“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions” Pablo Picasso
When choosing colors for a room (or many rooms) in your home, we rarely think of the “psychology of color”. We begin by thinking of colors we like first, not how a certain color might make us feel. By considering color in interior design, it allows us to create a mood within our space — one that tells a story and leaves an emotional impact.
1. Common Associations of Color for Your Home
Each color creates a unique experience, one that can change the overall mood of a space and the people in it. Here are some common associations of color…
Red – Red is the most physical color in the spectrum, and has been proven to raise heart rate and energy level. In interiors, red is used to make a bold statement. It’s often used in restaurants to increase appetite.
Yellow – Yellow is the easiest color for the human eye to see. Different shades convey different messages. A light yellow may bring warmth and softness to your home, while a bright yellow will increase activity & energy.
Green – Green, the color of nature, is the most seen color in the world. In interiors, green is used in environments that are meant to be relaxing.
Blue – Blue, the color of water & sky, is the color of tranquility and rest. In design, blue is often used in healthcare or bedrooms in homes.
Violet – Violet, being a combination of blue and red, is emotionally a balance of the two. Some shades are uplifting, where others are calm. Violet encourages creativity and is a symbol of royalty.
Despite these common color associations, every person’s own experiences shape how they view colors. Before making color decisions in your home, think about how different colors make you feel and the emotions they might bring to the surface.
2. Variations of Color and How They Influence Your Mood
Variations of color can also affect how people think, feel and act. A tone, mixing any color with gray to make it a neutral, can create a more soothing or calming effect in a home. While a shade, adding black to any color, increases darkness and can conversely create a sense of sadness, if used in excess.
When creating a color palette for your space, I first have you complete a detailed questionnaire with your likes/dislikes of color, and why you feel that way. I may also ask you to create a Pinterest board (to share with me) of rooms, items and moods you’re drawn to. Using both will give me a clear idea of what is important to you and how to create the room of your dreams.
3. Best Practices for Incorporating Color in Your Home
If you want to incorporate some bright colors in your home, but don’t want to make the entire room color it’s focal point (as in painting entire walls a dark blue), you can use their psychological effects in other ways. As an example, bright yellow may be too much to paint on a large wall, but it’s great for standing things out. Use smaller amounts of bright yellow accessories…such as flowers or artwork, to bring a little sunshine into your home.
My process for selecting colors in your space, and making sure it flows cohesively throughout your home is simple…I start with neutrals (warm or cool or maybe even both, depending on your preference) and add colors that you are attracted to or make you feel a certain way (information that I gather from the questionnaire and Pinterest boards), by using accents.
If you really want a room to stand out and have a dramatic feel, we will create that by using darker shades of colors you’ve already selected, or even include an accent wall using paint or wallcovering with those colors.
Deciding on colors in your home is very personal and can create many differing emotions, but as your designer, it is my task to help you find passion in using color in your home, color that you will love for years to come.
Wondering how to pick the perfect color for your space? Book a discovery call or leave a comment with any questions!
Xoxo,
Kerry
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