What is Color Theory? And Understanding Colors In Interior Design

What is color theory? Color is one of the most important elements of interior design. It has the power to transform a space, set the mood, and create an atmosphere that reflects the homeowner’s personality and style.

But what is color, exactly? 

Color is visual perception created by the brain
Color Is Visual Perception

Altogether, color is a visual perception created by the brain in response to light waves of different wavelengths. It is an essential part of our lives, and its effects on our emotions and behaviors are well-known. In this article, we will explore the world of color from the perspective of interior design, including color theory and the psychological effects colors have on people.

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Quote by Mark Chagall

This quote by Mark Chagall beautifully sums up the relationship between color as the theory of color is taught in art classes.


All colors are the friends of their neighbors

and the lovers of their opposites.

Marc Chagall

Foundational Elements Of Color Theory

One of the foundational elements of color theory is the understanding of color models. There are various color models, but the most commonly used in interior design are the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) and CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key) models.

The RGB model is based on light and is used for digital displays, while the CMYK model is based on pigments and is used for printed materials.

The RYB (Red, Yellow, Blue) model, based on the primary colors traditionally used in color mixing, is another color model commonly used in art and design.

Color Wheel Based On The RYB Color Model

A key tool in color theory is the color wheel. The color wheel is a visual representation of the relationships between colors. Designers use it to choose and combine colors effectively. 

Color Wheel showing the relationship between primary colors, secondary colors and tertiary colors.
Color Wheel

It consists of twelve colors, including three primary colors (red, blue, and yellow), three secondary colors (green, purple, and orange), and six tertiary colors (red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-purple, and red-purple). The color wheel was first invented by Sir Isaac Newton in 1666, and it remains a fundamental tool in color theory to this day.

Difference Of Hue, Value, And Chroma
The difference of hue, value, and chroma.
Hue | Value | Chroma

Three common terms to describe the characteristics of color are hue, value, and chroma. Hue is the name of the color, while value refers to the lightness or darkness of the color, and chroma describes the saturation or intensity of the color.

Distinction Of Shade, Tint, And Tone
The difference between color shade, tint and tone.
Shade | Tint | Tone

Shade, tint, and tone describe variations of a color. A shade derives by adding black to a color, while a tint ensues by adding white to a color. And a tone comes from adding gray to a color.

Understand Color Temperature

Color temperature is another important aspect of color in interior design. It refers to the warmth or coolness of a color.

Color Temperature In Interior Design
Color Temperature In Interior Design

Cool colors, such as blue and green, have a calming effect and find often use in bedrooms and bathrooms. Warm colors, such as red and orange, have a stimulating effect and spearhead the color palette in living rooms and dining rooms. Bright colors are bold and vibrant, while dark colors create a sense of depth and sophistication. Saturated colors are intense and vibrant, while desaturated colors appear more subdued and muted.

Harmonious Color Schemes

Color schemes are combinations of colors that create a harmonious and pleasing effect. Overall, several types of color schemes appear in interior design, including monochromatic color schemes, analogous color schemes, complementary color schemes, split complementary color schemes, triad color schemes, and tetradic color schemes.

Harmonious color schemes such as monochromatic, analogous, complementary, tetradic,
Color Schemes

Monochromatic color schemes use different shades, tints, and tones of the same color. Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Complementary color schemes use colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Split complementary color schemes use one color and two colors that are adjacent to their complement. Triad color schemes use three equally spaced colors on the color wheel. Tetradic color schemes use two pairs of complementary colors.

Here are color tools that serve well to match colors to existing color schemes, color palette ideas, and colors by #Hex codes and names.

Psychology of Color | Colors Affect Humans

The psychology of color is the study of how color affects human behavior and emotions. It is an important consideration in interior design. Because the colors used in a space can have a significant impact on the people who use it. Different colors can evoke different emotions and moods, and it’s important to choose colors that create the desired effect.

Meaning of Colors

Colors have different meanings and associations in different cultures and contexts. For example, in Western culture, red represents love and passion. In Chinese culture, on the other hand, it brings luck and wealth. Blue is often associated with calm and serenity, while yellow is associated with happiness and joy. Green stands for nature and growth, purple for royalty and luxury.

Colors and Emotions

Different colors can evoke different emotions in people, so it is important to choose colors carefully when designing a space. For example, warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow can create a sense of excitement, energy, and warmth. In contrast, cool colors such as blue, green, and purple can create a sense of calm, relaxation, and serenity. Bright colors such as hot pink or neon green can create a bold and fun atmosphere. Darker colors such as navy blue or deep purple can create a sense of elegance and sophistication. Saturation also plays a role in the emotional response to color. More saturated colors are associated with excitement and intensity, while desaturated colors are associated with calmness and relaxation.

Understanding The Psychology Of Color

Understanding the psychology of color can help designers create spaces that evoke specific emotions and feelings. For example, blue is often associated with trust and reliability, making it a popular color for corporate settings. Nature and Health often automatically relate to green, making it a great choice for medical or wellness spaces. Yellow associates often with happiness and optimism, making it a popular choice for playful or creative environments. By carefully selecting and combining colors, designers can create a space that not only looks beautiful but also feels good to be in.


In Conclusion, What Is Color?

In conclusion, color is an essential component of interior design. Understanding color theory and how color can affect people’s emotions and perceptions is critical to creating a visually appealing and functional space. By using the color wheel, understanding color temperature and exploring different color schemes, designers can create harmonious and balanced spaces. And match these on mood boards with their client’s personality and style. Before putting their idea into action.

The psychology of color also plays an important role in design. Different colors can evoke different emotions and associations. By considering the meaning of color and how it affects people’s emotions, designers can use color to create a mood or atmosphere that aligns with their client’s goals. Ultimately, color is a powerful tool. It’s often used to transform any space into a beautiful and functional environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About “What is Color Theory?”
What is color theory?

Color theory is a set of principles and guidelines concerning the use of color in art and design. It explores how colors interact with each other and how they can be combined to create harmonious or contrasting effects.

Why is color theory important?

Color theory is important because it helps artists, designers, and creators understand how colors work together and how they can evoke different emotions or moods. It provides a framework for making informed decisions about color in various applications.

What are primary colors?

Primary colors are the fundamental colors from which all other colors are derived. In traditional color theory, they are red, blue, and yellow. These colors cannot be created by mixing other colors together.

What are secondary colors?

Secondary colors are created by mixing equal parts of two primary colors. The secondary colors are orange (red + yellow), green (yellow + blue), and purple (blue + red).

What are tertiary colors?

Tertiary colors are created by mixing a primary color with a neighboring secondary color on the color wheel. For example, red-orange and yellow-green are tertiary colors.

What is the color wheel?

The color wheel is a circular diagram that shows the relationships between colors. It typically includes primary, secondary, and sometimes tertiary colors arranged in a way that illustrates their chromatic relationship.

What are warm and cool colors?

Warm colors (like red, orange, and yellow) tend to evoke warmth, energy, and vibrancy. Cool colors (like blue, green, and purple) evoke calmness, tranquility, and sometimes sadness.

What is a monochromatic color scheme?

A monochromatic color scheme uses variations in lightness and saturation of a single color. It creates a harmonious and unified look without using other colors from the color wheel.

What is an analogous color scheme?

An analogous color scheme uses colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel. This creates a cohesive and harmonious color palette.

What is a complementary color scheme?

A complementary color scheme uses colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. This creates a strong contrast and can be used to make elements stand out.

What is the psychology of color?

The psychology of color studies how different colors can affect human emotions, moods, and behaviors. It explores how color choices in design can influence perceptions and reactions.

How can I use color theory in my own projects?

You can use color theory by understanding basic color relationships, experimenting with different color combinations, and considering the emotional impact of colors on your audience or users.

Color It Your Way!