New
New
Playing with colour in architecture and interiors
I can create my own design using colour purposefully.
Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
- Year 8
Playing with colour in architecture and interiors
I can create my own design using colour purposefully.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Architects use colour to influence mood, making spaces feel calm, vibrant, or welcoming.
- Colour highlights design elements, drawing attention to specific areas or features and enhancing spatial perception.
- Colour can be incorporated by using different materials, such as glass, paint or natural materials.
- Colour can be used to support health and wellbeing.
Keywords
Interior design - the art or process of designing the interior decoration of a room or building.
Wellbeing - feeling healthy, happy and comfortable.
Perception - how we experience a space using our senses.
Common misconception
Colour is just used to make a space look good.
Colour in a room can have a big impact on the way a space feels and how we feel in that space.
This is adaptable to your local situation. Use real-world spaces (cafes, hospitals, schools) to spark discussion on how colour affects mood and wellbeing.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Paper, scissors, glue, paint, coloured pencils, old magazines, coloured, patterned and textured papers, mixed fabric scraps, old box (shoebox etc)
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is an example of a structure?
Which of these is an example of a structure?
painting
story book
poem
Song
Q2.A small model used to test ideas before building is called a {}.
A small model used to test ideas before building is called a {}.
Q3.Match the keyword to its correct meaning:
Match the keyword to its correct meaning:
Q4.Which of these best describes inspiration in design?
Which of these best describes inspiration in design?
The final product
The colour of a building
A building material
A measuring tool
Q5.In design, means the relationship between a drawing’s size and the real thing.
In design, means the relationship between a drawing’s size and the real thing.
Q6.Match each design idea with its focus:
Match each design idea with its focus:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why do architects use colour in their designs?
Why do architects use colour in their designs?
To copy other designs
To save building costs
To cover a bad design
To block out noise
Q2.Colour in architecture can highlight important of a design.
Colour in architecture can highlight important of a design.
Q3.Match the word to its meaning.
Match the word to its meaning.
Q4.Which of these materials can bring colour into a building?
Which of these materials can bring colour into a building?
glass
paint
W=wood
Q5.Using colour in interiors can support people's and comfort.
Using colour in interiors can support people's and comfort.
Q6.Match the colour to its effect:
Match the colour to its effect:
