Did you know the colors you use in your home have a direct impact on your emotions? Have you ever wondered why you feel more relaxed after spending time in a light and neutral environment? We call this color psychology.
Different shades of color invoke different emotions, so it is important to consider what vibe you want to create in the space. Your color scheme can make a difference in your home or personal space that will also make a difference in your life.
Whether you will be adding color to the walls or as pops in your decoration, color psychology will play a huge role. Here is a list of common colors used in interior design and the emotions they foster in a space:
Black- Power, Sophistication, Mystery
The positive associations with black are attractiveness and elegance and is often associated with high society, think, Black Tie Events. Black is a popular color for doors, offices, laundry, and kitchen spaces. Black is also a great accent for frames, vases, or other decorative accessories.
White- Hope, Simplicity, Cleanliness, Purity
This color creates a sense of order as well as openness in spaces. Using white paints will often make the room feel bigger. However, an all-white room can feel sterile and uninviting. White is a great base for pops of color. Wood and glass accents go a long way with white!
Red- Love, Passion, Romance, Energy
This color can be used anywhere. When used in an office setting, red is said to spark leadership, passion, and friendship. In a more personal setting in your home, red creates a feeling of love and passion. Red also attracts a lot of attention.
Yellow- Caution, Intellect, Friendliness, Warmth
Yellow may increase liveliness and encourage innovation. Light yellow can bring a softness and warmth to your home. Although the brightness of yellow tends to scare people off, adding it as a pop of color when also using blues or oranges in a color scheme can add just the right amount!
Blue- Peace, Sincerity, Confidence, Tranquility
Blue is one of the most popular paint colors. It is a calming color, and it is the color of trust, honesty, and kindness. Blue can also add the right type of sophistication to any space. Lighter shades of blue have a restoring effect on the mind. Blue has little negative effect on a person's psychology. This color is ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms.
Green- Life, Growth, Nature, Freshness
Green represents health and freshness while encouraging growth and vitality. Green produces a calming effect like blue. Green improves problem solving and promotes positive thinking. In turn, it can also reduce anxiety.
Orange- Innovation, Creativity, Thinking
This is a fun, energetic color that is ideal for kids’ rooms, offices, living and dining rooms. Orange is also a great color to accentuate a home gym. Orange is the combination of red and yellow, two other colors that also promote happiness and energy.
Purple- Royalty, Luxury, Wisdom
Purples are rarely seen in nature, so it is more intriguing. Purple has been a royal color for centuries and is associated with wealth. Purple is also a spiritual color and can be associated with romance and light-hearted energies.
Color psychology is utilized in interior design, marketing campaigns, art, and other areas where colors and emotions connect. The psychological effects of color range based on situational, personal, and cultural factors, so each color may invoke different feelings in different people. The summary of emotions associated with the colors above represents a great starting point for how colors typically make people feel.
Color selections make a significant difference in the environment you want to create for your space, so it is important to consider who you are designing a space for when creating a color palette! Reach out to us for your next project and let’s get creative and come up with the perfect color palette for your space!
Best Wishes -
Bre’ona Avery
Interior Designer