Common Misconceptions for 'Colour' & Why You Should Forget About Them When Designing your Interiors

The most complicated part of any interior room design is colour. This is because colours are tricky given their multiple hues, which requires them to be mixed in the right proportion to arrive at a harmony.

 Everyone has opinions about colours, and most of us would have at least once been advised about many alleged rules when it comes to choosing colours for interiors;  “White in the kitchen is a taboo”, “Do not use too many colours, it may be uninviting”, “Blue in bedroom helps to sleep better” and so on. Well, quite often, one tends to feel that they do not have expertise when it comes to choosing the proper colour for interiors and hence prefer to follow, what they believe, are the standard rules. However, with changing scenarios, people are open to experimenting with various bold colours and combinations of their choice, rather than going by pre-fixed rules and notions about colours.

 So, what are the common myths and misconceptions about using colours for interiors? Let us demystify them below and learn why we should ignore them. 

1. The Fifth Wall Must Be In White

A common myth is that a white ceiling unlocks the space. While it is true that white does open up the area, it does not necessarily mean that this effect can be achieved only by painting the ceiling in white. Instead, by painting the ceiling in bright colours and keeping the walls white, one can create an illusion of a larger space.

2. Dark Colours Are Gloomy

Well, this depends on the space of the room. If one goes in for a dark colour in a small room, be it upholstery or wall colour, it will definitely have a depressing effect. On the other hand, a large room with more windows and sunshine can definitely balance out the dark colours. Hence, it is vital to take into account the size of the room and natural light flowing into the room, and if it is a large room, then one can boldly go in for dark colours.

 3. All Walls Must Be Of The Same Colour

 The most significant benefit of colour is that it helps to define a separate zone in a room sans any divider. Hence, adding another additional colour to the walls of a room brings in multiple benefits. One can demarcate areas, and also capture the attention of guests through a brightly coloured accent wall. 

4. It Is Unreasonable To Use White In Kitchen

 Kitchen being the most stain prone zone of the home, people usually avoid using white here. However, the truth is that white in the kitchen can actually energize the room, and one can also play with colourful countertops and other kitchen appliances for that creative feel. Furthermore, if the kitchen tends to be a little dark with less natural light flowing in, then white would be the best option, as it tends to bring in instant brightness into the room. So, do not shy away from using white in the kitchen. One can go in for white cabinets and tiles paired with colourful countertops.

5. Pastel Colours Are Feminine

 Colours have, since time immemorial, been linked with gender and emotions. Specific colours considered masculine, appeal to men better, while certain colours regarded as feminine, appeal to women better. 

Lighter and brighter colours are often thought of as being feministic while masculine colours are often dark and heavy. For instance, earthy tones and natural hues are considered masculine, while pastels and bright floral colours are considered feminine. This does not mean that one cannot use pastels with darker shades.

This concept of gender-specific colours also arises when selecting certain fabrics and upholstery. For instance, heavy fabrics and leather upholstery are masculine. Men prefer geometric patterns or stripes, while women tend to lean towards more floral and softer designs. Thus, choosing the colour of fabrics can make a room feel more masculine or feminine.

 Well, the truth is that men and women are attracted towards different colours and geometric patterns and hence choosing an interior décor of the proper colour that satisfies both (especially, if both share the same room) would pose a big challenge.

 Blending masculine and feminine colours together in the room will create a balanced tone. So, throw in some pastels and other feminine colours for specific pieces of furniture and upholstery and then they can be appropriately paired with darker shades of that colour that complements them and thereby ensure they are fitting both genders perfectly. 

6. Baby’s Room in Yellow Will Make The Baby Cry

 When it comes to a toddler’s room, legend has it that painting it in primary yellow will make a person cry!!!!

Well, yellow is the colour of sunshine and a symbol of optimism. When one refers to yellow, the first thought that comes to mind is that of primary yellow.

The truth is that yellow does not have to be primary yellow. There are numerous different shades of this lovely colour - from the lighter creamy ones, beige, pastel shades to the brighter ones. For instance, Canary, Dandelion or Tuscany yellow are all various beautiful shades that can actually brighten up any room.

7. Neutral Palettes Are in Shades of Cream or Grey

 It is a common misconception that neutral colours are the same old boring versions of cream, beige or grey and hence best avoided. In reality, neutral tones can actually be refreshing. For instance, think of colours like caramel brown or specific bright colours of nature like blue and green that can also take a neutral tinge. This is possible when these colours of nature are softer versions of blue or green-leaning more to the blue-green hue. 

8. Blue Is Soothing

 While this statement may carry some truth, it must be said that there are versions of blue that are quite strong and cannot be very soothing.  For instance, pastel blue resembles a nursery, and certain versions may remind us of a hospital atmosphere. So, the fact depends on which shade of blue one uses. Pale turquoise blue or similar lighter tones can be used for the relaxing effect. 

9. Certain Colour Combinations Are Forbidden

Sometimes, it is considered a taboo to use specific colour combinations like red and orange. The truth is that this is an outdated idea, and such colour combinations bring in vivacious energy and a pop of brightness in a neutral room. 

10 Kids Room Colours

 The standard rule of pink for girls and blue for boys is applied when designing any kids room. In fact, there is no such restriction, and it is best to deck up the room with a colour that the kid loves most.

 Such misconceptions arise because we forget that we perceive contrasts rather than the actual colour. In short, we actually recognize colour differences. For instance, we see white by way of black colour and vice versa. Black text is visible because the background is white. The lack of this knowledge leads to many misconceptions in using colour.

 Hence rather than being rigid based on colour, go by the intuition that guides you. If you are still unsure about what colour is best, call a professional designer who can bring out your visualization in the best possible way. Check here!!!