Colour Basic
Colour Shades, colour tints and colour tones are all words related to colours, but did you know that each
of them signifies different functions. It is exciting to know that there are certain basic colours and other
colours are made mixing and matching these colours.
The liveliness and vibrancy of life is found in colours and it adds more meaning to the selection of
colours when you know the colour basics. Here, we introduce you to the perception and theory of colours.
Go ahead, get informed!
The Colour Wheel forms the basic of the colour theory. Typically, the colour wheel is divided into twelve
parts and has all the colours possible, arranged in a cyclic order.
Complementary Colours:
These colours can be found placed diametrically opposite to each other on the Colour Wheel. They are in
maximum contrast to each other. Thus, each colour stands out very brightly against its complementary
counterpart. These colours can be used to create a very vibrant and bold look!
Analogous Colours:
These colours are placed adjacent/neighbouring to each other on the Colour Wheel. And because they
belong to neighbouring colour families, they give a pleasant harmonious look.
SHADES | TINTS | TONES
Shades: When the colour black is added to any colour, we get shades of that colour.
Tints: When the colour white is added to any colour, we get tints of that colour.
Tones: When the colour grey is added to any colour, we get tones of that colour.
Colour Families
Pink
"The very pink of perfection."
- Oliver Goldsmith, Playwright
Pink is the soft side of Red. Pink can be subtle, subdued and refined or lively, hot and trendy. It's most
accepted as unconditional love - nurturing, comforting and always there
Orange
"It's amazing how it cheers one to shred oranges."
- D H Lawrence, Novelist
Orange is a simulating and energizing colour. Spicy orange can be warm and appetizing while peach
tones can be welcoming and pleasing. Choose orange with any colour to bring energy and cheer in the air.
Red
"Red has guts. deep, strong dramatic."
- Garavani Valentino, Designer
Red is the most powerful colour. Rich and intense, romantic and passionate or hot and flamboyant - red
can make many statements. Chosen with any colour it always adds energy and excitement. Red never
goes unnoticed.
Yellow
"There are painters who transform the sun into a yellow spot, but there are others who, thanks to their
art and intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun."
- Pablo Picasso, Painter
Yellow is the happiest colour in the spectrum associated with warmth, action and joy. Paired with any
other colour it marks the area as a 'day space. Lighter colour shades are more accepted but use brighter
ones for playful or graphic decors.
Green
"The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop
off like autumn leaves."
- John Muir, Writer
Shining like the new leaves of spring, yellow-greens give a smacking fresh citrus taste with their
presence. They make for striking combinations with any colour. Yellow-greens always bring smiles and
good cheer in the air.
Violet
"I think it makes God angry if you walk by the colour violet in a field somewhere and don't notice it."
- Alice Walker, Novelist
Violet is the colour of royalty. It also has a mystical side. Choose any shade of violet to infuse a sense of
luxury in the air. Violet also has a meditative quality that makes it a colour of clarity and foresight.
Blue
"I never get tired of the blue sky."
- Vincent Van Gogh, Painter
Blue is tranquility. It's the colour of openness and optimism. It complements beautifully with a wide
range of colours creating a feeling of nurturing and ease. Create a calm and relaxed feel using light to
medium range blues or a regal and dignified feel using the darker blues.
Blue - Green
"I love the sea's sounds and the way it reflects in the sky. The colours that shimmer across its surface
are unbelievable."
- John Dyer, Poet
Blue - greens bring the cool calm waters of a tropical beach closer home. Like flowers in nature, these
colour schemes enhance setting and create a serene and stress-free feeling.
Brown
"God has a brown voice."
- Anne Sexton, Poet
Brown can evoke as many moods as there are many colour shades. It can be rich and sophisticated, warm
and comforting or neutral and secure. Chosen with any combination, brown always stays unaffected by
passing fads and styles.
Gray
"The colour of truth is gray."
- Andre Gide, Novelist
Gray is elegance. Gray brings sophistication and modernity with its presence. Use it with dark colour
shades for bold artistic statements and with light shades for timeless elegance.
Gold
"Much have I travelled in the realms of Gold. And many Godly states and kingdoms seen."
- John Keats, Poet
Metallic colours have been a part of our culture in fabrics, jewellery, furnishings and accessories. Metallic
colour shades are timeless, eternal in their sheen. Their shine and shimmer infuses glamour and
sophistication to any decor. Paired with light colours they make a statement of elegance, with darker
colour shades they create a bold, luxurious ambience.
