Guidelines for using colour Nature conditions us to expect balance and harmony.It offers us guidelines for the use of colour and provides us with some basic principles. The darkest value at our feet e.g. forest floor The medium level at eye level e.g. tree trunks The lightest value above us e.g. sky Consider carefully before deviating from these natural guidelines. Use the most intense hues and values in areas occupied for short periods of time, such as formal dining rooms, hallways, staff lunchrooms, laundries and entrances. Avoid monotony and treat the eye and psyche to at least a moderate variety. Visual stimulus or relief is vital. Harmonious colour selections are created by a pleasing relationship of the three dimensions of colour: hue, intensity and value. Most colour schemes are improved by the addition of accents, the final touches that can make a room come to life. Avoid using the same accent colour in too many places or too many accent colours in one room – sometimes subtlety gives the best result. Using correct proportions of colour ensures that your scheme will be aesthetically pleasing. A touch of contrasting colour may be lively and exciting but too much can become uncomfortable. On the other hand, too much moderation produces dullness. Personal taste and preferences are the most important considerations in choosing a colour scheme. Think of colour as a chameleon: • It changes depending upon accent colours. • It is influenced by adjacent colours. Resene Ottoman | 13