Analogous colours

Analogous colours, that is those which are next to one another anywhere around the wheel are unified by their common hue. They are harmonious when placed side by side and can safely be used together to create a restful atmosphere. The combinations of red + purple or red + orange, yellow + orange or yellow + green, blue + green or blue + purple all work together and can be extended further by adding variations on either side as for example, dark green + light green + yellow or violet + dark blue + light blue. In point of fact, the simple colour definitions given in this example are really too crude, as it is the subtle variation in chroma and value which work best in any combination. Read more...

Choosing and living with colours can be a very personal matter and enjoyment or dislike of colours is very much a matter of personal taste. Not withstanding the fact that some people are actually colour blind and unable to distinguish between certain colours, there is an emotional response to colours affecting the way that they are perceived. For example, red, orange and yellow are warm stimulating colours, whereas blue, green and violet are cool and relaxing.Read more...

In view of the range of options available, to simply refer to a colour as ‘green’ would be of little value, so before considering the use of colour in design, it is useful to understand how colours can be varied and how they can be described for communication purposes. There are three measurable ingredients in any particular colour. Read more...

Colour only exists as a consequence of light; if there was no light, there would be no colour. Light is a form of electromagnetic energy which travels through space in waves. The unit of measurement of wavelength is the nanometre (nm) which is equal to 1 millionth of a metre. The electromagnetic spectrum is made up of waves of energy of varying length most of which are invisible to the human eye. Gamma rays, X-rays and ultraviolet rays at the short wavelength end and infrared, microwaves and radio waves at the long wavelength end of the spectrum can only be detected with equipment. Only the wavelengths between 380 nm and 750 nm can be seen and they are known collectively as the visible spectrum. The longest visible wavelengths are red and as they decrease in size become orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet, the seven colours of the rainbow. When all the wavelengths are mixed together the result is white or colourless light. Read more...

Self-stick wallpaper cutouts are just about the niftiest and simplest do-it-yourself products that we have come across in ages. They are incredibly easy to apply and can really transform a bathroom. They are great for other rooms in the house, too. Let your imagination run wild!Read more...