California IDEX Practice Exam

To give a sofa a heavy appearance, the designer should use which of the following color combinations for the sofa and the surrounding walls?

1. sofa with dark value and a slightly lighter value for the walls

2. light-colored sofa of any hue and a dark value wall color

3. a sofa with a warm hue and a dark value and a much lighter wall color

4. a sofa with a light, cool color and a wall color of similar value and hue

The correct answer is: a sofa with a warm hue and a dark value and a much lighter wall color

Choosing a sofa with a warm hue and a dark value, along with a much lighter wall color creates a strong visual contrast that enhances the perceived heaviness of the sofa. The combination of a dark-colored sofa implies solidity and weight, while the lighter walls help frame the sofa, making it stand out more prominently in the space. This contrast draws attention to the sofa as a focal point, reinforcing the idea of heaviness and presence. The warm hue adds an element of richness and coziness, further contributing to the weighted appearance. In contrast, using light-colored sofas or cool tones may not communicate the desired heaviness, as they can appear more airy and light in contrast with walls that share similar hues or values. Thus, this combination effectively conveys the desire for a heavy and substantial look in the interior design context.