Colour has been studied by scientists (Leone Battista Alberti around 1435) and artists like Leonardo da Vinci (circa 1490), for centuries. The physical properties of light, how it travels and what it means in scientific terms are not particularly helpful to the designer. This is because we do not see light in its pure form but through the tissues of our eyes which deliver information to the optical nerve – information that our brains then try to make sense of. The human mind creates optical illusions and effects which are very important in how we experience the light and colour around us. Understanding these effects is very important to good design.

Colour

Colour Placement
If any pure colour pigment is mixed with white, grey or black you get a neutral colour. Neutral colours are used extensively in modern colour schemes. However if you place them next to a deeper colour their colour will appear to change – the neutral colour seem to develop the contrasting/complementary colour to the deeper hue. Complementary colours cancel one another out to produce a grey, white or black. So for example a strong green colour against a gray wall makes the gray wall look redder. This is because our brains look for differences in the visual information they receive and essentially exaggerate them so that edges and objects are identified more accurately.

Colour Mood
Colour is really important to communicate or even change people’s moods. This is because we associate colours with particular things. So we see certain colours as warm and usually invigorating and other colours as cool and relaxing.

Colour Schemes
A quick trawl through a book shop or the internet will the reveal the names of lots of sorts of colour schemes – Triadic, Split-analogous, Monochromatic etc. We will not go over these here because what they mean is not really important. What is important is for you to think about where you are using your colour, which colours you like and how big your space is. In general light colours and large single colour blocks increase the feel of space. Lots of colour in smaller blocks is more invigorating but can make a small space feel cluttered. If you want some statement colours choose a very neutral colour to act as a base and then add your brighter splashes. Alternatively use a single colour but use hues of it – slighter darker and lighter versions. The different hues approach is also great for creating a calm colour scheme, but start with a more neutral, less saturated colour.

Once you have an idea of the colours you really want to use and the brightness versus neutrality of your overall scheme you can use one of the many excellent online colour scheme generators for inspiration. Personally I like this one – http://colorschemedesigner.com/

Most of us will automatically opt for the same old types of materials when we are decorating our kitchens; namely wood, ceramic, stainless steel or granite. Now, these may all be well-respected materials to use, but they are also a tad boring… After all, you just know that there are thousands of other kitchens across the country that will look pretty much the same!

Wouldn’t it be nice then, to choose something that is a little more modern and individual? Why not use glass mosaic tiles to decorate your kitchen? These are extremely practical and they can be used in a wide variety of ways from tables to rose bowls.

Mosaic Tiles From Tile Depot

Glass Mosaic Tiles

However, before you start any type of decorating, you will need to have a clear picture of how you want your kitchen to look. Do you want it to be sleek and modern or would you prefer it to be more traditional and countrified? Once you have decided on the overall style, you will know which materials to purchase and exactly where you are going to use your glass mosaic tiles.

Just beware; getting over-ambitious and attempting to mix more than one style is not a good idea! It is all too easy to end up with a culinary workspace that looks as if it has been put together in a ‘Frankenstein’s Monster’ kind of fashion… Decide on one particular look for your kitchen and stick to it!

Here are just a few of the ways that mosaic tiles can be used –

• Splashguards – These are going to be one of the main focal points in your new kitchen, so you should take plenty of time to get them just right. Many people are now using glass mosaic tiles to create their own splashguards and it is easy to see why; they are heat resistant, easy to wipe clean and genuinely attractive.
• Tables – A tabletop can be totally transformed when it is decorated with mosaic tiles! And it doesn’t have to be a new table either… So, before you start looking in furniture stores, check that you don’t have something suitable lying around your home!
• Windows – Using glass mosaic tiles around your kitchen windows can give you some really impressive results. Just imagine how effective they will be in the sunlight!
• Art – Why not unleash your ‘inner artist’ and brighten up one of those plain-looking walls?

It is easy to create a design that is made up from mosaic tiles and it will make a great feature your kitchen!

The information is this article has been provided by The Tile Depot, a UK based online tile store specialising in quality floor tiles, wall tiles and wooden flooring.

Spanish Kitchen

Spanish kitchens are very dramatic and convey a feeling of closeness especially if a lot of loved ones are around. There are several ways to explore your creativity when designing the Spanish way. You have the opportunity of working with different colors and materials so feel free to choose and do which fits your home and interest best.

Furniture, Countertops and More

A common Spanish design would place an island countertop in the middle of the kitchen. This primarily serves as a preparation area for slicing, dicing and marinating. You can also install the stoves on the countertop as well. There are designs wherein the island is separate from the breakfast counter, sinks and stoves. You can experiment dark wood, marble and copper in the design to create the right atmosphere.

Space is essential in Spanish kitchens so you may need to balance furniture properly so as not to overwhelm the area. The counters should have built-in drawers and cabinets where you can store kitchen utensils, big bowls and other pieces. One or two independent furniture would be enough to store all your kitchen items. It is recommended that you get furniture with French doors or tall slender legs which provides a Spanish feel because of the extra space.

Place wall panels over the sink and on one wall then fix fluorescent lights behind which will serve as night lights. Aside from these, install a beautiful antique hanging lamp over the island counter. The lamp may have around 3 to 5 bulbs creating a dramatic effect on the entire kitchen. Green, blue and cream tiles are excellent to work with. The floor may be made of hardwood or grainy tiles as well. It provides a rustic feel reminiscent of the Old World. You can make a pattern by adding tiles with floral designs particularly on breakfast counters and over the sinks.

Accessorizing

Place a hanging wooden frame over the island countertop. The fixture would be supported by black rustic chains attached to the ceiling. This is where you can hang spices and utensils creating the perfect Spanish ambiance. Glass wares should be placed in cabinets with French doors where they can be presented well. Affix hooks on one wall where you can hang pots and pans.

A Spanish kitchen has a very earthy feel and makes use of a lot of light and space. Aim to acquire all these when choosing your materials and designing to get the look and feel that you’ve always wanted.