Interior Decoration Color and Science

In interior decoration, selecting and mixing water-based paint colors is a science. It involves understanding color attributes like hue, value, and saturation, and following principles of color balance, contrast, and transition. The choice of paint color should consider the function and atmosphere of the space, the overall decoration style, lighting conditions, and the size of the space. When mixing colors, it’s important to start from light to dark, add colorants little by little, record the formula, and observe the color under different lighting to ensure the desired effect.

I. The Science of Color

1. Attributes of Color

• Hue
• Hue is the primary characteristic of color, distinguishing different types of colors. In interior decoration with water-based paint, the range of hue selection is very wide. For example, red paint can create an atmosphere of passion and vitality. Red has a longer wavelength in the spectrum, giving a strong visual impact. It has many shades, such as bright red and rose red. Bright red is more vivid and is suitable for highlighting key areas in a space, such as in a children’s room. Rose red is relatively soft and can be used on bedroom walls to add a warm feeling.
• Blue paint gives a sense of tranquility and depth. Blue has a shorter wavelength and can make people feel relaxed. Light blue paint can be used in bedrooms or studies to help people relieve stress and create a quiet environment. Dark blue paint can be used in some modern-style living rooms, combined with appropriate lighting, to show an elegant and stable temperament.
• Value
• Value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. In water-based paint color selection, high-value colors (such as white and light yellow) reflect light strongly, making the interior appear brighter. For example, in a room with poor lighting, using high-value water-based paint can improve the visual effect and make the space seem more spacious. White water-based paint is the most typical high-value color, which can reflect almost all visible light and can be used as a background color to match other colored furniture and decorations.
• Low-value colors (such as black and dark brown) absorb more light and give a sense of stability and introversion. In some spaces that pursue a high-end and luxurious atmosphere, such as high-end clubs or some modern-style living rooms, using low-value water-based paint can create a deep background to highlight the spatial hierarchy.
• Saturation
• Saturation indicates the purity of a color. High-saturation water-based paint colors are bright and full, attracting people’s attention. For example, high-saturation orange paint can be used on a kitchen wall to give a sense of vitality and passion, stimulating the desire to cook. In some commercial spaces, such as a coffee shop’s feature area, using high-saturation colors can serve as a visual focus to attract customers’ attention.
• Low-saturation water-based paint colors appear soft and implicit. Low-saturation paint is usually mixed with a certain amount of white or gray, making the color more gentle. For example, light purple paint, which has a lower saturation than pure purple, can be used on bedroom walls without being too dazzling, creating a romantic and comfortable atmosphere.

2. Principles of Color Matching

• Color Balance
• In an interior space, color balance is crucial. If one wall uses a large area of bright colors, such as red or yellow, other walls or spatial elements should use softer colors to balance. For example, in a living room, if the TV background wall uses high-saturation blue paint, the sofa background wall can use light gray or beige paint to stabilize the overall visual effect.
• Color balance also involves the proportion of color areas. Generally, the main color (such as the main color of the wall) should occupy a larger area, and the auxiliary colors (such as the colors of decorative lines and furniture) can be appropriately reduced. For example, in a room with white as the main color, the white paint wall dominates, and colorful decorative paintings and curtains serve as auxiliary colors to highlight the focus.
• Color Contrast
• Color contrast can enhance the visual effect of a space. Complementary color matching is a common technique, such as yellow and purple, red and green. In interior decoration, this contrast can be cleverly used. For example, in a dining room, using yellow paint as the main wall color and matching it with purple curtains or decorative paintings can create a lively and appetizing atmosphere.
• In addition to complementary color matching, contrast through value and saturation can also achieve a visual effect. For example, in a modern-style bedroom, using dark gray paint as the main wall color and matching it with bright white furniture, the contrast in value can highlight the texture of the furniture and make the entire space look simple and fashionable.
• Color Transition
• Color transition can make a space look more natural and smooth. Between adjacent spaces, such as a living room and a dining room, if different water-based paint colors are used, a transition color can be used to connect them. For example, if the living room uses light blue paint and the dining room uses beige paint, a light yellow paint can be used in the transition area (such as the hallway) to make the color transition more natural.
• Within the same space, the color transition between different walls or areas is also important. For example, in a bedroom, if the headboard wall uses dark paint and the side walls use light paint, a gradient color paint can be used at the edge of the headboard wall to transition, making the entire wall look more harmonious.

II. Selection of Water-Based Paint Colors

1. Based on Space Function and Atmosphere

• Bedroom
• The main function of the bedroom is to rest and sleep. Therefore, the selection of water-based paint colors should focus on creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Soft colors such as light pink, beige, and light blue are good choices. Light pink paint gives a warm and romantic feeling, suitable for a more feminine bedroom. Beige paint appears natural and simple, creating a quiet atmosphere that helps with sleep.
• Research shows that blue colors can lower blood pressure and heart rate, helping to relax the body and mind. Light blue paint walls can be matched with white furniture and light-colored curtains to create a tranquil sleeping environment. If the bedroom space is small, light-colored paints such as white or light yellow can be chosen to reflect light and increase the sense of space.
• Living Room
• The living room is a place for receiving guests and family gatherings, requiring an atmosphere of warmth and generosity. White paint is a common choice for living room walls. It reflects light, making the space appear bright and spacious. At the same time, white walls can match various styles of furniture and decorations. Whether it is modern and simple style or Chinese style furniture, it can go well with white walls.
• Gray paint is also a good choice. It has the characteristics of a neutral tone and can create a stable and elegant atmosphere. Gray paint comes in many shades, from light gray to dark gray, which can be selected according to the lighting of the living room and the style of the furniture. For example, in a well-lit living room, light gray paint can be matched with wooden furniture to create a warm and modern atmosphere. In a living room with poor lighting, dark gray paint can be matched with metal decorative items to show a sense of high quality.
• Kitchen
• The kitchen is a place full of vitality and cooking smoke. Bright colors such as orange, yellow, or green can add vitality to the kitchen. Orange paint gives a warm and enthusiastic feeling and is suitable for a kitchen’s partial wall, such as the background wall of the operating table. Yellow paint appears lively and cheerful and can be used for the entire kitchen wall, matched with white cabinets to create a bright and tidy kitchen environment.
• Green paint can also be well used in the kitchen. It gives a feeling of freshness and nature. Light green paint walls can be matched with wooden cabinets to create a country-style kitchen atmosphere. At the same time, green paint can also relieve visual fatigue. For people who work in the kitchen for a long time, it is a good visual protection.
• Study
• The study is a place for reading and working, requiring an atmosphere of quietness and concentration. Light blue or light green paint is an ideal choice. Light blue paint can relax people’s minds, reduce anxiety, and help improve work efficiency. Light green paint gives a feeling of freshness and comfort, which can relieve eye fatigue.
• Light yellow paint is also a good choice. It creates a warm and soft atmosphere, making people feel comfortable. In the study, one wall can use dark paint as the background for the bookshelf, and other walls use light paint. The color contrast highlights the bookshelf area while keeping the entire space harmonious.

2. Considering the Overall Decoration Style

• Minimalist Style
• Minimalist style emphasizes simplicity and brightness in design. In the selection of water-based paint colors, white, gray, or beige are usually used. White paint walls can be matched with simple line decorations, such as black decorative lines, to create a simple and atmospheric effect. Gray paint comes in warm and cold tones. Warm gray paint can be matched with wooden furniture to create a warm atmosphere. Cold gray paint can be matched with metal furniture to show a modern sense.
• In minimalist interior decoration, color matching should be as simple as possible, avoiding too many colors. Generally, one main color is used, with a few auxiliary colors. For example, in a minimalist-style living room with white as the main color, a gray decorative line can be used on the sofa background wall, or some colorful decorations can be placed on the coffee table to serve as a highlight.
• Scandinavian Style
• Scandinavian style focuses on the concept of nature and comfort. The paint colors mostly use light colors, such as light blue, light yellow, and beige. Light blue paint walls can be matched with white furniture and wooden floors to create a fresh and natural atmosphere. Light yellow paint gives a feeling of warmth and softness and is suitable for bedrooms or living rooms.
• In Scandinavian-style interior decoration, color matching focuses on the coordination between colors. Usually, several similar colors are used for matching, such as light blue, white, and light gray. At the same time, natural elements such as green plants and wooden decorations are also used to increase the sense of nature in the space.
• Modern Style
• Modern style pursues a fashionable and personal design. The selection of water-based paint colors is quite wide, including black, white, gray, and some bright colors such as red and yellow. Black paint walls can create a mysterious and high-class atmosphere, but it is important to match appropriate lighting to avoid making the space feel too oppressive. White paint can create a simple and bright effect and is suitable for modern-style living rooms or bedrooms.
• In modern-style interior decoration, color matching can be more daring. Contrast color matching can be used to highlight the personality of the space, such as matching red decorative paintings or yellow furniture on black paint walls. At the same time, different materials can be matched to increase the sense of hierarchy in the space, such as metal decorative items matched with glass furniture.
• Chinese Style
• Chinese style emphasizes the connotation of traditional culture. The paint colors mostly use traditional Chinese colors, such as red, black, and dark brown. Red paint is often used in some important parts of Chinese-style architectural decoration, such as doors and pillars, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. In modern Chinese-style interior decoration, red paint can be used for partial decoration in the living room, such as the TV background wall or the background wall of the decorative cabinet.
• Black and dark brown paints are used to create a stable and atmospheric atmosphere. Black paint walls can be matched with wooden furniture and Chinese decorations, such as screens and calligraphy and paintings, to show a strong Chinese flavor. Dark brown paint walls give a feeling of simplicity and nature and are suitable for Chinese-style bedrooms or studies.

3. Based on Lighting and Space Size

• Lighting Factors
• Natural light is an important part of indoor space and has a great influence on the presentation effect of water-based paint colors. In a room with sufficient lighting, dark paint can be chosen. For example, in a south-facing living room with plenty of sunlight, using dark blue paint walls can create a deep and elegant atmosphere. Dark paint can show rich color texture under sufficient lighting without feeling too oppressive.
• For rooms with insufficient lighting, such as north-facing bedrooms or rooms without windows, light paint should be chosen. Light paint can reflect more light, making the space appear brighter. White paint is the best choice. It can reflect almost all visible light and can maximize the improvement of insufficient lighting. In addition to white, light gray, beige, and other light colors of paint can also be used in rooms with insufficient lighting. They can create a soft and comfortable atmosphere.
• Space Size Factors
• In small spaces, light paint can make the space appear more open. For example, in a small living room of a small apartment, using white or light yellow paint walls and matching them with light-colored furniture can make the space seem more spacious. Light paint can reflect light, increase the brightness of the space, and thus visually enlarge the sense of space.
• For large spaces, dark paint can increase the warmth and sense of hierarchy of the space. For example, in a large living room, using dark brown paint walls and matching them with dark wooden furniture can create a luxurious and stable atmosphere. Dark paint can absorb light, making the space appear deeper, and at the same time, it can highlight the texture of furniture and decorations.

4. Matching Furniture and Decoration Styles

• Modern Minimalist Furniture
• Modern minimalist furniture usually has simple lines and simple shapes. When matching water-based paint colors, white, gray, or black paint can be chosen. White paint walls can highlight the simple lines of minimalist furniture and create a bright and clean spatial effect. Gray paint walls can be matched with dark minimalist furniture, such as black or dark gray sofas, to show a fashionable and stable atmosphere.
• Black paint walls are more suitable for matching white or light-colored minimalist furniture. Through strong color contrast, a personality-strong spatial effect can be created. For example, in a living room with black paint walls, matching white sofas and light-colored carpets can form a strong visual contrast while maintaining a sense of simplicity.
• Country-Style Furniture
• Country-style furniture usually has natural textures and soft curves. When matching water-based paint colors, soft colors such as light pink, light yellow, and light green can be chosen. Light pink paint walls can be matched with country-style furniture with floral patterns to create a romantic and warm atmosphere.
• Light green paint walls can be matched with wooden country-style furniture to show a fresh and natural feeling. In country-style interior decoration, natural elements such as green plants and floral-patterned wallpapers can also be used to enhance the country-style effect.
• Retro-Style Furniture
• Retro-style furniture usually has complex shapes and gorgeous decorations. When matching water-based paint colors, dark-toned paint can be chosen, such as camel, blue-gray, or olive green. Camel paint walls can be matched with retro-style wooden furniture to create a retro and luxurious atmosphere.
• Blue-gray paint walls can be matched with retro-style furniture with metal decorations to show an elegant and stable feeling. In retro-style interior decoration, retro elements such as classical oil paintings and antique decorations can also be used to enhance the retro-style effect.

III. Water-Based Paint Color Mixing Techniques

1. Understanding the Color Mixing Principle

• Water-based paint color mixing is achieved by mixing different colors and proportions of colorants to obtain the desired color effect. In the color mixing process, it is necessary to first clarify the target color. For example, if you want to get a light yellow water-based paint, you need to know the hue, value, and saturation of this color. Then, select the appropriate colorants for mixing according to these attributes.
• When mixing colors, generally, the main color is added first, and then the color with stronger coloring power is added as a secondary color, slowly added and continuously stirred. This is because the main color determines the basic tone, and the color with strong coloring power can be used to fine-tune the depth and saturation of the color. For example, when mixing light blue water-based paint, add a large amount of white water-based paint as the main color first, and then gradually add a small amount of blue colorant, stir while adding, and observe the color change until the desired light blue is reached.

2. Choosing the Right Colorants

• Transparent Series Colorants
• Transparent series colorants can maintain the transparency of water-based paint in the color mixing process. This type of colorant is suitable for water-based paint color mixing that needs to retain the texture of the base layer or transparent effect. For example, in the water-based paint finishing of wooden furniture, if you want to retain the texture of the wood while coloring it, transparent series colorants can be used for color mixing. Through transparent colorants mixed water-based paint, the texture of the wood can be clearly seen through the color layer, showing a natural beauty.
• Semi-Transparent Series Colorants
• Semi-transparent series colorants are between transparent and covering. It allows part of the base texture to show through the color layer while providing a certain degree of covering power. This type of colorant is suitable for occasions that need to retain some texture while having higher color requirements. For example, in the water-based paint finishing of walls with slight texture, using semi-transparent series colorants mixed water-based paint, can show the wall texture on the basis of giving the wall a rich color effect.
• Covering Series Colorants
• Covering series colorants have strong covering power and can completely cover the color and texture of the base layer. This type of colorant is suitable for occasions that need to completely change the base color. For example, in the renovation of old walls, if the original wall color is dark or there are obvious stains, covering series colorants mixed water-based paint can well cover these problems, making the wall show a brand-new color effect.

3. Follow the Color Mixing Principles

• From Light to Dark Principle
• In the entire color mixing process, it is necessary to strictly follow the “from light to dark” principle. This is because if too much dark colorant is added at the beginning, it is difficult to adjust back once the color is too dark. For example, when mixing light gray water-based paint, add a large amount of white water-based paint first, and then gradually add a small amount of black colorant, stir while adding, and observe the color change. If the color is too light, you can continue to add black colorant for adjustment. However, if too much black colorant is added at the beginning and the color is too dark, it is difficult to adjust to the ideal light gray by adding white water-based paint.
• Little by Little Principle
• When mixing colors, the principle of adding little by little should be followed. Each time a small amount of colorant is added, which can better control the change of color. For example, when mixing light purple water-based paint, first add a small amount of purple colorant to the white water-based paint, stir evenly, and observe the color. If the color is not deep enough, add a small amount of purple colorant again, continue to stir and observe, until the ideal light purple is reached. In this way, it can avoid adding too much colorant at one time, causing the color deviation to be too large, and at the same time, it can more accurately adjust the depth and saturation of the color.
• Record the Formula Principle
• During the color mixing process, it is necessary to record the types and quantities of each colorant added. This can not only facilitate the repeated mixing of water-based paint of the same color in the future but also allow for analysis and adjustment in case of problems. For example, when you successfully mix a lake blue water-based paint, record the proportion of blue colorant and white water-based paint used. The next time you need water-based paint of the same color, you can mix it according to this formula to ensure the consistency of the color. At the same time, if there is a deviation in the color during use, you can also analyze and adjust according to the recorded formula.

4. Pay Attention to the Influence of Lighting

• When selecting and mixing colors, it is necessary to consider the influence of lighting because colors change under different lighting conditions. Indoor lighting includes natural light and artificial light, which have different color temperatures and have a great influence on the presentation effect of water-based paint colors.
• The color temperature of natural light is usually around 5500 – 6500K, which can make the water-based paint colors appear more natural. When observing the color of water-based paint under natural light, it is necessary to pay attention to the changes in light at different times of the day. For example, the sunlight in the morning is softer, and the color appears more realistic. In the afternoon, the sunlight is stronger, and the color may appear slightly brighter.
• The color temperature of artificial light varies greatly. Common ones are warm light (color temperature around 2700 – 3300K) and cool light (color temperature around 5000 – 6500K). Under warm light, the water-based paint color appears warmer and softer, and warm-toned colors such as red and yellow are more prominent. Under cool light, the water-based paint color appears colder and clearer, and cool-toned colors such as blue and green are more obvious.
• It is recommended to observe the color mixing effect under different lighting conditions to ensure that the color remains stable under various lighting conditions. For example, when mixing the color of the living room wall paint, observe the color effect under natural daylight and also observe the color changes under artificial lighting (such as chandeliers, wall lamps, etc.) at night. Through multiple observations and adjustments, the water-based paint color can achieve the ideal decorative effect under different lighting conditions.