CID Color Theory & Design Principles Flashcards

The 60-30-10 decorating rule distributes color in a room as:

Answer: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, 10% accent color

The 60-30-10 rule guides color balance: 60% dominant color (walls/large pieces), 30% secondary (upholstery/rugs), and 10% accent (pillows/art) for cohesive design.

Visual texture in interior design is best described as:

Answer: Patterns and surface treatments that create the illusion of texture

Visual texture uses patterns, photography, and surface treatments to suggest tactile qualities — creating depth and interest without necessarily using physically textured materials.

Color Rendering Index (CRI) is important to interior decorators because it measures:

Answer: How accurately a light source renders colors compared to natural light

CRI rates a light source on a scale of 0–100 for how accurately it renders colors; a CRI of 90+ is recommended for spaces where accurate color perception matters.

Cool colors like blue and green are most effective in spaces designed for:

Answer: Relaxation and calm

Cool colors are psychologically calming and recede visually, making them ideal for bedrooms, spas, and spaces intended for rest and relaxation.

The principle of 'unity' in interior design means:

Answer: All design elements work together to create a cohesive whole

Unity ensures that all design elements — color, form, texture, and scale — relate harmoniously so the space feels intentional and complete rather than disjointed.

Which color scheme uses three colors equally spaced around the color wheel?

Answer: Triadic

A triadic color scheme uses three hues evenly spaced at 120-degree intervals on the color wheel, offering vibrant contrast while maintaining color balance.