Resene have introduced ColourWise newsletters to educate our staff
about colours and colour combinations. The inaugural issue
of this newsletter was so popular that staff wanted copies to
pass onto customers, so to make the newsletters accessible to
all copies are now available for viewing in ColorShops or you
can open and read pdf copies (you'll need a copy of Acrobat
Reader to read the files so if you don't have this software
you will need to download it.)
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2000 - 2010 colours and style
the new millennium… excitement + anticipation
As this milestone approached people from around the world were planning celebrations to welcome in the new millennium. A big focus was on New Zealand being the first country to see the light on the 1st January 2000. At the same time there were businesses worrying about bugs in their computers, and Y2K posters being distributed to warn people to prepare for restricted supplies of water, food, electricity and the possibility of no eftpos transactions... more |
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Mexican style, design and colour
Outdoor living and dining has always been a way of life in Mexico – courtyards, open-air living rooms, loggias, pools, fountains and stairways – all cloistered behind high walls where family and friends gather to feast, celebrate or just have cool refuge from the mid-day heat. Mexican gardens are designed to be lived in rather than impress the neighbours, they are a private oasis in the midst of urban commotion. Contemporary Mexican architecture and design is characterised by minimalist aesthetics... more |
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African style, design and colour
Exploring the continent’s vastness, Africa reveals the excitement of colour, pattern, art and culture. Distinctive motifs, rich earth tones, as well as the spiritual connections, combine to reflect the diverse societies who have lived off the land for more than 5,000 years. As the world grows increasingly complicated we become more drawn to linking back to traditional ways of life, simplicity, nature, symbolism. As well as the primitive and tribal arts, the African landscape itself influences design and architecture... more |
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Scandinavian style and colour
Scandinavian architecture Scandinavian design is best described as well-ordered simplicity. Rectangular shaped buildings with open-plan interiors, natural timber floors and ceilings, large smart-glass windows, ergonomic and ecological. Inspiration may have originally come from the Finnish Tupa and Swedish Stuga (open plan farmhouses and little red barns) but the modernist movement at the end of the 1930s was probably the biggest influence on this design... more |
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South Pacific design and colour
Colours for South Pacific design are drawn from the natural environment and cultures of the native people who settled in these islands. The people in the three regions were originally agriculturists, growing breadfruit, bananas, coconuts, yams and taros – many villages were self sufficient and the family was considered their basic political and social units... more |
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Asian design and colour
Early Asian architecture illustrates how the buildings were made from whatever the earth had to offer – mud, clay, straw, wood or stone – evolving organically to meet practical needs, social aspirations and religious beliefs. Modern buildings incorporate uncluttered living and technology, to satisfy sensual human needs through the continued use of natural construction materials and organic forms... more |
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Spanish style, design and colour
Spanish design is best described as a ‘Rustic Mediterranean Style’. Homes and buildings are influenced in the south of Spain by the Mediterranean coastline and often have whitewashed walls, tiled flat roof and a central courtyard. In the wetter, northern region there is a strong Celtic influence with thick stone walls, pitched roof and arched walkways to give protection against cold and rain. The ‘country weekend’ has led to many city-dwellers buying up modest country houses... more |
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French design and colour
The distinctive style known as French Provencal takes its name from the region of Provence in the south of France and has become more widely interpreted as the French Provincial style. The secret of its success is the combining of furniture, furnishings and accessories from previous centuries with those of today. This style can be applied to a simple country home, a grand city residence or a modern townhouse. However it looks its best… more |
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Healthcare facilities
For many people the word ‘hospital’ conjures up thoughts of drab, institutional buildings. However this is not the case today as designers strive to create healthcare facilities and buildings that support wellness and uplift the spirits of patients and staff.
Studies have found that decorating healthcare facilities with comforting colours, textiles and artworks can accelerate healing while a gloomy environment can cause physical distress and delay recovery... more |
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Hospitality design
The humble beginnings of the restaurant trade was a simple meal to feed a weary traveller. Man on horseback stopping off overnight after a day’s riding across country.
Today’s restaurants feed appetite and soul, they are designed to excite, inspire and satisfy taste on every level, not just food. The design and décor is just as important as the food and beverage. It may be edgy and modern, simple and traditional, or theatrical and entertaining... more |
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Retail design
As retailers strive to find new and exciting ways to promote and sell their products in an
aggressive global marketplace, designers are challenged to understand consumer
behaviour as well as the changing building technologies.
The cultural and social issues of the shopper impact on how products are branded and
presented to buyers. The way we dress or the way we furnish our homes, the food we
eat, books we read or music we listen to, right down to the cars we drive and phones we
use - all point to the people we are, as far as social status is concerned... more |
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Learning centres
Every community has existing educational assets - land, buildings, teachers and
administrators. We need to define the vision for the nation’s education system and
creatively plan to link the two together.
Lifelong education will be a key fact for everyone in the future. While there is no one
way to teach or learn, there are many techniques to enable students to learn faster,
better and smarter. An open-minded search for new ideas is essential to future education... more |
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Offices and workstations
The office needs to be designed so that numerous functions can be accommodated
within the area. It is a space for interpersonal exchange, efficiency and productivity.
Often the company’s corporate identity is translated into the interior space, but it must
be an aesthetically pleasing environment to work in. We are not suggesting having red
walls or furniture just because the company logo is red - this may result in a very
unsettled or stressed-out team of workers... more |
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Storage solutions
Great storage is one way to put your home and your life in order. Clutter and chaos in
your living spaces cause anxiety and disharmony, sometimes even at a subconscious level.
When we have everything in its allocated space we feel in control of our home and in
control of our life - we know what we own and where to find it.
With well designed storage systems in your home, your possessions will be under your
control and not creating unwanted mess. This does not mean that you have to hide all
your treasures away; they can have a special place to be on display and enjoyed... more
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Outdoor living
Our backyards have always been important to us, and when
planning these spaces we need to decide what sort of
atmosphere we want to create, just as we would with an
interior room.
Should the garden reflect the style of the indoors, such as
formal or casual, minimal or busy? Does it need to look good
and be on view all year around, or just during the
spring/summer months when more time is spent outdoors... more |
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Living rooms
The space where a family relax together, or entertain friends, is
sometimes considered the hub of the home.
Many homes today have more than one living area - one as a
relaxed centre for family interaction and another for
entertainment, such as hosting visitors, watching
television/movies or listening to music.
Relaxation is the key to a successful living area, and there are
many ways to achieve a stylish space that can be used
comfortably on a day-to-day basis... more |
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Entrances, hallways and staircases
The main entrance to the home is often a key element of how the home appears to
others; first impressions are important. The door marks the boundary between the
exterior and interior and is also an important design consideration in itself.
A heavy timber door suggests a solid and secure building structure. However in an
entrance lobby without windows a partially glazed door will allow more light into the
space... more |
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Home office/study
The home office needs to be designed so that all functions can be accommodated within
the space. Its location is important so it could be advantageous to position it to be
easily accessed from the front entrance if it is a home based business. This allows
clients or company representatives convenient access, and you can retain privacy in
more personal areas of the home.
If it is a family office/study it may be better positioned near the kitchen or living room,
or within a bedroom or rumpus room if it is mainly being used for students to do their homework... more |
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Bedrooms for kids
Paint should be lead-free and non-toxic (refer to the Resene brochure on the
eco-friendly way to paint your child’s bedroom) and avoid sharp edges that could injure
a child if they fell against it.
Use safety glass in low-level windows and doors, and fit windows with safety catches so
children cannot climb/fall out of the window. Never position a chair or bed under a
window, and ensure chairs are stable and sturdy if climbed on... more |
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Bedrooms
The bedroom is a space where you can escape for solitude and privacy. It is the room
where you can lock yourself away from the rest of the house and take time out from
busy family life. It is a place you can surround yourself with things that give you pleasure,
it is the most personal place and should be wonderfully comfortable, and the master
bedroom is usually the ‘love nest’ so needs to be secure... more |
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Bathrooms
The bathroom is often a challenging space to design so that all functions can be
accommodated within the area. Its location is crucial, so it can be money well spent to
position it so that is can be easily accessed from the bedrooms it services, and a guest
toilet and hand basin is needed to service living areas within the home.
When planning to renovate a bathroom, in consultation with your designer or plumber
who knows local building and water regulations, you must consider the layout of existing
water pipes, sewage outlets and air exhaust ducts... more |
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Dining spaces
The space where a family eats is often the heart of the home where many activities
other than consuming food take place, such as socialising and communicating, doing
office work or homework, art and crafts, playing cards or board games.
Seating should be comfortable to encourage this diverse range of gatherings and
activities and the atmosphere relaxed so that people can linger over a meal. Nobody
will want to sit longer than necessary on an uncomfortable chair or in bright and
intrusive lighting conditions. Understanding what makes an eating space work is
important to the success of that room and to the home as a whole... more |
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Kitchens
Planning is one of the most important tasks for this busy space in a family home. Often
both partners within the household work and share kitchen duties at breakfast and
dinner time. Older children make their own snacks after school or extended family
share in the food preparation. Therefore it is important to ensure the kitchen plan is
practical and safe so that people can move around and access appliances and cabinetry
without injury or stress.
Professional kitchen designers are trained to design kitchens to accommodate the work
centres and traffic flow. But here are some tips for you to consider when thinking about
how you want your kitchen space to function... more |
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Colour therapy
As we go through life we inevitably feel ‘off-colour’ at some stage. Our physical health
and emotional and spiritual wellbeing is influenced by our genes, life experience and the
quality of our environment.
Mental and emotional development causes changes in colour energies – specific changes
in the aura (invisible sheath of coloured light around the body) or colour energies of the
spine indicate health problems that may exist.
Colour therapy (sometimes called chroma-therapy) can often detect and work on
emerging health issues before they manifest into more serious illnesses... more |
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The feel of colour
How do colours make us feel? We know that they can affect our emotions – is there a
link between colours and mental states? Can colours stimulate us by acting directly on
some aspect of our bodies or brains? While colour symbols may differ between cultures
we see a great deal of colour meanings are recognised around the world so it would
appear some colour responses are universal.
Walk into a home decorated by a property developer and you will probably find the walls
painted white, cream, beige or grey. It is easy to resort to colour minimalism rather
than take a risk and we often have a tendency to choose colours based on prejudice and
convention rather than how they will work together...more |
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Colour your room
Embarking on a decorating project can be rather daunting, where does one start? Colour
sets the mood and style of a room and gives it personality. It affects the impact the
room has on people and the way they feel and behave within it. So here are some
practical steps to work through so that you get the best results and take some of the
stress out of the decisions you will need to make. A very good starting point is to make
a list of the things you are keeping in the room, and the things you are changing.
What parts of the room are to be changed... more |
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2000 - 2005 style
The new millennium… excitement and anticipation.
As this milestone approached people from around the world were planning celebrations
to welcome in the new millennium, and a big focus was on New Zealand being the first
country to see the light on the 1st January 2000. At the same time there were businesses
worrying about bugs in their computers, and Y2K posters being distributed to warn
people to prepare for restricted supplies of water and electricity, and the possibility
that eftpos machines may not provide cash on demand... more |
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1990s style
The 1990s arrived with a resounding thump - the world economy had taken a big slump
and it was time for a reality check. A new ecologically-aware consumer arose as
everyone became concerned about saving the rainforests, fuel consumption, green
building materials and recycled goods.
Less became more - apartment living, minimal architecture, unadorned interiors, simple
easy-wear fashion, smaller cars, mini phones and laptop computers. Minimalism became
a strong influence at the end of the 1990s evidenced by Zen style homewares and an
obsession with black and neutral fashion clothing - dressing down became the norm... more |
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1980s style
In the earlier part of the 1980s woody and natural colours were seen in offices and
homes. Comforting colours of brown, olive, rust and gold were warm and safe, a
contrast with what was happening in the later part of the 1970s when the world was
rebelling against law and order. Nurturing natural colours from autumn leaves and golden sunshine with warm
cork were popular.
Pale apricot or peach was an extremely popular
colour during the decade. It is believed to nurture and
soothe and was selected to combat the stress people
felt with the faster pace of life and fear of the new
communication and computer technology in the
workplace. ...more |
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1970s style
The oil crisis resulted in restrictions on petrol and 'car less days' were introduced in
New Zealand. One day a week you were not allowed to use your vehicle to save on fuel
consumption. There were power cuts in Britain and the economic crisis led to three day
working weeks. People became interested in 'saving the planet' and Greenpeace was
active.
The colours of cars were also popular in fashion and interiors
Avocado green was frequently seen in 1970s bathroomware, textiles, wallpaper and
motor cars. Recreate the look with Resene Highball, Resene Crail, Resene Ming and
Resene Dynamite... more |
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1960s style
The swinging sixties were an exciting, revolutionary and turbulent time of great social
and technological change.
Psychedelic colours and designs were seen in fashion, furnishings, advertising and
graphics. New materials provided fashion and interior designers new opportunities in
colour and form, from the lycra mini-skirt to the first seamless plastic chair. New dyes
brought a range of brightly coloured cottons and synthetics to mass markets for both
furnishing and clothing... more |
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1950s style
Credit cards and clothes -
the 1950s was a period of renewal and optimism when
post war austerity was replaced with a consumer
boom.
With great leaps in manufacturing and scientific
discoveries, and the lift of rationing, consumerism
grew rapidly, and people craved for colour and
modernity.
Television and jet travel opened up new horizons.
War research benefited fashion and design, new
synthetic materials were 'modern' and desired by all.
New wash and wear fabrics enabled everyone to wear
white and pastel colours.
New materials such as plastic laminates,
fibreglass and latex foam literally
shaped the 1950s. Magic words were
Nylon, Crimplene (polyester), Orlon (acrylic), PVC, Melamine and Vinyl... more |
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1940s style
Make do and mend, lend a hand on the land -
rationing during and after the war.
Amid the uncertainty of war, New Zealand celebrated
its centenary at Waitangi in February 1940.
The war took its toll on the availability of products,
and people coped with economical food recipes and
home dressmaking. Textiles were controlled and
used for army and airforce uniforms, only leftovers
were available for garments.
With so many men joining the armed forces many
women took up their factory jobs to produce clothing,
equipment and vehicles for the war in the Pacific... more |
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Art
Deco style
Styles don’t just happen, they are usually developed as a response
to what is happening in our world - Wars, famines, inventions,
industry, medicine, theatre, arts, royalty, sports,
communications, fashion, textiles, architecture, print, transport.
The art deco period is loosely defined as the period between the
two world wars, and it encompasses a variety of design styles
from early 1920s to late 1930s.
The conventional designers decorated every surface with stylised
fruit and flower motifs, while the revolutionary designers turned
to the aesthetics of machinery and uncluttered design... more |
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Aqua
This is a colour we could not live without. Uplifting and serene, energetic and
enlightening. It has many names – aqua, teal, turquoise and ming.
A refreshing scheme always includes the clear, energetic blue-green, which has the
calming effect of blue with the warm touch of yellow. These aqua colours imply
bathrooms, bedrooms, patios and pools. Blue-green is considered to be one of the most
healing colours, providing protection from germs and infection... more |
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Black
Black is often associated with darkness, which may make it difficult for many people to
use in living spaces. Black has many depths and shades that may be used to throw other
colours and finishes into relief, such as glossy black and chestnut brown, chalky black
and warm white. Black paint is probably best used in these sorts of combinations in
interiors rather than en mass.
Many colour-infused blacks are available in the Resene range of paints and multi-layered
effects may be achieved by adding glazes and special effects, such as Resene Pearl
Shimmer and Resene Pixie Dust over black... more |
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Blue
Ask a crowd of people which is their favourite colour, and more than half will say blue.
Blue is soothing and fresh, being the colour of two vital elements for living – air and
water. It is timeless and universal.
In New Zealand we see the coast on a regular basis (or a lake or river) and the air is
never too polluted for us to see the sky every day. Imagine what it would be like to live
without seeing these two expanses of blue for weeks on end. This duo of essential
elements makes us feel peaceful and relaxed. The colour of inner life... more |
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Brown
Brown is an all-embracing term to describe a range of fascinating colours – from purple-
tinged taupe, to neutral biscuit and beige, and through to the deepest chocolate and
richest coffee shade. Many of these browns are a very familiar part of the natural
landscape and play an evocative part in home décor.
From wooden floorboards, doors and furniture to woven natural fibres, wallcoverings
and textiles. Dark and light brown provide a neutral setting for a large range of colours
and patterns. Being a colour of Mother Nature, it is often used in art and design to
allude to natural forms. It is the chosen palette of many cultural arts and crafts, and in
graphic design earthy colours are effectively used in projects that deal with ecology and
the environment...more |
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Green
Green, in its many shades from nature, injects vitality into a space, and is a colour most
people feel comfortable to be within. Because green is nearly always present in our
everyday lives, we intuitively feel a sense of well-being when we see green - it signifies
life and restores energy, and gives one a sense of rejuvenation. Green is often
considered a healing colour and is used by colour therapists to treat cancer, gastric
conditions such as gallstones and stomach ulcers, and take the heat out of burns and
fevers. A study on patients in hospitals showed that those who had a view onto a green
lawn and garden had a quicker recovery time than those without a garden view. Green
is a colour associated with wellbeing and peace... more |
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Grey
All the greys in between black and white are neutral, quite timeless, and suit any
interior or exterior building style. Grey is used to soften the contrast between black and
white, and it also quietens strong colours in a space with a gentle neutralising effect.
Referring back to the Resene Multi-Finish Colour Chart Grey Palette, Resene Shark,
Resene Tuna, Resene Shuttle Grey, Resene Grey Chateau and Resene Iron are all
neutral greys, that is. they are not tinted with red or blue or any other colour.
Looking in the Resene The Range greys are infused with other colours. When you use the
grey vinyl isolator you will note that most greys in The Range collections are slightly
coloured that gives them their own characteristics... more |
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Orange
Orange being a mix of primary colours red and yellow depends on the actual tones of
these colours i.e. bright red plus bright yellow produce a clear orange, and warm reds
make an earthy terracotta tone. Because these two primaries are so strong in
themselves, in a decorative context orange must be used with care. Although it has
been used in various periods e.g. bright neon orange in the 1960s, orange has not been
widely chosen as an interior colour until more recently with the advancement of paint
techniques that enable it to be used as a life-enhancing colour to bring light and warmth
into rooms and evoke feelings of mellow warmth and pleasure... more
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Pink
Like fashion, colour tends to move in cycles and what is happening in the world has a
large impact on what colours we need to have around us, what 'feels' right whether it
be relaxing or stimulating, calming or invigorating. It is really a matter of balance we
seek.
Looking at the Resene The Range 2005 there is a variety of pinks which over the decades
may have been associated with various memories. This may present challenges for some
consumers, but be assured pink has a history and a place in design, and is often seen
alongside red after a warfare to counteract the military uniforms that dominate during
the war years. Pink is rising in popularity, in fashion and interiors around the world, and
it will be with us for a year or two yet... more |
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Purple
Purple, or violet as it is referred to on the colour wheel, has been associated with power
for many centuries. It is a colour that is authoritative, strong and courageous.
It brings to mind the plush velvet cloaks of nobility, gold embroidered silks and taffetas.
Blue violet is the darkest hue on the colour wheel and combines well with metallic gold,
yellow-orange or fresh lemon hues.
Regal colour schemes imply ancient wealth, sometimes with a slight Eastern flavour,
such as in precious carpets, textiles and paintings.
Blue-violet is the colour of the finest sapphires and there is a gem like quality to this
colour that adds richness to wherever it is applied... more |
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Red
Red is often associated with love - we link red hearts and red roses with Valentines Day,
the traditional symbol of love.
Red is a very powerful colour and it evokes strong feelings. In using powerful colours it
is always important to remember that red is a stimulating colour; while it increases
passion it may be difficult sleep in a red bedroom for instance. A tint or tone of a
powerful red may be a more appropriate and a less demanding choice. A powerful red can be used in an analogous colour scheme with red-violet and orange-
red, and although still very lively the related colours will tone down the primary red... more |
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White
White is the colour of peace and innocence, of calm and comfort, simplicity and
cleanliness. It radiates clarity, purity and newness. It is tranquil and soothing.
Artists have painted on white canvas for years, and homeowners and designers use white
as a foil for other colours, which allows brilliant shades to really sing, and throws
subdued colours into sharp relief. It is also used as an accent colour to give crisp detail,
adding light to a dark colour scheme, or bringing serenity to a colourful one.
There are many different shades of white, warm whites and cool whites, and Resene are
aware of the importance of these subtle differences and produce whites tinted with a
number of colours... more |
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Yellow
The colour yellow is the mind colour, a vibrating mental stimulant. It is elevating and
inspiring, optimistic and cheerful. It brings a welcoming warmth into cold rooms lacking
in sunlight, and is usually considered an advancing colour, which means it comes out
towards you. People with a great passion for yellow are usually playful characters with a sense of
humour. They love to laugh and make others laugh, and they advocate relaxing and
having fun. Their life purpose is to help lighten up life and heal the energy of the planet.
They are always on the go, enjoy physically active sports and are also creative and
artistic... more |
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The colour wheel
Sir Isaac Newton created the first colour wheel hundreds of years ago by splitting white
sunlight into red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, and blue, then connected the ends of the
colour spectrum together to demonstrate natural colour progression.
A century later Johann Wolfgang Goethe studied the psychological effect of colours and
discovered that some colours gave a feeling of warmth and others a feeling of coolness.
Using these results he created a colour wheel based on the psychological effect of each
colour with one side being the plus side of red, orange and yellow and the other side
being the minus side of green, violet and blue... more |
| Carolyn's Colour Corner |
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A touch of the blues
Blue is a colour found in nature - the soft blues of early morning skies,
deep indigo blues of the shadows on hills, cornflower blue of flowers,
sparkling blues of summer seas and every variation of blue from ivy
blue through to storm-cloud grey blue and midnight navy.
Sandy beiges and blue conjure up visions of the seaside; the natural
combination of leaf greens and blues offset each other well, as do purple
blues and lime. Combined with white it brings to mind Chinese pottery
painted with animals or birds... more |
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A whiter shade of pale
White is a colour with infinite variety. Prior to the 1920's white was
created with lime. The introduction of titanium dioxide resulted in
a bright and stable white, very different to the original whites that
are now often known as Bone Whites.
If the unique properties of white are used skilfully, it is easy to
create warm-soft and cool-crisp colour combinations. Too often it is
chosen by default with no regard for its image - 'White is Right'!... more
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Green - a colour for all seasons
The dominant colour in nature, green, blended from blue and yellow,
is often used to represent birth, growth, rejuvenation, balance and
harmony. Green is easy on the eye, cool, restful and is the "anchor"
of the garden providing a foil for fruit and flowers. In the home, deep
hues have traditionally been used in studies and libraries, with light,
bright hues in kitchens. Green is said to encourage moderation in behaviour
and vitality in people who are tired or sick... more |
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Hello yellow
From palest lemon, sunshine dappled corn silk, bright saffron, rich
egg yolk, earthy ochre and through to rich opulent gold, yellow embraces
a wide range of hues. Because it is such a naturally bright colour it
can startle and surprise the unwary. It may prove difficult to find
the right shade for a particular room but it pays to persevere until
you find the exact tone or tint you require. Yellow mixes well with many other colours - all blues from pale through
sapphire to navy, bold reds, crisp whites and sea greens - to create
vibrant schemes redolent of summer in the Mediterranean.... more |
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Naturally beautiful
Several neutral tones used together in a colour scheme can combine to
create a restful, elegant atmosphere by making use of the natural harmony
that exists even between different textures and tones of fabric and
other materials such as wood. Neutrals added to existing schemes can calm down the brightest of
hues or have a unifying effect on a mixture of furnishings and colours.
For example, a neutral toned carpet throughout a brightly coloured room
softens the impact and makes it seem more spacious by not interrupting
the eye's flow across the room... more |
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Orange peel
Orange, a secondary colour made from a combination of yellow and red,
is equidistant from both these primary colours in the colour spectrum.
An attention seeking, aggressive colour, orange is full of lively
vitality and energy. While bright, hot and exciting, it is also a symbol
of warning at traffic lights. Strong, bright and easy to distinguish
from other colours, it is often used to warn of danger or advertise
new events. Orange is the colour of fire, and like fire, it can be overbearing
emotionally if used in large undiluted amounts... more |
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Purple rain
Purple is one of the most provocative colours of the spectrum, embracing
all hues from palest lavenders, mauve pinks, magentas and deep violets
through to dark aubergine, created by varying their blue and red composition. Purple symbolises royalty, spirituality and creativity. It has a quietness
about it that lowers blood pressure, depresses the appetite for food
(and other things!) and calms overactive glands and organs. On a positive
note, it encourages lateral thinking, daydreaming and activates the
learning process by linking both spheres of the brain... more |
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Red-hot and royal
Red is a bright warm colour positioned at the least refracted end of
the spectrum and the furthest away from violet. Historically, red was one of the more rare and most expensive pigments
for dyes so it was referred to as a "regal" colour. Only kings and queens
and heads of church and state could afford to wear robes coloured in
shades of red. Even so these were not the vibrant hues we now accept
as true reds for it was not until the mid-nineteenth century that synthetic
chemical dyes were invented. Prior to this time reds were made from
earth oxides, plants, insects and "sang de boeuf" - ox blood!... more |
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Colour balance
When a colour dominates its immediate surroundings in terms of hue, intensity or value, it can create imbalance. If we visualise colour in terms of weight, we can readily imagine that an area of dominant colour is "heavier: than an equal area of subordinate colour. In developing a balanced colour scheme, it is important to take into account the 'weight' of each colour, as these diagrams illustrate... more |
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Colours for elements
Exterior paint colours need to be attractive and should enhance
the structure of the surrounding environment. Cool colours, blues and greens can introduce a cool mood into a room. Warm colours, such as red and apricot, have an opposite effect... more |
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Confidence with colours
Many people who are confident and assured about most aspects of their lives lose all confidence when trying to mix and match colours. You should always follow your own instincts. Decide what appeals to you and what you feel good about and use this as your starting point. There are no fixed rules about colour. It pays to forget all those old adages, such as blue is cold, red and orange clash, blue and green should never be seen... more |
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Gloss levels
Within the Resene paints range there are a number of different gloss levels for different applications. Where possible, avoid using semi-gloss or gloss paints on walls and ceilings as they will highlight surface imperfections. In comparison, matt or flat paints reflect light back in a diffused form minimising the appearance of surface imperfections... more |
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Guidelines for using colour
Nature conditions us to expect balance and harmony and offers us guide-lines for the use of colour and indeed 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 guide-lines. Use the most intense hues... more |
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Inspirations for colour schemes
When it comes to finding inspiration for colour there is no strict set of rules. However, the more knowledge you have about colour and its influence on your living environment, the better placed you will be to choose colours that will be right for you. Colours generally work best when related to their surroundings, with the final result of a successful scheme being one of harmony, visual order, and a feeling of continuity... more |
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Properties of colour
Hue is pure colour - any primary, secondary or tertiary colour that is unmixed with black or white. It can be another name for colour. Reflective Value is the degree of lightness or darkness of a tint, shade or tone. White has the highest reflective value and black the lowest. A tint is the pure colour (hue) with white added. This new colour has higher reflective value (is lighter) than the original hue... more |
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Proportion, contrast and effects with colour
Use colour to create an illusion. Colour can highlight the good features of a room and camouflage defects. You can actually change the shape of a room visually by the use of colour. Identify the character of the room you are about to decorate, follow the guide-lines for using colour, but remember that rules are flexible, and also that there is a much more comprehensive range of colours available today than ever before... more |
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General tips on selecting paint and paint colours
Like gloss level, the colour paint you choose to use will also show surface defects to varying degrees. Darker colours accentuate surface imperfections, while lighter colours soften the effects of any surface irregularities by absorbing less light. This doesn't mean you can't use gloss paints and dark colours inside... more |
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Putting your room together
Choosing the right combination of finishes and furnishings
and creating a room scheme requires a careful blend of all the elements in a room, so that each perfectly offsets the other to give you your desired result. A complete room scheme combines the paint finish, lighting, flooring and soft and hard furnishings. To help you develop your room scheme we have included decorating notes on all these elements... more |
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Choosing the right curtains for your home
Originally designed for purely practical reasons, curtains are a key part of your room's colour scheme. When selecting curtains make sure you keep their practical uses in mind to ensure that you select curtains that will not only look good but that will also be functional... more |
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Choosing the right furnishings for your home
Always arrange furniture so that it is convenient to use otherwise visitors may end up constantly rearranging your furniture for you. Generally it is best to allow for easy traffic flow through a room, but in an open plan area the furniture can also be used to break the large space into smaller cosier areas... more |
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Choosing the right flooring for your home
Flooring needs differ depending on the room to be furnished - in practical rooms such as kitchens hard flooring may be preferable to the soft flooring such as carpet that is typically used in bedrooms. When choosing flooring there are six main features to consider... more |
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Choosing the right lighting for your home
Lighting can make or break your room scheme. Lighting can diminish minor surface imperfections present on walls and ceilings when used carefully. A hastily planned lighting scheme can have the opposite result accentuating the same imperfections that you are trying to hide. For example, light striking the surface of a wall at a low angle (such as side lighting from surface mounted light fixtures) exaggerates surface imperfections... more |
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Vastu decorating
Feng Shui has developed quite a following as a guideline for designing spaces that are comfortable and harmonious to live in, guiding selections from paint colours through to furniture and accessories positioning to maximise the flow of positive Ch'i throughout the home or building. Vastu is somewhat of an Indian equivalent to Feng Shui, based on related elements but interpreted in a different manner, yet still providing guidelines for creating a harmonious home or space... more |
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Coloured skies
Why the sky is blue? Red is a bright warm colour positioned at the least refracted end of the spectrum and the furthest away from violet. Red sky at night sailor’s delight, red sky in the morning sailor’s warning… but what makes the sky turn from red to blue and back again? It’s surprising how often we are asked this very question... more |
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