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Psychological Effects of Color in Interior Design
Most of us go about our daily lives without thinking about how color affects our environment. We hardly notice how restaurants often use red in their decors or walls. Or how nursery schools often have bright yellow painted on their rooms. Beach resorts usually have a blue-themed motif. All this can be explained when you learn the psychology behind colors.
Colors affect moods and can either accentuate or downplay emotions. Therefore, it helps to learn more about it, especially when designing your home. As Bigham & Associates LLC says, this is the living space you or your tenants will be staying in most of the time. Hence, studying different palettes is vital to increase energy or soothe the senses after a busy day outdoors.
Colors are divided into two types, warm and cool. Warm shades such as red, orange, and yellow stimulate and drive one to action. It also signifies passion and evokes strong feelings. On the other hand, Astonishing shades like blue, purple, and green soothe and offer a calming effect. These peaceful tones are inclined to relax the viewer.
Here’s a closer look at different colors and how they can affect a room:
RED
One of the most dramatic colors, red, accelerates the heart rate and stimulates the appetite. This is why most food establishments infuse their restaurants with this color. Red also catches your attention, so stoplights and warning signs are often designed in red. Red can be a great accent in the kitchen or the living room. It can stimulate conversations and boosts the energy level of a room. Feng shui experts believe this is a lucky color and advise homeowners to paint their doors in red. However, reds should be used in moderation to avoid too much intensity.
YELLOW
The color of sunshine, yellow, evokes joy and warmth. No wonder you’ll find nurseries and children’s bedrooms awash in this tone. This bright color can be playful but should be used with caution. Too much can become too stimulating. This makes a beautiful exterior house color. It can bring cheer and promote a sense of welcome. Light yellow incredibly can be energizing and a great choice in the dining area.
BLUE
Blue can bring order, serenity, and calmness. In contrast to red, it slows down the pulse rate. This is why blue is chosen for spaces where relaxation is the main objective. This can be in one’s living room, where the family usually converges, or the bedroom. Warm blue such as periwinkle or French blue, can be nice colors for the kitchen. If you use darker shades of blue, this can elicit melancholia, so it’s preferable to use warmer blues, especially in rooms that don’t bring in much sunlight.
GREEN
As an earthy color, green is also restful to the eye like blue. It’s closely associated with the natural elements of the outdoors. It’s refreshing and symbolizes healing and growth. This is the reason healthcare facilities are painted with this color. It promotes unwinding and can be an excellent color for the living room, bedroom, and kitchen. Most designers also like its versatility. Green can be used anywhere in the house as it has a calming effect on the senses. Green can foster a soothing natural vibe if you live in the city.
BROWN
Brown is a neutral color and is commonly used for interiors. Light brown shades especially can spell warmth, coziness, and relaxation. It also works well with natural materials, such as wooden furniture, inside a home. It‘s an elegant and classic hue making a space more inviting.
PURPLE
Purple is another deep and dramatic color. This hue is closely tied with royalty for its rich and luxurious shade and can inspire creativity. Lighter shades such as lilac and lavender can be soothing and meditative. This regal color can be powerfully feminine and masculine at the same time.
GRAY
Another versatile color, gray, can denote a feeling of security and stability. It’s a shade that offers calmness and sophistication. You can easily design your space with this neutral palette. Thus, it can help prevent the clash of colors.
BLACK
Black is undoubtedly a bold color and can provide neutrality and mystery. Too much black, though, can elicit a gloomy mood. But if used thoughtfully, black can be luxurious and elegant. It can bring sophistication to the room. It lends a modern vibe to a room when used as an accent. This classic dramatic color often appears in high-end boutiques and hotels.
ORANGE
Orange, like yellow, can elicit enthusiasm and a burst of energy. It is a little more subdued than red. It’s advisable to avoid oranges in the bedroom to tone down activity and rest. It’s perfect, however, to use in a fitness room to stimulate exercise. A pop of orange adds a fun element to a room as well. If orange is used in a warmer shade like peach and apricot, it can add warmth and promote relaxation.
PINK
Being a beautiful color, pink is usually assigned to feminine bedrooms. However, it can also make a room look glamorous and fuss-free. When used with simple lines and classy fabrics, a pink hue can transform a dining room or space area into a relaxing and warm space.
Most homes are not designed in a single shade solely. However, mixing and contrasting different colors leaves your interiors more invigorating and creates impact. Learning about the psychology of different shades can inspire you to think about which colors you want to highlight more and which to tone down. Still, it depends on your preference and lifestyle.
We hope those tips can help you bring some color to your home. Also, if you need any extra help, send us a message, and we will be happy to answer you back.
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Till next time!
Lima-Stanley Design Team