Each Monday on the DesignQuotient™ blog, DesignCoach™ James Swan answers readers’ questions. Post your design dilemma. DesignCoach™ can help you find the solution.
This week the DesignCoach discusses (breaking?) color rules to make small spaces look larger.
Q: You know how “they” say you should wear black because it makes you look thinner, is the same true in home design? Do dark colors make a room look bigger or smaller? I know I shouldn’t put horizontal stripes on my room (or vertical ones, either) but are there general rules on the way colors work for a space?
A: In brief the answer to your question is a bit counter-intuitive. Since we perceive space through our ability to understand the distinction between light and dark (shadows) when we use a deep or dark color on walls we actually create the perception of more space. Darkly colored walls lessen the perception of shadows at the corners of the room which reinforces a perception of greater, not lesser space.
Photos: Although counter-intuitive, darker colors in smaller spaces can hide shadows and corners to add perceived depth—as shown in this bath and vestibule designed by James Swan and featured in Bathroom Trends magazine.
Books have been written on color theory and application. I find these reads to be very interesting and you might, too. For more information, you might want to check out the subject on Amazon or at your local book store and see what you think.
Let us know if we can help with your design dilemma. Send us your questions.
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