The human mind is incredibly complicated! The way a person thinks and how they perceive the world can be shaped in many unexpected ways. For example, did you know that color can have a huge impact on how you feel and act? It may seem strange, but it is true. The color in your surroundings will have significant psychological effects.
This psychological phenomenon can be turned toward your purposes. For example, knowledge of how color will affect your thoughts and feelings can be used to help you decorate or redesign your space to improve your mood, boost productivity, or provide some other beneficial effect.
Most colors can be roughly divided into two types: warm colors and cool colors. Warm colors (also called saturated colors), like red, yellow, and orange, evoke feelings of activity and passion, and perhaps even anger. Cool colors are colors such as blue, green, and purple, they give away feelings or sensations of calmness, harmony, and peace.
Have you ever asked yourself why you feel so energized after stepping foot into a vivid red room scheme, or so tranquil when in a beautifully neutral living space? It’s likely to be because of color psychology in interior design closely connecting color to our emotions.
Color psychology is used widely in branding and marketing but it’s also a powerful interior design tool that arguably has more of an impact on the mood of a room than any other factor.
Below are a few examples of brands that used Color psychology:
Different shades conjure various emotions so when debating on which hues to choose for your home its’ key to think about the kind of atmosphere you want to create and which colors will help you achieve this.
Using color is not necessarily a courageous act but it’s an ability to create a precise experience that makes color psychology a powerful tool in interior designing.
Strong colors can make people appreciate the visceral response that people have upon walking into a colorful space!
Below are some colors and the psychological impacts that are associated with each of them.
Orange:
Orange hues are bright, fun, and energetic. Since orange is a combination of red and yellow, it makes sense that it would have all the vivacity and warmth of both. Used in large quantities, orange can feel overwhelming, but softer peachy or terra cotta shades can be cozy and calming.
Red:
Red can be bold and dramatic or warm and earthy, depending on the tone. Deep crimson hues create passion and drama, while rusty shades can add a cozy ambience. Red is best used in areas where energy should be high, like a family room or entertaining space.
Green:
Green brings to mind nature, balance and harmony. Deep emerald or hunter green can add intensity and elegance, while light spring or sage green is soothing and helps stimulate focus and creativity.
Blue:
Blue tones are typically associated with calm and serenity. It’s a great color for spa-like bathrooms and peaceful master bedrooms. Deep navy or royal blues add a masculine feeling, while light powder or sky blue hues are versatile anywhere you need a bit of relaxation.
White:
White is the color of purity and cleanliness, and often is regarded as a blank palette. With the rise in popularity of Scandinavian design in recent years, more and more designers are leaning towards all-white walls and sparse white furniture. White interiors can feel fresh and modern, but can also be very cold and barren without the proper accent pieces.
Brown:
Brown accents such as wood tones, leather, and natural elements are a great way to warm up a space and make it feel homier in an instant. Brown shades are truly versatile and go with any design style and mood.
At the end of the day, it’s important to choose colors in your space that speak to you. Be sure to consider the purpose of the space and how you want people to feel while they’re in it.
