Color theory or the study of the effects of color and color mixing has existed since the times of Plato and Aristotle. Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks and the writings of Leone Battista Alberti mention the principles of color theory in the 15th century. (wikipedia) Every advance in thought, technology, and visual arts is accompanied by either an expansion of color theory or an innovative new approach. Theorist Charles Hayter (1761-1835) made a major contribution by proposing a triangle of the basic colors red, yellow. and the blue from which all other colors could be created. A major step forward from simple mixing of colors was made with the studies of Michael Eugene Chevruels (1786–1889), when he claimed that the visual perception of colors was affected by the presence of other colors nearby . He is credited with discovering the "law of simultaneous color contrast" and providing a means of sorting colors to achieve the best possible effect according to the taste of the combine. His study proved that colors of different contrasts placed side by side will make lighter ones appear lighter and darker ones appear darker. (Rompilla, 2005) With the industrial revolution of the 1800s and the rapid expansion of the furniture industry in the late 20th century, it became necessary to standardize and classify colors (Rompilla, 2005). Enter Wilhelm Ostwald and Albert Munsell. Ostwald's theorem was based on color harmony. He observed that certain colors were harmonious to the eye while others were unpleasant. (www.colorsystem.com) He believed that a “color order” would help determine which color combinations were most harmonious. Albert Munsell created a numerical system of color classification based on value...... middle of paper. ....and live it. In his defense, I believe his thinking was about harmony and, in his opinion, the use of only bright colors, without tints, tones or shades, was not harmonious. I consider his view on the aesthetics of color in the home and in public places to be appropriate since these are environments in which harmony and a sense of well-being are desirable. Birren's theory of synesthesia, or the association of the visual and other senses such as taste, is an interesting one that this author would like to explore further. Works Cited http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_theoryRompilla, Ethel and New York School of Interior Design (2005), Color for Interior DesignLocation: New York, NY (p. 90-91, 100) http:// www.studyarthistory.com/josef-albers---color-theory-255.php?g=20http://www.wonderfulcolors.org/blog/birren-color-theory/ http://www.worqx.com/ color/itten.htm