Book Review

I’ve just returned from time on Cape Cod and, as always, my mind is still reeling from the subtle beauty that this slice of the world offers; the light and the quality of color it produces has been a constant source of fascination since my first visit over 10 years ago.

My feeble word skills will never do justice to the reality, so I will simply say that this recent experience has me looking at color all over again.

To help me with this, I’ve picked up a wonderful book and suggest it to you: Color for Interior Design by Ethel Rompilla. Whether you are in the profession or simply want a better understanding of how color shapes the world we live in, do yourself a favor and buy this book.

Ethel Rompilla is an award-winning professor of color theory at the New York School of Interior Design where she serves as an academic advisor and associate dean. Well-regarded in the design community, her book is filled with rooms by Albert Hadley, Victoria Hagen and Mariette Himez Gomez; illustrating her color theory and application.

The book begins with a fascinating historical look at color through the centuries. The author then outlines basic color theory in a clear and understandable manner. She covers the science of light and color with comprehensive discussions of optics, light physics and color wheels, then provides a wealth of practical applications.

Enhance your library and understanding of the wonderful world of color by adding this book to your collection.