When it comes to decorating your home there are always decisions to make, but did you know that your choice of colour can have a big influence on how you feel when using a space? This month on our blog we’re going to show you how to understand the psychology of and link between colour and moods, so that you can make better interior design decisions.
How does colour affect a room?
All colours are not equal. Bright and bold colours are considered active because they excite and stimulate the mind and senses, and may be useful in encouraging creativity. Cooler, more muted colours are considered passive because they relax the mind and may improve our ability to focus. Neutral colours such as white and magnolia have less effect on mood, but do help create a sense of space.
Choose your colours wisely
Making a decision based on your favourite colour may seem like a wise move, but you could find yourself choosing something inappropriate for creating the ambiance you’re looking for. Let’s have a quick look at the basic properties and potential uses of each colour:
- Red – This powerful and stimulating colour is a good choice for a dining room or lounge where people gather together because it encourages conversation and raises the energy of the people in the room. Like all darker and richer colours, it’s also great for making a large room feel more inviting and snug. It’s a good idea to avoid using red in the bedroom if you plan on getting a good night’s sleep!
- Yellow – Used sparingly, yellow adds a touch of brightness and freshness to any room, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Think carefully before using it as a main colour though because studies have suggested that it may provoke feelings of anger and frustration – not the ideal mood when there are sharp objects around!
- Green – No other colour promotes feelings of restfulness and tranquillity like green.
It soothes the eyes and calms the mind, making it a perfect colour for a bedroom, or any space you want to use for relaxation. - Blue – Another calming colour often used in bedrooms and nurseries, but be careful to choose your shade carefully. Light blues can make a room feel cold, so balance them with warmer coloured soft furnishings. Darker blues have to be used sparingly because they can make a room feel sad, so it’s better to use them on smaller feature walls.
Other colours such as orange and purple add a zesty and quirky feel to any room. Used with caution they will give a primarily neutral room a bit of spark and character, so don’t be afraid to try them out.
Neutral colours never go out of fashion
The beauty of basing your colour schemes on the neutral colours – grey, black, white and brown – is that they all work as a base for further experimentation and allow you to change the feel of your rooms with soft furnishings, curtains and feature walls. Be careful with your use of black, though, or you might find the walls pressing in on you!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the psychology of colours and moods, and how to apply it to your next interior design or decorating project, but if you feel that you need some professional help, we’re always here to offer our advice.