The Grammar Of Colour And Architecture For October 2015

Colour Stories

The Grammar Of Colour And Architecture

There's a simple but obvious observation that comes to mind, when we talk of colour and architecture in the same line. It feels as if the most famous architects of the world avoid using colours in their creations. Almost as if they have a phobia of using colours and that it might take away from the beauty of form and design. To further support this argument, the famous monuments testify this observation.  An architect prefers exposed finishes like concrete, brick, stone or wood as the face of the structures. More importance is placed on constructing a structure rather than deciding the colour. As colour is a more subjective decision to be taken as per the client preferences. And as per the architect's tastes and suggestions, they tend to prefer more muted and neutral colours for their designs. Architects are taught to concentrate on the more crucial decisions from an architectural standpoint like the form, space, etc. Because painting as a job is not as technical as the architectural job.

However, no one can underestimate the power of colour. Colour can add a superfluous edge to any architectural structure, when used in conjunction with a powerful design idea. Let's take the example of Jaipur's most distinctive monument - the Hawa Mahal that is known for its use of pink sandstone. This honeycomb like architectural marvel stands out from the rest of the forts and monuments, thanks to its unique colour. Another such iconic fort that stands out for its colour is the Amer fort. It is popularly remembered for the colourful art that adorns the exterior walls, more than anything else.

If we look towards the west, some of the historic iconic buildings are known by their colour. The oldest and best example is America's White House. Built in 1800, that marked an end of the British colonial rule, the White House was originally known as "President's Palace," "Presidential Mansion," "Executive Mansion," and "President's House,". But as the years passed, precisely by 1811, the public recognized and renamed the building by its colour, a white mixture of lime, rice glue, casein, and lead over a sandstone façade. In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt engraved "White House—Washington" on the President's stationery, making the name official.

The choice of the colour being white and beige of most historic monuments around the world, have two distinct explanations. One is for pure technical reasons and the other attributes to a more metaphorical meaning that the bureaucracy wants to portray - honesty and truth. However, we wish the modern architect goes a mile ahead and experiments with bold colours for iconic structures. It would be interesting to see a colourful world of brilliant architecture.

Colour Trivia

Colour Facts For October 2015

1. With global warming on the rise, our food chains are undergoing a crucial change. This change is evident in many natural phenomena as well.  One such example is a new food source changing the colour of baboons near Kenya's Lake Bogoria. The apes have been eating pink flamingoes. These birds have recently arrived at the lake to feast on the lake's protein rich rotifers and blue-green algae. The dead birds are an easy food source for the baboons. Researchers have reported that the monkeys' new taste for flamingoes is turning their gray coats into a yellowish-brown shade.
2. Do you know when the first ever coloured mobile phones came into existence? Well, with all the latest smartphone technologies changing every minute, we excuse you for not remembering this. But let us take you back to 1992. Nokia, the Finnish telecommunications giant, introduced mobile phones in colour. Now, electronic devices have introduced their various hues like pink, steel gray to the market. What’s your favourite colour when it comes to mobile phones?
3. We all know that men and women see the world differently, but that has a scientific base too. The primary known reason is the different set of chromosomes. Precisely, men have only one X chromosome, whereas women have two. This allows women to distinguish between similar variations of the same colour. The most common example is that of how women can identify different shades of the red orange spectrum. This finding was put forward by researchers from Arizona State University in Tempe.

Colour Quotes For October 2015

• White... is not a mere absence of colour; it is a shining and affirmative thing, as fierce as red, as definite as black... God paints in many colours; but He never paints so gorgeously, I had almost said so gaudily, as when He paints in white.

  - Gilbert K. Chesterton

• Such lovely warmth of thought and delicacy of colour are beyond all praise, and equally beyond all thanks!

  - Marie Corelli

• I know that if odour were visible, as colour is, I'd see the summer garden in rainbow clouds.

  - Robert Bridges

Colour Tips For October 2015

1. Before you start painting your home make sure you are convinced with the choice of colour to avoid repainting. The best way to go about it is to look at the colour wheel. It shows the colours of the spectrum arranged in a circle. The colours are arranged in patterns and you may like one side more than the others - like the cool colours (blue, green) or the warm ones (red, orange). Pick a colour according to your like and the mood you wish to create. Another way to go about it is to look for trends. The internet provides you with the latest trends around the world, you can pick something that suits your taste and can be done conveniently
2. Consider what type of paint you would want to use, first. There are mainly two types of paints you have to choose from, oil or alkyd and latex. Usually Latex paints are preferred over the other types as they are hassle free, dry fast and can be cleaned with soap and water. The other thing to look for while choosing paint is the finish. If you go for flat finish it has a tender, even look. However you have to be careful with kids as it can get stained easily. The other kinds of finishes are eggshell and satin, that are low in luster but are washable, making them the more convenient option.
3. Many famous interior designers take into account the time at which a particular room is used. For bedrooms, the colours most preferred are the ones that enhance the occupant’s sleep duration and hence, wake them up charged in the morning. If you are still wondering about the colour of paint for your bedroom, the shade of lavender is quite advisable and a favourite of many renowned interior designers. When the morning light first touches your bedroom, it reflects a soothing light and gives your mind clarity; and if you are an early riser then there certainly can’t be a better choice!

World of Colours

Colours & Emotion For October 2015

1. Every little girl’s birthday party is incomplete without the colour pink and so is their wardrobe. Now, what if someone told you that pink is just a figment of our imagination and the colour actually does not exist. Research says that pink is not a real colour but just a combination of red and violet, which are incidentally the colours on the opposite ends of the spectrum! So, this research would have us believe that pink is just a made up colour and not an actual colour! While other researchers would like us to believe that colours arise as a sensation in our brains. Well, all we have to say is whether or not it is a colour, we love and will always love it!
2. Yellow is one of the brightest and most cheerful colours of nature and is the hardest to miss. Its vibrancy is what sets it apart and cheers us up on the gloomiest of days. Be it a buttery soft yellow or a crisp sunshine yellow, nature is full of yellow in endless varieties. And, we have a thing for the bright and clear yellow of sunshine which can uplift and enhance your mood any time of the day. The Sun and its energy is a source of replenishment and we think it will be best to have it in your kitchen. Paint your kitchen a pretty bright yellow and have your own little source of bright and clear nourishment.

Colours & Fashion For October 2015

The colour blue is a widely popular hue, almost everyone seems to have a liking for. And if you’ve always loved the shade then there’s good news for you. The lead colour of Pantone for Spring/Summer 2015 season is Aquamarine. This shade is airy and has a subtle feel. Calming the senses, this ethereal colour has a light and watery appeal. It also acts as a great stress buster. Leading designers who are using this colour extensively are Banjanan, BCBG MAX AZARIA, Cynthia Steffe, Pamela Roland and Rachel Pally. The other choices, including shades of blue like Scuba Blue, Beveled Glass and Classic Blue, are also big this season.

Colours & Gems For October 2015

1. Pyrite druzy popularly known as rainbow pyrite is a term for gemstones in the form of clusters of small crystals. It is named after its rainbow-like iridescence caused as a result of diffraction of light. It is opaque and bright brassy yellow in colour with a strong metallic luster. Due to its striking similarity to gold, it is also referred to as “fool’s gold”. Usually, it displays rainbow set of colours with shiny shades of green, yellow, red and brown owing to iron oxide. It’s believed that the stone is very effective when worn in the pocket, especially in the area close to the sacral and solar plexus chakra.
2. Carnelian, an orange tinted gemstone is particularly found in India and parts of South America. The colour ranges from deep red to orange, like the colour that emanates when the sun sets or the autumn leaves. It has an incredible energy that is believed to bring warmth and is empowering. A variant of Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family, Carnelian’s colour varies from pale pinkish-orange to a deep rusty brown. The name Carnelian comes from a Latin word meaning "flesh." The Egyptians called it the "the setting sun." The orange hues were related with the receptive or passive female energies. The gemstone is worn to develop passion, love, and desire.

Colours & Nature For October 2015

1. Nudibranchs are the shell-less relatives of the snail known for their garish colours and have the distinction of being the most colourful creatures in the world. They are just skin, muscle, and organs gliding on the ocean beds across the world. Nudibranchs are blind to their own beauty. They smell, taste, and feel their world using head-mounted sensory appendages called rhinophores. They track food with the help of chemical signals. Nudibranchs have both male and female organs and can fertilize one another, an ability that speeds the search for mates and doubles reproductive success.
2. According to folklore, the bright-red waters of Laguna Colorada in southern Bolivia are to be attributed to Gods’ spilled blood. But the real reason for its brilliant colours is the scientific explanation of algae. The lake is clear blood red, covered with gleaming salt, which looks like a painting. There is an interesting tale attached to these colours. It is believed that centuries ago the Gods lived here; they were so tall that they reached the sky. A beautiful Goddess named Tunupa became pregnant. As her baby was stillborn, Tunupa cried, and her tears mixed with the breast milk that her baby would never drink and together they formed a white lake. Tunupa, paralyzed by grief, became a mountain overlooking the salty expanse.

Decor

Colours For The New Year

We bring you some of the colours that the top designers around the world can’t get enough of!

Time flies and how! And, before we know another year's end is around the corner. So we thought of quickly scanning the interior design colour trends by designers for you. This will help you choose your preferred colour and will also give you a chance to test it out on smaller patches much before you actually go into painting. Here are some of the colours that the top designers around the world can't get enough of and hopefully you will love them too!

The first and the unanimous favourite is definitely blue, to be more specific the blue of the Mediterranean which looks fabulous when paired with grey, pink or white. The next on the list is bold and vibrant shades like olive, orange and sour green which need to be played against each other for a bold and contemporary feel.

After the bold and vibrant come the lovely pastel shades of purple and orange sunsets, aqua blue, muted green and they can be paired with a shock of complementary neon colours. If pastels are not what you heart then probably neutrals could work for you and the buzz is that grey will be the hottest neutral in the next year. Pair it with dark charcoal furnishings and a pale ceiling for the perfect classic setting.

The mixing of textures, patterns and colours is also going to be huge in the upcoming year and a combination of white, beige and plum will be to die for. For those who love mixing colours, you could mix colours like pink, green, olive, purple and aqua blue. All of these shades are warm and organic and can go with any colour you pair it with. By now you must have figured out that there are no actual rules to abide by, just let your creativity flow and pair the classics with eccentric accents to keep things exciting!

Colours & Ancient Sciences

Feng Shui For October 2015

Here are a couple of things you should be careful about while getting that dream home.

Back To The Basics

Feng Shui is a science form built on principles of architecture and home science and is not some flippant form of superstition. The reason we are trying to preach is because we feel that it is highly effective and being a little careful is always useful.

So, here are a couple of things you should be careful about while getting that dream home. The first thing that you need to be careful about is that your house is not near a power station because that can create negative energy for your home. Similarly living near a cemetery is also a strict no because it is considered to bring ill luck. In case you just have to live near a power station or a cemetery, make sure to place mirrors outside your home which will reflect away the negative energy.

Another important area you should focus on is definitely the place from where chi or energy enters your home and you should make it easy for it to enter your home. In this respect, the first thing you need to do is remove objects like furniture or shrubs which block the pathway to your home. You will also need to ensure that you have a well-lit entrance and remove all dead plants and trees from your yard or any area where you have plants. It is also important to have a clean sidewalk and staircase to be able to welcome energy into your home.

A few other important things to keep in mind are don't have a kitchen facing the bedroom or the front door as that leads to bad energy. Also make sure to never let dishes pile up in the sink or countertop and always wash them as soon as you can. Finally, take extra care of your bathroom which is the source of water and wealth in your house. Keep your toilet lid closed when not in use, keep the bathroom door closed always and place a red, black or dark blue mat near the bathroom for wealth protection.

Reiki For October 2015

We are trying to ease the woes of winter for you with some Reiki optimism!

Reiki For Winters

The winters will be here soon and they can get really mundane with the grey skies and bone chilling wind! It is especially difficult for those with chronic illnesses because physical comfort goes for a toss and this makes them want to hibernate until the sun shines again! So, here we are trying to ease the woes of winter for you and this is not only for those with chronic conditions but also for general winter well-being.

The major problem during winters is the fact that there is lack of bright sunshine, so, here's the first attempt is to get you some spiritual sunshine with the aid of Reiki. The gentle yet balancing nature of Reiki can warm your soul and sooth all lethargic anxieties by brightening our hearts. Each session will help you feel more and more relaxed and help you connect with the healing energy better. Reiki sessions will work beneath the surface to melt away the negative energies associated with winter and will help in thawing the pain.

Any long term chronic pain stemming from inflammation, injury or surgery becomes more difficult to combat during winter but you can see visibly relaxing results with the help of Reiki. In this case, it is most helpful to take Reiki in combination with other integrative therapies as it will help you recharge and regain your energy. All in all, we think opting for a winter Reiki session can help you break free from the hibernation of winter and renew your cells with some vibrant energy. Oh yes, and while you are at it not only will it get rid of winter blahs but a caring and healing touch will go a long way in melting your heart.

Vaastu For October 2015

We thought of coming up with a few Vaastu guidelines for the success of your stores!

Vaastu For Your Shop

The festive season is around the corner and especially, Diwali being near means that there will be many shops being opened or revamped soon. So, we thought of coming up with a few Vaastu guidelines for the success of your stores. A Vaastu compliant shop will not only be more successful economically, but will also bring goodwill to your store. Let us help you with making your shop a big success by adhering to these simple steps:

• If it is possible then make sure the shape of your shop is regular with definite sides to it.
• This one is easy and very important too; make sure that the owner of the shop sits in the south or the west and faces the east or the north.
• Try and make sure that the entrance to your shop is always from the east or the north east.
• Any heavy stuff or storage should be done in the south west portion of the shop.
• Another important thing to keep in mind is that your locker should be in the south west and should open towards the north.
• All the electronic devices like computer, television, etc., should be placed in the south east corner of the shop.
• It is also important to make sure that the doors and windows of your shop are not jammed and do not make any noise while being closed or opened.
• An open drain in front of your shop can lead to drainage of wealth. So, make sure to avoid that.
• Finally it will bode well for you to have the auspicious symbol of 'swastik' in your shop and the words 'shubh-labh' and 'riddhi-siddhi' written on one of the walls inside the shop.