Color Psychology in Home Design

The colors introduced into a space play a major role in developing the moods of those who inhabit it. When looking for the right paint colors to bring into your own home, you might feel overwhelmed with the number of options, from bolds, to neutrals, to all shades in between. Below are a few helpful tips to get you started in the paint selection process, and with the added insight on how colors might affect your mood, it can narrow down your choices immensely.

Red:

• Power
• Ambition
• Energy
• Confidence
• Warmth

Red is often used in design as a bold accent color, with its vibrant qualities being harsh on the eyes if used too excessively within a space. Red tones should be used in high energy spaces like a home gym or play area. Paint a red accent wall or use red toned decor pieces like curtains, rugs, or in the case of a home gym, red work out equipment. Red’s sense of warmth also makes it a great color for a living room space, when paired with natural wood furnishings.

Brown hues are a great compliment to red, creating balance in a way that brings both power and comfort to a space.

Red also has the ability to increase metabolism levels and appetite. Introduce brighter shades in a kitchen or dining area for an energetic atmosphere that inspires conversation around the dining table, while also encouraging good eating habits. Bring it into these area of the home through dishware, table settings and runners, and accent appliances in the kitchen.

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Yellow:

• Enthusiasm
• Fun
• Cheerfulness
• Creativity
• Originality

Yellows ability to spark creativity and originality make it the perfect color to introduce into an office space, or craft area. Yellow has a tendency to induce dizziness if overused, so similar to red, use this bold color sparingly and as an accent color to balance neutrals. If bringing it into an office space, use black as a balancing color, and create a sophisticated, enthusiastic space with yellow decor accessories, desk supplies, or a yellow accent desk chair. Or, use a patterned wall paper with yellow accents for a more daring use of tis bright color.

Yellow also makes a great color for a playroom to get little ones creatively inspired within a space that evokes fun and cheerfulness. Use a lighter, more pastel hue as a wall color, or tie it in through unique accent pillows and accessories on durable and versatile furnishings, like these options here. You’ll want pieces that can withstand wear and tear, and are easy to clean in case of stains. This will create an enthusiastic space for your kids to learn, develop important social skills and mechanics, while also being a low maintenance space for parents.

Green:

• Vitality
• Restoration
• Unity
• Balance
• Calm

Greens vitality and calming qualities come from its naturally derived hues, and make the perfect color for a bedroom or relaxation space. Darker shades create balance and unity, and can be used as a wall color, accented with brushed gold, and white furnishings. Bring this color scheme into your bedroom to promote restful sleep to leave you feeling restored. Or, if you have a relaxation space, like a yoga room or reading nook, bring green hues in through plush accent seating, yoga mats, or fresh greenery. Leafy plants like peace lilies or spider plants have the added benefits of purifying the air in your home, so use them as a natural green element in any space to bring the unity of the outdoors, in.

Although green works best in calming areas of the home, it is one of the more versatile colors on the spectrum, and can be brought into almost any space. Add it as an accent in you bathroom to create a tranquil at-home spa retreat. Pair it with white appliances, and a natural wood vanity for a timeless design, perfect for taking a soak in the bath.

Blue:

• Peaceful
• Inner Security
• Confidence
• Relaxation
• Contemplation

Blue is known for being the most desired color in design, with its multitude of positive attributes, there’s no surprise why. Blue has the ability to make a space feel calming and relaxing, similar to green, because it is a naturally sourced color. Blue is the perfect shade for a bedroom or living space to make a safe and peaceful atmosphere to spend time with loved ones, or to get a restful night’s sleep. Shades of blue have been proven to help calm mental activity, making softer or darker hues the best paint colors for a bedroom, and pair well with raw wood furnishings, and brass accents.

Blue also works well in an office space, with its ability to promote contemplation and confidence. Bring it into an office space through paint color, accent furnishings like a bookshelf unit, or through curtains and other decor pieces. Lighter shades evoke a sense of elegance and confidence, and when paired with stark white and silver tones, it creates a classically elegant design to be our most productive self in.

Black:

• Protection
• Strength
• Comfort
• Mysterious
• Sophisticated

The final color we are going to look into is the most daring one in design, and is often overlooked because of it’s bold qualities. Black is an elegant color that comes in many versatile and neutral shades, and pure black can create a bold and interesting design when introduced into a space. Black is similar to brighter colors like red and yellow, and should be used sparingly to avoid provoking negative emotions like fear or anger.

When used as an accent wall, it can create a sophisticated, protective comfort within any space. Introduce it into your living room through black furnishings, or use lighter tones, like concrete, as flooring for a strong industrial design. Black is often seen in office spaces as well to create a sophisticated and nostalgic atmosphere. When paired with white and silver tones, it creates a timeless and mysterious mid-century modern design. Or, tie different shades of pure black, concrete, and silver into a bathroom with intricate floor tile and stark white appliances for a vintage and sophisticated bathroom design.