Apr 16 2008

Colours — spoilt for choice

Published by dodo at 10:05 pm under Candle, China, Decoration, Dinner Table, Glass, Knives, Plate, Table Ware, Texture

Your choice of colour will determine the style and ambience of a table, so don’t rely on a quick decision. Colours can be used quite consciously to achieve precisely the effect you are hoping for.

It may help you to run through the colour palette, starting with the colour which appears on almost every table — green.

Green for freshness

For nature lovers, the fresh green of flowers and leaves brings life into the house, especially during the winter months. Therefore green is a welcome addition to the table, because besides its fresh appearance, it has another quality. Green lifts and emphasises other colours, especially its complementary colour, red. You can exploit this characteristic if you place big green leaves on the table and then lay a single, or just a few, brightly coloured blossoms on top (for example, rhododendrons orhydrangeas).

However, layering shades of green can also have a very stimulating effect. Simply use green throughout — green tablecloth, napkins, decorativeribbons, green crockery and green candles for a feast of freshness.

Classic grey

To many people grey isn’t a colour at all but a state of mind: sad, cold and clinical. The same applies here as elsewhere — it depends what you do with it! In architecture and interior design, grey provides a neutral backdrop against which other colours provide intentional accents. Apply the same principle to your table. Grey is neutral and can be combined with warm or cold colours. A greytablecloth is an ideal ground on which to give a wide range of colours full play.

Kitchen EssentialIf you like cool colours, you can bring together the grey ground with chrome or steel, mirrored glass or silver, thus emphasising a hi-tech atmosphere or one of cold splendour, both of which can result in a classic effect.

Depending on the lighting, such a table setting can cause an interesting play of light and reflections.

You can create a warmer and more tasteful atmosphere using a combination of warm colours and grey, with a high proportion of red or yellow. Candlelight can make a great difference if you are trying to warm up the overall effect of a grey scheme.

White — simple or celebratory

Like grey, white can express a wide range of moods. White achieves a different effect depending on the colour with which it is combined. A white table setting can look cool and simple, but it can also look classic and elegant.

A summery table dressed with marguerites, daisies and white tulle, on the contrary, gives an attractive impression of frivolity and relaxation. White combined with pastels and lots of silver makes for a festive table design. You can imitate a festive wedding breakfast with white table linen and crockery, big silver candlesticks and lavish champagne- coloured floral arrangements.

Yellow — bright and cheerful

Yellow is associated with sunshine, light, vitality and cheerfulness; and the many yellow spring flowers, such as narcissus, tulips and primroses, herald summer. Yellow is found throughout the whole year, however, with wonderful sunflowers in late summer and the golden yellow of;leaves in autumn. Thus it is almost always possible for you to have yellow on the table, the cheerful effect being emphasised by further yellow table accoutrements. Napkins tied with yellow ribbons and candles in various shades of the same colour are just two of the options.

Red for fiery warmth

Red is the boldest and most impulsive of colours; brilliant red conveys warmth and excitement at the same time; red roses are the symbol of romanticism, passion and beauty. Red is always dominant and striking, and for this reason can sometimes be a little oppressive. You should use red with a certain amount of restraint when it comes to your table decorations. Combined with shades of pale pink, red conveys warmth and sensuality; when combined with grey and green, the fiery qualities of red are emphasised. Red can be warm and cosy, as when it is associated with Christmas; ortraditional and classic, as illustrated. A lot depends on the lighting in each case, so if you are decorating with red, you should pay particular attention to the lighting in the dining room. Just try out a few different lighting options so that you bring out the tones in the colour as you imagine them. Direct a spotlight onto the centre of the table, provide the table with indirect lighting, make a chain of lights, or light candles. The colour combinations will be different every time.

Blue creates a tasteful atmosphere

From the palest dove grey viapowerful steel blue to deepestmidnight blue, a wide range of shades can be used for decoration. Sometimes blue can be cool, making you think of darkness and shade; sometimes it can be invigorating and provideinspiration for many differentcreations. Blue also works well in combination with other colours. The fact that it harmonises so well creates an in-depth effect and a tasteful atmosphere around the table. The classic contrasting combination of blue and white captivates with its clarity and energy, whilst the lesser contrast between blue and green can on the other hand create a very stylish ambience.

Pastel colours radiate gentle elegance

Pink, lilac, salmon, cream and champagne are a contrast to the glowing primary colours. Despite their delicate colouring effect, they are neither pale nor unobtrusive and can be very elegant when combined with white. Soft contrasting tones help to crate a peaceful, gentle atmosphere. If they are combined with colourful crockery, the effect is more disruptive; so pastel tones should be linked with white china and vases, enhanced by glass and silver. For example, a large silver or glass bowl filled with water, with pastel-coloured roses floating on the surface, is very effective.

Obviously such colours are less suitable for use at rustic picnics or lively parties.

Two paths to successful colour selection

The choice is yours: do you want your table to reflect harmonious shades, or to be more striking and impulsive? If you want to achieve the first effect, a harmonious overall picture, choose a base colour for the design (if this is not already determined by thecrockery or surroundings). Everything else which is added to the table should closely follow this basic colour.

The alternative, the eye-catching table, is based on contrasts, and possibly unconventional colour combinations. An unusual colour scheme can be created by different variations of complementary colours (such as red and green, blue and orange, yellow and purple). If you make strongcontrasts between dark and light you are sure to achieve an effect that your guests will notice.

More Help'n Tips: atmosphere, blue, classic, colour, colours, combined, effect, green, grey, lighting, red, red conveys warmth, shades, silver, table, tasteful atmosphere, white, yellow.

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