b'spectrum sciencetop tip Resene need to subtract the lower LRV value from the higher one and get a result of at least 30 to give the required colour contrast Breakwater difference of 30% LRV. You can find the estimated LRV of your You can use Resene colour codes to help identifyResene colours on the back of your colour swatch or in the online colour differences. For example, the Resene colour Resene Colour Library, www.resene.com/colour. code for Resene Breakwater is B54-054-263. The 54 is theBesuretokeepinmindthatthesecolourandcontrast luminance (which is similar to LRV), the middle part 054 is theconsiderationsarenotonlyimportantinplaceswhereolder saturation and 263 is its position on the colour wheel. Each of thoseadults will be living but also in public spaces like medical clinics, elements can be used to compare colours to add additional contrast. retail spaces, libraries, airports, transit stations, theatres, cafes, restaurants,fitnessfacilitiesandcommunitycentres.Often, when you take an elder-friendly approach to design, it ends up on a yellower appearance, but it can also become more difficultoffering inclusive benefits to people of all ages and abilities and to differentiate between them as many older individuals havecan improve the wayfinding and navigability of your project.reduced contrast sensitivity, meaning they struggle to distinguish subtle differences between shades. The gender factorIf you or your client are experiencing age-related changes,Researchintothedifferencesincolourperceptionbetween you may find your colour selections are perceived differentlythose who have been assigned male versus female sex at birth and, ultimately, experienced differently. A room painted in pastelhas revealed intriguing patterns. On average, women tend to blues, for example, may appear washed out and lack vibrancy forhave a more acute ability to distinguish subtle variations in colour someone with age-related vision changes. Similarly, subtle colourthan men. This heightened sensitivity means that women can distinctionslike those between light shades of purple and blueusually more easily differentiate between slight shades of similar or similarly saturated yellows and greensmay be lost entirely. colourssuch as the difference between two different pastels or Warm colours such as reds, pinks and oranges tend to retainthe subtle shift between blues and purples. Men, on the other their vibrancy and thus can be easier to distinguish as we age.hand,aregenerallymoresensitivetobroadercontrastsand These colours also evoke feelings of warmth and energy, which issaturated colours and thus may be drawn to primary or vivid hues.beneficial for creating cosy or dramatic spaces. Spaces that focusThese differences are generally believed to be rooted in biology on comfort, like bedrooms, benefit from warm, rich tones thatand social conditioning. Women tend to have more robust colour maintain their appeal despite age-related vision changes. receptors due to genetic and hormonal factors while ideas around For older individuals, high-contrast colour schemes can betraditional gender roles related to hunting and gathering has led crucial for ensuring that a space remains visually accessible.to evolutionary theories about identifying ripe fruits and survival Rooms with contrasting colours are easier to navigate and keytactics. Socially, some may be exposed to a broader range of design elements such as doors, furniture and stairways standcolours through interests in fashion, art and design while othersabove: As our eyes age, its common for colours to appear more yellow out better when framed by contrasting walls or trims. A softthan they did when we were youngerespecially greens. Choosing to cream coloured wall in Resene Creme De La Creme pairedmay have more limited colour experiences due to the natureincorporate warmer greens and neutrals that have inherently yellow with a midnight blue trim in Resene Carpe Noctem ensuresof their upbringing. Regardless of where someone fits on theundertones can work with this age-related change rather than against that edges are clear and easy to defineand keeps them fromgender spectrum, it is likely worth asking your clients questionsit and selecting materials, furniture and accessories that go with your becoming obstacles or safety hazards. This specific example isabout their interests during your design development or needsyellow-influenced hero hues will ensure these items dont appear to assessment phase rather than making assumptions. clash from your clients perspective. Transition areas such as hallways or particularly high in contrast and might be excessive for yourwalkways are a great place to add colour to differentiate each zone. Front projectrequirementsoraesthetics.Thebestwaytoensurewall and architraves in Resene Bud and floor, back wall (through doorway), adequate light-dark contrastneither too much nor too littlePractical considerations lamp base and floor vase painted in Resene Bubble White. Artwork fromis by looking to the light reflectance value of your shortlistedWhenyouretaskedwithmorethanjustchoosingappealingH&M Home. Projects by Amber Armitage, images by Wendy Fenwick.Resene colour selections.colours; its vital to also consider how those colours will function Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) work on a 0-100% scale andin the long term. This is particularly important when workingResene Resenemeasure what a colour looks like. If you are working on an agedwith both interior and exterior paints, stains, wallpaper and otherCreme De La Creme BudResene Resenecare facility that has a contrast guideline of 30% LRV, you woulddecorative and protective coatings. Bubble White Carpe Noctemblackwhitemag.com 59'