Handy Hints

General Colour Tips

General hints and tips when considering your prefered colours.

• Cool colours and tints will make a space appear larger
• Warm colours and shades will make a space appear smaller (and sometimes smaller is desirable)
• Cool colours and tints make an object appear smaller and lighter in weight
• Warm colours and shades make an object appear larger and heavier in weight
• Contrasting colours contract space
• Similar colours or values expand space
• White, grey or colourless spaces are poor choices where people are to gather and interact
• Perception of time and temperature differs depending on colour
• Time seems to pass more quickly in warm spaces
• Time seems to pass more slowly in cool spaces
• Temperature is perceived as hotter in warm spaces
• Temperature is perceived as colder in cool spaces
• Warm colours and earth tones encourage and maintain body warmth and physical action
• Cool colours are conducive to mental activities, project and research
• Cool colours can have a dampening effect on the level or quality of conversation

Warning!

Exercise extreme care in using white for highly illuminated spaces.

• Can create glare and headaches
• Is easier to make mistakes