, as coral reds and fragrant, floral pinks sing out against the deep and captivating blues. Shades that are not true primary colours work best, avoid true blue with bright red, it may appear too childish or naive. Deep blue and coral offer a more refined and sophisticated scheme – perfect for living or dining rooms.
Be confident with dark colours in small spaces. It is true that large rooms with high ceilings are made more intimate and inviting through the use of deep and seductive colours, but choose rich and captivating shades of ocean blue for stairwells and small entrance halls too, to create a sense of drama and unexpected delight. Dark colours actually make small spaces seem larger and you can be adventurous with lighting to create flamboyant and enchanting interior spaces.
Surface and texture can enhance a colour scheme dramatically. Introducing a high-gloss surface such as a table top into an otherwise matt and restrained scheme intensifies an accent pop of brighter colour. The reflective surface also bounces light around the room. Try adding contrasting textures within a room and see how colour and light are affected by the different materials.
CHAPTER 2"Green is the prime colour of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises" Pedro Calderon de la Barca
PISTACHIO TO FOREST
GREEN
* * *
Lush, verdant, vibrant and life-affirming, green is a constant in our lives. Intrinsically linked to the natural world, green can be energy boosting, mood-enhancing and grounding. Green is the colour of new growth, of country gardens and meadow fields, deep ancient forests and vast fertile plains. We long to surround ourselves with optimistic and rejuvenating shades of fresh grass, zesty lime and decadent emerald. Yet softer shades of sage, olive or pale mint speak of sanctuary, and a sense of restored balance and well being.
Tropical greens call to mind balmy days spent relaxing in sun-dappled courtyards. In hot climates, living spaces tend to spill out into open-air rooms, patios and terraces, and these outdoor spaces are often filled with terracotta pots of glossy-leaved plants and abundant flowers, creating a sense of tranquillity and closeness to nature. Fountains and water channels running along tiled floors help to abate the heat of the midday sun. The green colour family offers us the chance to reconnect with Mother Earth, bringing the outdoors into our homes. We can live in harmony with nature and use its dominant colour to breathe new life into tired spaces. Greens are wonderful blended and layered together in a single living space. Cooling, peaceful and harmonious shades of green – such as pistachio, jade, mint and seafoam – work effortlessly together on a multitude of surfaces, ranging from glossy ceramic tiles to chalky matt paintwork.
It is wonderful to fill our living spaces with real plants and to take inspiration from the shades of green of the changing seasons. Cactus colours can inspire a perfect palette of softened greyed-greens. Add a touch of springtime to your kitchen with clean and clear mints or pale leaf greens. These pretty pale greens work well for woodwork and ceramics – you can even source electrical appliances in mint and pistachio finishes.
Incorporating natural materials in the home is a simple way to soften our unnatural habitats. Undyed, unpainted and raw wood, rattan or bamboo have a wonderful warm, golden natural coloration and pleasing textures that work especially well with greens. Celebrate organic materials, with exposed wooden ceiling beams, natural seagrass flooring and jute lampshades. To avoid a scheme becoming too rustic, contrast the traditional with contemporary digital zigzag patterns or highly polished table tops.
When playing with pattern and wallpaper, keep your colour palette focused and limited. Modern design and new printing technologies give us the option to bring oversized printed materials into our living spaces. Huge banana leaves or lush jungle greens create an interior that is both fun and vibrant. Use large-scale pattern and decoration on a single wall or juxtapose solid colour on a wall with monochrome artwork and pattern accents.
Pattern and graphic decoration add focus and depth to a room. Geometric pattern can lift an otherwise simple palette of colours – here, greens are successfully combined with monochrome. A simple repeat graphic pattern is bold, modern and yet somehow timeless. Pattern can also give an unexpected twist to a scheme, elevating the space and creating layers of visual interest.
A classic black-and-white pattern never looks dated or out of place and introducing natural, soothing greens softens the overall look. Contrasting the paintwork colours with the symmetrical, geometric pattern of the floor tiles creates a striking effect. Colour combinations need to be kept to a minimum, just two or three shades working together, to allow the pattern to take centre stage.
Pattern is no longer reserved for cushions and traditional floral motifs. Modern design solutions are just as likely to see pattern being introduced into our homes in new and energizing ways. Try mixing pattern across wall coverings and floor tiles, and play around with scale; juxtaposing different sized versions of the same design motifs is effective.
Use mid-tone shades of green in the bedroom or living room. The first shoots of spring inspire clean, clear tones that have a zingy note. Herbaceous greens, such as spearmint and peashoot, used on either walls or furnishings will invigorate any space. These fresh, light colours create an effect that is at once uplifting and inviting.
Greens can be used to spectacular effect. Precious tones of bright emerald and rich jade add depth and enliven any surface. Consider how these saturated, jewel-like colours can be introduced into a room scheme. Sumptuous fabrics, such as velvets and silks, will introduce opulence but can also help to soften a space. Gloss paintwork, metallic surfaces, vintage glassware and gleaming ceramic glazes all emphasize the luxury of these shades. What is striking here is that the brightest emerald green colour, normally reserved for an accent, dominates the room.
Pinks and greens work beautifully together, creating an often surprising and refreshing colour palette. Flat-painted pale pink walls provide a perfect backdrop to gleaming green furniture, allowing it to take centre stage. Plush velvets can be reminiscent of theatre seating or lavish restaurant interiors but, used cleverly, this luxurious fabric can be brought coolly into the twenty-first century. Such a scheme isn't simply about colours, it is also about mixing up textures to create a space with interesting layers of contrast.
Emerald green is a bold colour to use in furnishings or curtains in order to create a dramatic living area. Large rooms with high ceilings can be transformed through the adventurous use of saturated colours. Pay little heed to the saying 'blue and green should never be seen' and experiment with intense and dazzling layers of rich greens and deep inky blues.
In many cultures the colour green is synonymous with wealth, prosperity and luxury. Intensely rich greens are intrinsically linked to a sense of abundance and success. In nature the vast spectrum of the colour green in all its wonderful shades means health, growth and renewal. Let this inspire you to embrace the great many positive attributes linked to the colour green.
Kingfisher, hummingbird or peacock greens have a blueish cast. Inspired by the iridescent gleam of a flash of green feather, these shades glint and shimmer in the light. Layer them together to create a palette of decadent greens. Choose materials and finishes that reflect and play with light – a lustrous velvet, a glass-topped cabinet, a highly polished varnish or a metallic paint finish.
The natural world can so often inform pattern, decoration and furnishings. Peacock-coloured botanical themes can be enhanced with a metallic shimmer. Use gold leaf to cover a ceiling or an alcove, and position your lighting to pick out the gleaming surfaces.
The darkest of greens, close to black but just one step removed, is a shade that is intense and enduring, like an evergreen forest. Using such a dark shade for a large space might seem ambitious, but actually it creates a sense of intrigue and drama. Soft lighting and the matt finish build a theme of classic style and elegance. For balance, keep the floor and work surfaces pale and incorporate decorative touches that are orderly and simple.
CHAPTER 3"It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside." Maud Hart Lovelace
BUTTERCUP TO TURMERIC YELLOW
Yellow is the colour of sunshine, spring daffodils and fields full of sunflowers. Yellow can be fresh and zingy like lemons or as sweet and delicious as honey. Rich, exotic and elemental, this is the colour of ochre, sulfur, amber and saffron. Yellow is rebellious and carefree, uplifting and energy-boosting, filling us with unadulterated joy and exuberant optimism. It is also rich and luminous, the colour of enlightenment. In essence, yellow is a celebration of life.
Yellow can elevate a space, breathing life and joy into any room. The bright glow of sunshine yellow will lift your spirits whatever the weather outside. There is no need to be too serious with colour; you should have fun when decorating your home and follow your imagination. We travel through life collecting objects and filling our homes with treasures. These precious things can inspire a riotous palette of hot and vivacious colours – think of acid yellow, neon peach and daring magenta.
If you feel a little colour-shy, start off by introducing a few bright accents into a neutral scheme. Yellow looks fantastic against a clear white background. Choose some super-bright printed cushions, or find inspiration in a dynamic, brightly coloured graphic art print – perhaps display this in a colourful frame too. Then, if you like the effect, try picking out the woodwork in a room with an eye-popping candy tone, or simply paint a door frame in zingy citrus yellow.
Yellows work wonders as secondary or accent colours in an otherwise fairly neutral scheme. All hues of grey happily partner yellow, from pale, smoky-grey walls to darker slate fabrics and flooring. Choose a dandelion yellow to create a pop of colour against a grey or black-and-white scheme. In a living room, use darker layers of deep ochre, caramel or mustard, framed with charcoal or indigo blue.
For centuries, brightly coloured paint or dye was only available to the wealthy. Now everyone can afford the luxury of bringing vivid colour into their lives. Yellow woodwork, golden fabric for soft furnishings or an accent of amber-patterned wallpaper are small details that will constantly bring a smile to your face. Celebrate the effects of yellow in your home, and use glowing, golden surfaces and materials to light up dark spaces.
Rich sulfuric yellow is the most welcoming of colours to use in a dark entrance hall, or to paint a front door. The entrance to a home is the first thing we see, so flood it with a welcoming embrace of colour; your home will appear sunny and inviting. 'Advancing' tones in the range between red and yellow are both exciting and invigorating. Use these enlivening shades to create a stimulating atmosphere and fill the space with vigour and energy.
Combine complementary shades from the fiery side of the spectrum, such as spiced yellow and burnt orange, using these powerful, rich colours to bring warmth to a room. Choose mouth-watering tones of butterscotch, toffee and honeycomb, mixed together with marmalade, Seville orange and pumpkin pie. Be inspired by the fruits of nature to create a deliciously intense palette.
If choosing hot orange or vibrant orchid pink as your pop colour, the yellow background shade should have a reddish or golden tint. The deep intensity of the golden yellows is exaggerated and enhanced through accents of other colours from the fire family. Greenish yellows, lemon, citrus and cooler yellows would sit less comfortably alongside the hot oranges.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "Love Color"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Anna Starmer.
Excerpted by permission of The Quarto Group.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION, 6,
How to use this book, 42,
BLUE, 44,
GREEN, 64,
YELLOW, 86,
ORANGE, 106,
RED, 130,
PINK, 148,
PURPLE, 174,
GREY, 192,
NATURAL, 214,
WHITE, 230,
RESOURCES, 248,