Have you ever thought about how Color and Psychology go together?! In interior design, the two worlds collide! You might be asking “How?”. Using different colors can influence emotions, moods, and behaviors.
Each color carries its own personality and can create specific feelings. From calming blues for serene bedrooms to vibrant reds for lively living areas, understanding color psychology allows you to create interiors full of different feelings and emotions.
Using Color to Set the Mood
Just as you associate the beach with a calming mood or the sunshine with a happy mood, the colors you see in these settings can be used in your space to reflect the same mood. In order to harness the power of color to set the mood, the first step is to understand the basics of color psychology. Here are some examples from Sherwin-Williams for various colors.
Blue
Blue is all about relaxation and tranquility. Whether you’re looking to create an oasis in your bedroom where you want to wind down and relax, or you want to promote a sense of your living space being a haven that’s inviting and calm, blue is a great choice. It comes in many shades (some with a little green, and some with a little grey) for you to choose from.
Red
Red brings life and energy to any room. It's great for places where conversations will happen, like the living or dining room. Deck the walls in red in a game room for an extra burst of fun; it will act as a conversation starter with friends and family.
Yellow
Yellow is a bright and cheerful color that can make a room feel happy and encourage positivity. It’s an ideal color for spaces in your home that see a lot of movement and social interaction, like the kitchen and dining room because it adds warmth and liveliness. Another great use is a nursery, which will create a cheerful environment that will grow with the child as they transition into the toddler phase.
Green
Green brings you closer to nature, making spaces feel calm and balanced. Consider it for sunrooms or reading nooks to create a calm space to take in some creativity. Green is also great for bedrooms to make sure you’re starting your day out on the right foot feeling safe and balanced. Add some plants (in green!) to bring a bit of the outdoors in.
Violet
If you want a feeling of drama (the good kind!) and sophistication, go for violet! It’s perfect for accent walls, whether it’s paint or wallpaper, as well as furniture pieces that make a statement. Consider violet for an office to promote a feeling of creativity and even your guest room to welcome your guests with a touch of luxury.
Blush
Blush adds a soft and romantic vibe to the interiors. It’s ideal for bedrooms or dining areas where you want to create an intimate and charming environment. Blush brings femininity to a space, but don’t be afraid to use it in a shared space - it’s not “girly”! Consider adding a pink pillow in a darker masculine office to bring softness and balance to the space.
Gray
Gray is the go-to color when you want things to feel neutral and calm. Consider it for hallways to create a sense of ease as you transition between spaces in your home. It’s a common choice for family rooms to encourage neutrality and let your heirlooms and memories be the focus.
Tips for Adding Color to Your Space
Playing with colors can be a bit scary at first, but these tips help you easily add color to your space with more confidence.
Start by thinking about the room’s purpose and what you want people to feel in there. This allows you to pick the right color palette.
If you're hesitant about a particular color, begin with small accessories like throw pillows, vases, or wall art. This allows you to test it without a significant commitment.
Instead of sticking to one hue, try using different shades of the same color in a space. This creates depth and sophistication, making the room feel more curated and intentional.
Keep in mind that light changes how a color looks. Test colors at different times inside your room to see what you like best.
Color doesn’t have to be vibrant or bold. You can convey the same feelings by using muted tones of color. So, if neutral is more your vibe, but want you to experiment with adding feelings to your space, start with a muted color.
A little color can go a long way! It’s ok to mix in some neutral elements (like beige, gray, or white) to balance the color.
Remember that color can be added through different elements, not just paint. Rugs, furniture, curtains, and even lighting are a nice way to add a pop of color. Color used in unexpected ways is perfect for making a statement!
Time to Design with Color
Colors serve more of a purpose than just accents in your space. They set the mood and tone. By intentionally choosing colors to tap into certain emotions, you can create rooms that feel just right for their purpose. So, when designing, think beyond only aesthetics; choose colors that resonate with the feelings you want to create. It's a simple yet powerful way to make any space truly your own.
Do you want to know what the best colors are for your space? Amy Rebekah Interiors can help! Drop us an email to learn more about working with us for your Interior Design needs.
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