Light and color are fundamental elements in design, whether it's graphic design, fashion design, interior design or architecture. They play a crucial role in shaping the overall aesthetic, mood, and functionality of a design.
Colors evoke emotions and feelings. For example, warm colors like red and orange can create a sense of warmth and excitement, while cool colors like blue and green can induce calmness and serenity. The intensity and brightness of colors also impact mood. Bright, vibrant colors can be energizing, while muted or pastel colors can be soothing.
We recently spoke to Mayela Ruiz Delgado from Maye interior design studio in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Mayela is no stranger to color and emphasizes color in her interiors:
¨Color, in addition to having an aesthetic impact, also influences psychological and emotional aspects, a topic that I am very passionate about; functional and contextual; which makes it an essential component in the design of spaces (not only interiors, but also landscape and urban planning).
Color and light can be used to establish visual hierarchy within a design. Bright colors or well-lit elements naturally draw attention and become focal points, helping to guide the viewer's eye and communicate important information. Contrast between light and dark areas or between colors can also be used to emphasize certain elements and create a sense of depth or dimension. Lighting can enhance or diminish the emotional impact of colors. Well-designed lighting can intensify the colors in a space or design, amplifying the desired emotional response.
Mayela, what are your considerations when using color?
¨To begin with, understand how colors interact with each other; to make more creative decisions and use saturated and vibrant tones as well; not just the neutral ones. As well as understanding how color works with its contrasts, nuances, tones and saturation; It is important to understand the complexity and layers of color before selecting and mixing it in a project.
In interior design, lighting is essential for practical purposes such as task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting. Proper lighting enhances usability and functionality in spaces. Color choices in design can impact usability and user experience. For instance, the color of a glass pendant lamp may act as a highlight in the space drawing the viewers eye to a specific area in the space.
A well-balanced and harmonious use of color and light can significantly enhance the visual appeal of a design. Colors can make a design feel cohesive and visually pleasing. Lighting can highlight the texture, form, and details of objects, making them more visually interesting and engaging.
¨I really like using different light sources in a single space and always hiding the light source, that is, the spotlight, which I find very annoying. I really like how light can create seductive spaces, through various sources of light, that although you cannot understand very well where they come from, they surround you in a cozy and warm atmosphere. I hate when the light is intense and cold. Although the color in all its palettes fascinates me, spatially, I really enjoy environments in warm palettes: reds, oranges, pinks and yellows ¨
Light and color work harmoniously and are powerful tools in design that can influence emotions, communicate messages, enhance functionality, and contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal.
Good design should consider their choices of light and color to achieve their intended design goals and create meaningful and impactful experiences.
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