Using achromatic color in interiors

Achromatic colors are the black, white and all the greys. The difference between chromatic and achromatic colors is both physical and psychological. Color is a result of an object absorbing the white light and reflecting a single or several rays. Depending on what color rays it reflects we get red, green, blue etc. Black absorbs all the colors and doesn’t reflect anything, while white reflects all, absorbing nothing. Greys are a mixture of black and white.



Although the use of only achromatics can create bold, dramatic effect, the combination of chromatics and achromatics gives very interesting results.
First of all, chromatic colors pop out and look clean when put against achromatic colors.

 If a color is put against, say white or light grey  it looks darker than if put against black or darker grey. This is important to know as the same color can look differently depending on its surrounding.

Achromatic on the contrary, when placed against chromatic color doesn’t reveal itself. Under the influence of the
chromatic color, it adopts the characteristics of the latter’s complimentary. This means, for example, that when grey is placed against yellow, it will get a slight violet tint. So achromatics can be used with vibrant colors to achieve balance.
 If two chromatic colors are used together, an achromatic can be used between them to soften
the transition.
Chromatic and achromatic colors can be used together to get countless interesting
combinations and effects, if you  know their characteristics and the
way they interact.