Light & Color

LIGHT and COLOR both play an important role in the way we feel, so it is important to take into account both the direction that your room faces and the amount of light it receives when deciding what colors to use there.

NORTHERN ASPECT:

A room facing north is usually cold, benefiting from direct sunlight only during the height of summer. A warm color scheme will be essential in this room. Red, yellow and orange will brighten the winter days and reflect what little light there is. (AVOID cold blues and greens)


SOUTHERN ASPECT:

A room facing SOUTH is warm and sunny, with lots of natural light. You will not need to add to the light lives, so use darker colors, particularly GREEN. When these are combined with lighter tints of BROWN, BLUE AND GREEN, a sunny feel can be created even during the winter months.


EASTERN ASPECT:

The powerful early light of sunrise becomes less potent as midday approaches, with no sunlight shining into the room in the afternoon and evening. A mix of color works well here. Both cool blues and warm oranges together will offset the midday change in lighting conditions.


WESTERN ASPECT:

This room will receive afternoon and evening sun, a sunset if conditions are favorable and dull light in the morning. Bright colors such as reds and yellows will overemphasize the warmth of the afternoon; a more neutral scheme involving greens and grays will work better.