EUROPEAN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH
AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES
ISSN: 2750-8587
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THE EFFECT OF COLORS AND HARMONY IN THE DESIGN OF INTERIOR SPACES AND A
CASE STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF COLORS
Salah Mahdi Saleh Al-Adilee
Institute of Najaf Technical, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Al-Najaf 31001, Iraq
AB O U T ART I CL E
Key words:
Effect of Colors, nalogous,
complementary, and monochromatic color.
Received:
05.12.2024
Accepted
: 10.12.2024
Published
: 15.12.2024
Abstract:
Fundamental to interior design is the
use of color and the search for harmony, which
have far-reaching effects on the spaces'
psychological, functional, and aesthetic attributes.
This study delves into the impact of color theory
on interior design, specifically how various
shades, tones, and color schemes affect people's
emotions, thoughts, and actions. The course
thoroughly examines color theory fundamentals,
such as the relationships between colors on the
wheel, color temperature, and the psychological
associations of different hues, to offer a thorough
grasp of how to incorporate color into interior
environments successfully.
Color harmony, the deliberate use of analogous,
complementary, and monochromatic color
schemes to produce balanced and aesthetically
pleasing spaces, is emphasized in the research as
an essential goal. It delves into how cultural and
environmental
influences
impact
color
preferences and interpretations, highlighting how
designers should consider them when choosing
color palettes for individual projects.
A case study evaluates a residential or commercial
space to show how color may be used practically
and how it might affect interior design. The study
documents the design process, color selections,
and their influence on the area's ambiance and
user experience. Insights on the effects of color on
disposition, ease, and practicality can be gleaned
from observations and comments made by
inhabitants.
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https://doi.org/10.55640/eijmrms-04-12-30
Pages: 157-164
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The results show that interior spaces can be better
designed with careful attention to color choice,
which in turn boosts user happiness and helps
achieve their intended goals. At the end of the
paper, the authors offer some suggestions for
interior designers, urging them to choose colors
with care and consideration for the emotional and
visual health of those using the area.
INTRODUCTION
Scientists have long postulated that different hues elicit different emotional responses and behavioral
changes in humans. The interior color scheme is one example of a design focused solely on psychological
impacts. Although it is most commonly used in interior design, architects consider it crucial from a
constructivist standpoint when deciding how to visualize spaces, use color, and the likelihood of
creating meaning from the location. Concurrently, extensive research in the literature analyzes colors
in detail and evaluates them by defining the limits of a particular color scale (Spence & Di Stefano, 2022).
The varied or subjective color parts combine in harmony, contrast, emphasis, or rhythm for aesthetic
purposes. Distinct colors of light have distinct impacts on the human brain and div, according to
research in the field of color and design. These principles influence every aspect of perception and
cognition, from memory and creativity to attentiveness and state of mind. It is well-known that various
lighting effects, particularly those involving warm and cold hues, will produce distinct results (Shahidi
et al., 2021). Art, design, and advertising that use colors to draw in viewers, make them feel something,
or even make them want to take a step back have only enhanced this effect. Because text facilities allow
individuals to exist in this intensity, color
—
which inspires the need to be more present in the life space,
office, or urban environment
—
has an elevated role.
When it comes to interior design and decoration, color is king. From antiquity to the present day,
researchers have studied the psychological and physiological impacts of color on humans. Colors have
been employed in contexts beyond their essential qualities, incorporating them into disciplines as
diverse as art, design, medicine, and psychology. The topic continues to pique people's interest and is
being revisited by designers, experts, and scientists with a fresh perspective and innovative ideas.
However, most color-related considerations remain in the realm of the subjective and abstract; the
other emotional and psychological dimensions still influence the various details of the color scale and
how they impact the people in a given space (Costa et al., 2018).
Importance of Colors in Interior Design
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Rich proposals in terms of possibilities arise from the distinctive similarities of colors. It calls for a
balanced structure that permits several uses without diluting the colors' individuality. "color harmony"
refers to a balancing act between the exhilaration and calmness evoked by complementary hues. The
most common method designers use when working with color is the mathematical color harmony
discovered through specific formulae or the arbitrary and systematic color selection found in color
circle systems. Color charts in guidebooks and magazines decide the color harmony that should be used
in interior spaces. However, other color harmony proposals are based on cultural traditions. A great
deal of variation in the meaning of color harmony has resulted from the hundreds of color harmonies
employed due to cultural and historical variance. Harmonizing the color structure's conflicts with the
combination of our emotions and discovering their richness is the optimum way for all of these
alternatives [ix]. Various models from various fields illustrate diverse perspectives on this unity. Colors
have the most profound impact on human psychology when used internally in interior places, where
human psychology is most robust. Because of its importance in interior psychology, color selection and
application in interior design should occur during the advanced stage of modernization [ix].
What constitutes a suitable color scheme for an interior space is an open topic due to the
multidisciplinary character of the human response to color and the intrinsic perceptual changes linked
with different forms. Studies claiming that specific colors evoke feelings have raised concerns that such
preconceived notions may be illusory. Nevertheless, variables including "where" the colors are utilized,
"who" uses them, "for" what purpose, which colors are nearby, and how the colors are used can affect
the outcome's variability. This is why interior design considers the aesthetic and psychological
implications of color. The most popular color schemes in homes are based on psychological functions,
an essential consideration in interior design.
A well-executed color scheme may do wonders for an interior's emotional resonance, visual appeal, and
harmony-inducing potential (Kong et al., 2023). A well-curated environment relies on the thoughtful
selection of colors to highlight architectural details, change the room, or mix multiple rooms. In addition
to shaping our perceptions of vast expanses, their effects generate emotions and set the tone for
intimate and expansive settings. Lighting, sound absorption, and calming behavior are just a few
examples of how appropriate color use can enhance functionality but also affect mental and behavioral
states. Thus, knowing how to apply colors correctly is a priceless talent, regardless of whether you are
dealing with clients or a firm (Costa et al., 2018).
Psychological Impact of Colors
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In that order, it is said that green, yellow, black, red, purple, pink, and brown represent warmth,
melancholy, recompense, love, desire, passion, beauty, joy, and strength. However, in psychology, blue
is often associated with serenity, calm, and spirituality. The anticipated qualities of whiteness-calmness
and cleanliness are considered. The ornaments that are occasionally colored in each of these themes
are what bring them to life. The first portion of the investigation focused on brown colors used in
traditional textile goods. This chapter delves into the significance of brown in visual culture and history.
Until the discovery of dyes, brown was considered a natural color. Yarn coloring with natural materials
was a global phenomenon. Once dried, the dye was mixed in a custom-made 1/1 proportionate machine.
Based on the findings of this research, it is recommended to incorporate blue, purple, and red into
saloon areas in varied degrees. These colors evoke energetic, warm, peaceful, open, and calming
sentiments.
According to Xu and Wu (2022), using color in interior design can potentially boost human vitality,
intellect, and mood. Colors considered warm can evoke positive feelings and thoughts and may even
unite the neighborhood. Conversely, cold colors can evoke a sense of calm and good emotional reactions
(Shahidi et al., 2021). Color authenticity is a culturally specific concept that varies from one culture to
another. The general evaluation of colors differs according to cultural viewpoint; for example, white
people in East Asia believe that red initially represents happiness, whereas this is not necessarily the
case in parts of the globe like South Asia. Also, different colors evoke different feelings in people
(Jahanian et al., 2015).
Color Theory in Interior Design
The modern understanding of color is mainly attributable to color theory, which came before the
science of human computation and the Protestant blasphemies, or the organized hues of the cutthroat
world of subsidizing rules that color design cannot control. Studying color draughts that depict the
union from the intermediate to the prior form is usually the basis for modern color theory evolution.
Although the topic of color theory has lingered in the realm of worldviews, the color combinations in
question are derived by recognizing correspondence tales in visual time-space, except the connection
between the color selection of nodes and organs and the fundamental colors of the environment.
Color is an essential component for the final product of any example, and experts in all fields of design,
from living to practical to improvement, are well-versed in this. These hues, believed to be reflective
and repetitive, belonged to a library with excellent planning and was known to have been an
observational civilization thousands of years ago.
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The philosophy of color used in home decor. Color is essential to any unit's design, whether for an
explicit field or the façade that faces the client. Not all of the implications constitute a landmark in
hankers's description of all values as bluish-green, conventional oranges, suspended blurs, and ocean-
balanced blues. The association relationship between these hues will captivate us, even though they do
not interact. Intensely creative energy, life, and originality may be contained in these things, which are
made by separate brains. So, how does the example's color scheme convey a sense of welcome or well-
being to our division?
Creating Harmony through Color Combinations
It might be challenging to choose the perfect palette for a particular project, even though many tools
assist in creating harmonious color schemes. Though picking from the provided palette is the most
straightforward approach to making your schemes, some individuals like to incorporate their colors
into their designs differently. The paper uses a color wheel to choose a primary color and then adds that
there is a secondary and a third color in the palette that are easily accessible; this creates visual contrast
and color harmony. You can enhance your color scheme selection with the help of other visual and
textual resources. To create a harmonious atmosphere, Granite, parquet, ceramic, ornamental
accessory products, and color are crucial in interior design. Before the advent of the modern computer
age, color harmony was a primary concern based on the aesthetic viewpoint (Tong et al., 2022).
Therefore, as an essential component in the evolution of the interior design field, we evaluate the
impacts of color harmony and color belonging dimensions. Additionally, a case study examining the
effects of various color schemes in an apartment serving as an example of a touristic facility and
residential space has been conducted, considering visual aspects as part of the holistic approach.
Color has a role in drawing attention to a room, so it is essential to carefully consider how you choose
and combine colors when designing an interior space. Color theory and practice have emerged as one
of the most pressing issues in contemporary interior design. In order to achieve their goals, people
employ the fundamental color harmony criteria (Shamoi et al., 2023). Color or color gamut is a
fundamental parameter to describe color harmony. Color schemes necessitate aesthetic standards. The
literature presents various issues with color harmony and suggests potential remedies. One school of
thought holds that when colors are blended, the color wheel becomes divided into light and broken
colors. The counter-argument states that combining pigment and light colors creates a color wheel.
Case Study: Implementing Color Harmony in a Living Room
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The photographs include the colors of the main pieces in the living room. The door and window are
cream, while the three walls are striped with light blue, basil, pink, and dark amber. The floor and chairs
are made of wood-colored laminate. Also, the photographs do not show the black-out colored floor-to-
ceiling drapes that separate the living room from the hall; these curtains are meant to match the color
of the couch and pillows. Using the room's main features as a guide, choose colors that will serve as
principal accents. The secondary colors, light purple, powder blue, powder green, light green, turquoise,
and light green, were thought to go well with these primary colors, while the third color was light grey.
Furthermore, this choice aligns with the study's aims and limitations. Thus, the fifth research was
omitted to examine perception and gender. Dark amber and navy blue, dirty green and pink basil and
powder blue and navy blue are the combinations that have been made.
To begin deciding on the best color schemes for the living room, it is necessary to take note of the exact
colors that are currently there and cannot be easily changed. After that, please list all the possible
dominating colors and then narrow it down to the best pairings with each one. Next, find the almost
ideal midway of each color pair to determine their balance. Possible harmony between the suggested
color pairings can be inferred from the apparent similarities and appropriate balancing of the hues.
A famous piece of advice from color psychology specialists is that using color harmony in interior
settings can effectively improve residents' emotional wellness (Ikeda et al., 2015). Aesthetic satisfaction
heavily depends on factors such as color harmony and the degree to which they promote mental
restorativeness (Yamashita et al., 2022). However, researchers and designers must exercise restraint
while selecting colors to create a cohesive scheme. The visual appeal of miscalibrated schemes can be
either excessively exciting or completely lacking (Hou et al., 2024).
CONCLUSION
Numerous color studies lend credence to the idea that colors can evoke specific emotions when
considered harmony and contrast, which is currently trending in the international literature (Hou et al.,
2024). Beyond these color impacts on interior design, alterations unique to Turkey emerged due to
political, religious, and economic exchanges between Ottoman and Western European cultures. Distinct
types of places have distinct impacts on people's mental health when used for meetings, living rooms,
and bedrooms. For example, with some simple design changes, the living room can serve as a gathering
spot or a platform for various tasks (Xie et al., 2022). That is why health, happiness, social harmony, and
economic stability are the primary goals of the space-color composition rules.
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The first global impact of Ottoman ornamental culture can be understood by looking at the linkages that
united Ottoman and Western civilizations; this influence spread throughout the world's dynasties.
Religion, Philosophy, Art, Ethics, Clothing, Personal Usage Areas, Health, Education, Ornaments, and
Personal and Symbolic Features were the sections into which psychological influences of color and
cultural influences on interior space designs were categorized (Wang et al., 2022). Public spaces, dining
halls, sleeping halls, throne rooms, classrooms, dressing rooms, bathrooms, ritual spaces, boudoirs, and
deans are all visually influenced by hue. Each portion was separated into several ideas that considered
the historical, symbolic, emotional, and symbolic implications.
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