When we think of decorating techniques for modern day schemes, we all know the reason for employing toning or co-ordinating colours but we don’t often go to the extremes and employ someone who is an expert in colour theory.  There are several sets of principles that govern successful colour theory – take the 60-30-10 rule for example;  This would involve selecting a dominant colour for 60% of the room; a secondary colour for 30% and an accent colour for the remaining 10% which creates a harmonious link between the colour relationships.  Warm or cool colour tones and psychological effects are created from these three ratios, the key principles of which would involve using the 60% colour for largest areas such as the walls and ceilings.  The secondary 30% colour would be concentrated on the furniture, rugs, curtain and window hangings etc.  The final 10% shade would be used for smaller items such as cushions;  pillows;  pieces of actual art and any decorative objects.

Colour psychology would look at the way the chosen colours affect the user and visitor to the room and describes the overall impact those colours have created.  Warm colours such as reds, oranges, yellows for example will create a cosy and very comfortable atmosphere – whereas cooling colours would be represented by blues and greens.  The pastel shades create a serene and comforting area which is very helpful to folk involved.  Neutral colours consist of black, white and grey serving as anchors but still help with making the other colours pop and stand out.