Color undertones? ...What???

What undertones do you like?  Not underwear...but color undertones?

There are lots of different areas we could talk about with color, but today I want to talk about undertones.  Contrary to what some people think there are only 2 undertones to color: Blue and yellow.  (No, there is no red...unless you are talking about skin???)

This photo is Feras Irikat, who is the Design Director  at Oceanside and Mandala Tile.  He is standing in front of colors that show the blue undertones to the left and the yellow undertones are to the right.

First, if you tend to like a color with blue undertones what does your personality tend to be like and /or what kinds of things do you like around you?  You tend to be a list writer, like modern, shining, like quilding such as Louis VXI, like lots of pattern, like intimate, close rooms, use accent walls, nametags, you can be analytical, time conscious, and can be naggers.

On the other side, if you prefer yellow undertones in your colors, you tend to not write lists, you prefer organic things, textures, open living lifestyle(versus closed, intimate rooms), no nametags, you tend to be very friendly, not time conscious, and when you say things you only say them once and don't repeat it.

Where do you fall?  And do these generalities apply to you? 

Consider that there are visible wavelengths of color to humans with green being at 550 or the exact center as it has equal parts  blue and yellow.  This color always has a positive reaction, but it can also have blue or yellow undertone.   Blues produce melatonin in the brain, but in high levels it can produce depression.  Red is a stimulant, and pink can over-stimulate girls.

What colors on each side of the color spectrum have no undertones?  Magenta is purely blue and red, and on the yellow undertone side, orange is purely yellow and red.  Some people go as far as to carry a color swatch of the orange and magenta with them when chosing colors as each side will help you choose a harmonious color story.  If the orange goes better with your chosen color, then your undertone is on the yellow side.  If the
To find out where a color falls, and therefore what it’s undertone is, simply know 2 important facts:   There is only one color that exists on the warm side of the chart and not the cool side, Orange.
And, there is only one color that exists on the cool side and not the warm side: Magenta.

But how do I use this information?  Put a swatch of orange and magenta next to your color or a color palette and you will see quickly where your colors fall on the spectrum. Do they blend together and are your undertones consistent to result in a harmonious and perfect blend for your purpose!

All Colors are Good, All Palettes are Not
Remember there are no bad colors, but there are bad palettes. Keep the Harmony of the colors, a smooth transition on the eye between the pigment and the undertones make a beautiful palette.
magenta goes better with your chosen color then the cooler colors will harmonize best!

This room below shows both colors(or close to them) in one room...

from Tradional Home.com

A side note:  after WWII, navy blue became masculine because of the army uniforms.  Prior to this, pink was considered masculine because it was red with a some white mixed in and red is usually associated with warnings or power.  (Think red power ties.)  Very interesting!!!  In current times babies are inundated with blues for boys and pinks for girls...

Think about this, black to the blue undertone people represents an authoritative color, but to yellow undertone people it is a morbid color.

I don't know if this helps you in any way but it IS interesting to think about!

"Color is music to your eyes!"

I have always been intrigued by color, and take as many classes as possible regarding color as I can!  When I signed up for the Montana Tile and Stone Summit in Bozeman, MT in September little did I know that I would get to hear one of the most dynamic speakers ever.  His name is Feras Irikat and he is the Design Director of Oceanside Tile and Mandala Tile Companies. 

I was so excited after taking his color theory class, I have just been dying to share some of the information.  This is the  2nd blog covering it all!

Pigment and color are influenced by texture, rough or smooth, honed or polished, etc.  (Think about how a textured wall will have some shadows and the paint appears differently to show the texture.)

When considering a color, it must be looked at in it's intended environment WITH  the light source that will be used.  Remember that there are light fixtures that cast a blue or yellow (cool or warm) light, and these will affect the color used.

No 2 people will react to a color the same way!  We all see it slightly differently.  And, as we age our cornea becomes more yellow so this too affects our perception of color.  Our color perception is affected by conditioning also.  Consider that before WWI, navy blue was considered a feminine color until it was used for Army uniforms.  And pink, since it was a lighter shade of red was used for boys as it denoted power and authority.  Boy, not now!

from MinimalistHome.com

Think about why you purchase certain items: do you need it, value it, or is it an emotional purchase?  Color can affect the emotional purchase...

Condiser your clothes when deciding on a color palette because whatever colors you look good wearing you will look good sitting in.  Don't buy a yellow sofa if you don't wear it, because you will look sickly!

Remember that there are no bad color choices...meaning if you love a color it will be "in style" or appropriate for your living spaces.  Any color will look good as long as it is your taste.