Give Your Landscaping Designs a Colorful Touch September 28, 2008
Posted by office2008 in : General , trackbackThe role of color in any landscape design is a vital one. When color is not used properly, it can destroy the integrity of the design, causing visual confusion and chaos. The correct use of color however can enhance even the simplest designs, resulting in a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
Using Color Theory for Effective Landscaping
To be able to effectively use color, knowledge of color theory is necessary. Do you know the difference between primary, secondary and tertiary colors? What about neutral colors? Using the following table will help.
Primary Colors - red, yellow and blue
Secondary Colors - green, violets or purples and oranges
Tertiary Colors - Blends of the primary and secondary categories
Neutral colors - White, grays and silvers
Note: Black is not a color - it is the absence of color!
Creating Harmony between Colors
The harmonious use of color occurs when colors are used properly. In order to achieve this harmony, it is necessary to study color combinations and work out which ones go together well. It is a good idea to match warm colors with other warm colors and cool to cool. Whilst there are cool and warm tones in all colors, it is generally accepted that the “cool” colors are blue, pink, purple and green, whilst the “warm” colors are red, yellow and orange.
Using colors based on your needs
Select colors that reflect the purpose of the landscape design, for example, if you are after a relaxation area such as patios with tropical plants, greens, violets or pinks are the ideal choice. If you are looking for a vibrant space, choose bright colors such as reds, yellows and oranges. To create diversity and depth, mix neutral colors such as white or gray with primary or secondary colors, whilst tertiary colors are used to link or separate primary and secondary colors. Use a color wheel to help you match colors.
Exterior colors complimenting your interiors
Matching the color scheme of your garden to that of the interior of your home allows a transition or flow between the landscape and the building. Colors in the garden that when seen from the inside of the house are complimentary and allow for harmony.
Using Seasonal Colors
Choose your very own unique set of landscape plants carefully and you will ensure that there is color in your garden all of the year as well as adding interest for the viewer.
Using warm colors cautiously
If you are like most people and only have a small area to landscape, then you should be careful how you use “warm” colors such as red, yellow and orange. Their vibrancy gives the illusion of being closer or bigger. “Cool” colors will soften the effect and give the illusion that the garden is bigger.
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