Have you ever wondered why you feel relaxed in a neutral-hued room — or energised in a vividly-coloured one? It all boils down to colour psychology, that is, the connection colour has with our emotions. Different colours, and, in fact, different shades of the same colour, have varying impacts on how we feel.
Keep reading to learn about all the key colours, the mood they create in your space, and the suitability they have in each type of room!
Red
Credit: Dominic Blackmore
The fiery and warm colour of red instantly raises the energy levels of the room. As such, it emotes feelings of energy and pumps adrenaline levels. Red is associated with ambition, action, strength, power, and at times, danger.
The various shades of red, from dark maroon to ham red, represent joy, passion, love, and sensitivity. You can expect to add a punch of excitement and vigour to your interior by incorporating red.
Red can be used in a variety of spaces. In home offices, it inspires leadership. Use red in the kitchen to increase appetite and in the living room to inspire friendship and spark conversations. Finally, hints of red in the bedroom kindle feelings of love and desire.
If the colour gets a little too overwhelming for you, consider incorporating it through an accent wall — or even decor pieces.
Green
Green is the colour of Mother Nature. It signifies growth, harmony, fertility, and freshness, and is believed to introduce a sense of security and tranquillity into the interior. Using green in your home relaxes the senses and lowers hypertension and blood pressure.
It stimulates balance and encourages unwinding, all whilst promoting feelings of comfort and togetherness. From olive green to pea green, there are a multitude of shades to choose from.
With its calming properties, green is suitable for every room of the house. You can use it in the living area to instigate a natural ambience or in the entryway for a welcoming foyer — click here for more ideas on foyer decor!
Blue
Blue is among the most soothing colours in the palette. It relaxes the mind and slows down the heart rate, having a calming effect. Blue is seen as a symbol of reliability and stability, and is described as orderly, peaceful, and serene. The colour is also associated with loyalty, intelligence, freedom, and truth.
Because of its impact, blue is ideal for spaces you want to create a relaxing environment in. If you enjoy soothing bubble baths, consider using it for the bathroom. Use pastel blue in the bedroom to wake up to a serene haven everyday!
Purple
Credit: Decor Pad
Associated with royalty and elegance, purple is a rich and dramatic yet sophisticated colour. It carries a regal charm, and is often associated with mystery and wealth. Though purple is believed to be a feminine shade, darker hues can be incredibly masculine, too.
Purple is ideal to use in rooms you’d want to inspire creativity in, such as the dressing room. It also makes for a great entryway hue to pleasantly surprise guests as they enter, though you could use it as an accent shade is any room across the house.
Orange
Credit: Dazy Den
Orange symbolises sunshine and nature, and is often associated with feelings of joy, success, and attraction. It promotes cheerfulness and inspires love, sexuality, and appetite. If the shade is as bright as the fruit, the colour can energise you and make you feel enthusiastic. At the same time, the colour is warm and inviting, creating the perfect balance.
Use orange in the living and dining area to get a dose of cheerfulness and in the kitchen for a punch of energy whilst cooking your meals.
Grey
Grey represents balance, elegance, and style. Using the colour alone can make for a stunning neutral interior with a calming effect. However, the colour is perceived differently by different people. Some folks may find too much of the hue depressing. If you’re in the same boat, use it as a neutraliser in vibrant colour schemes — perhaps by surrounding it with other happy colours such as orange and purple.
The versatility of grey means it can be used throughout your home. In fact, all-grey interiors are famous amongst people who love contemporary and Scandinavian design styles!
Final Words
There is a spectrum of colours available, with each having its own unique impact on the human mind. You can choose the ambience and mood you wish to create in your home by understanding the colour psychology in interior design. However, be sure to choose the proportion of colour you wish to use — 60, 30 or 10? Learn more about the colour rule in interior design and how to incorporate it into your space in our blog post here.
Need some support to choose the right colours for your space? Just book one of our Interior Design Gurus here! They can look at your space over video chat and give you tips, ideas and guidance on how to achieve a home that you love.