“How lovely yellow is! It stands for the sun.”
-Vincent Van Gogh, Holland Painter
As we all know yellow is one of the three primary colors. It is a warm, joyful, youthful, and vibrant color, which reminds us of blissful summer days. It is a color full of optimism that can energize and cheer up anyone’s gloomy mood. Yellow is said to stimulate concentration, memory, energy, and metabolism.
In view of the fact that yellow is an easy to live with color practically any room can be painted in various values of the yellow hue. It is an ideal color for kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, kids’ rooms, family rooms, and dark halls. As a color which stimulates mind and body it is widely used in study and play rooms.
Although, yellow is an uplifting and welcoming color it is wise to use it with caution, to not overdo it, as it could be overwhelming if used in it’s pure form. Extreme genuine yellow in large amounts is almost irritating and uncomfortable. Therefore, it is not advised to use strong hues in adult or kids’ bedrooms. As an alternative use light yellow hues, as it creates a warm, relaxing, calm, yet fresh atmosphere. Otherwise, if you are determined to use an intense yellow hue to brighten up and enliven the room, use it in smaller amounts as an accent color, rather than a dominant one. A further suggestion to soften and thin the intensity of a bright yellow room is to add white details like furniture, baseboards, shelves, and curtains.
In decorating keep in mind that pure yellow hues advance and dominate, making the room appear smaller, whereas lighter and more pale tints of yellow will recede reflecting more light, thus visually making a room appear larger, airy and lighter. Knowing this basic rule of color effect will allow you to make a large room appear more intimate, or bring more light to a dark hall or loft.
Because the color yellow creates a warm and joyful atmosphere, use it liberally in colder and grayer climates or in rooms with north facing windows. However, yellow can be used in sunny rooms as well, except here it will benefit from cool color accents, creating a balanced interior.
Yellow, Orange, and Green
Yellow, Orange and Green are three adjacent colors on the color wheel. Therefore they create a harmonious color scheme. This bright and joyful combination of colors is a perfect choice for kids’ play or study rooms, as it stimulates brain function and energy. Meanwhile light cream painted walls will significantly thin the bright hues leaving this a happy and cheerful room, yet calm enough for a bedroom.
Yellow and Browns
Soft yellow colors, in combination with different values of brown, create a calm, neutral and welcoming atmosphere. Dark brown furniture and flooring makes this creamy yellow color appear light and fresh. Although yellow and brown create a rich and luxurious look, it is advisable to always remember that dark warm colors advance making any room look smaller and more intimate. Adding a plant and a piece of art in green hues creates interest, depth and contrast to this traditional room.
Yellow and Blues
Yellow and blue is a very popular and classic color choice. This color scheme creates a very balanced contrasting interior as these colors lie opposite each other on the color wheel. Yellow interiors can appear too warm and sunny; however the introduction of a cold blue or purple color gives a very comforting and dramatic look to a room. Keep in mind though, that the most striking yellow-blue interiors are created when both colors are used of the same value or intensity.
Yellow, Red and Green
Yellow and green when used together create a very refreshing, tranquil atmosphere. Nature gives us a lot of yellow and green suggestions. If you would like to add a bit of excitement to a room, then try adding red or terracotta as an accent color. Either will do the job and give an impressive, finished look to any interior.
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