It always seems that we need just a little more space than we have. In many cases color can help us create the impression of more space. Color and the perception of space are directly linked. In this tutorial we’ll look at a few key elements to remember and use to your advantage.
The first element to be aware of is that we only see things because they reflect light, so understanding that light is important. Natural morning light is cool in color and as the day progresses that same natural light gets warmer. Window placement and the orientation of the home to the sun determine your range of possibilities and give you the basic factors to work with.
Use the Sunlight Simulation tool in the Settings tab in your projects to change the time of day to see how the color changes.
In contrast, man-made lighting can be tailored to fit the need. Anywhere from full-spectrum (closest to natural lighting) to specific parts of the light spectrum can be found. Keep this in mind when designing and when shopping for bulbs.
Shadows add drama to any room. Shadows from windows and from lighting can energize your spaces and bring intricate or bold elements of texture to your space. The lower the lighting is, the more dramatic it will be.
Colors closer to white make spaces and objects look larger and closer. Dark colors cause a space to appear smaller or farther away. Notice how this happens below.
Walls, ceilings, floors and your furnishings can all be used to maximize the amount of space you seem to have. Try numerous combinations while you’re still in the design stage to find the right balance of color and light.
It’s your turn!