A Dirty Answer to a Clean Question

A reader posted the following comment/question which I thought I would address in this post;

“One term you frequently use disturbs me, and that is the word "dirty" to describe those colors which are not bright or primary. Well, dirty can be fun and has it's place ;) - - but it doesn't seem to belong in the decorating lexicon. My understanding is the creation of such colors includes adding a minute amount of paint from the opposite side of the color wheel. Why not call these complex colors? Or if that won't work, invite suggestions from your readers for something better?”

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Yes you are correct in that an orange colour (for example) is muddied or muted, therefore ‘dirty’ by adding blue (from the opposite side of the colour wheel).

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And thanks for asking such a great question! You are not the first person to be disturbed by the terminology. Here is the reason I say ‘dirty’;

1) It’s the opposite of Clean, so from a language standpoint, it just makes sense.

2) Clients understand clean vs. dirty when I’m showing them colour and discussing the context of each choice we are making.

Interior design by Markham Roberts

You are welcome to use whatever terminology works for you! Another way of describing a ‘dirty’ colour is by saying it’s muted, or toned down, or if you feel more comfortable, call it a complex colour as you suggested (all of them are right)!

It’s the way I learned it, and just to recap; Colour can only be described in three ways, it is ALWAYS either;

1) Clean or Dirty

2) Light or Dark

3) Cool or Warm

Interior design by Markham Roberts

Click here to read a post that explains it further.

Related posts:
The three ways to describe colour
The Difference between an experienced Colourist and a Novice
Colour is Context