3 Ways the Right (or Wrong) Color Impacts Your Space

Picking the perfect shade of purple for your bedroom room is about more than what looks good…it is also about how the color makes you feel inside. That might sound a little “woo”, but it really is rooted in science. Color Psychology, to be exact.

Are you ready to get a better understanding of your favorite color, what it means for your space, and how to use it to its fullest potential when designing beautiful spaces that support your wellbeing? We all have a favorite color and often times this says something about our personality or emotions. Whether your favorite color is red, yellow, or blue, what you choose to surround yourself with can say a lot more than you might think! By understanding the different colors of the rainbow and how they affect us emotionally and psychologically, we can gain insight into ourselves as well as better interact with those around us.

In my own experience with burnout, I decided to follow my passion for design when I arrived at a place of uncertainty in my life. I was stressed trying to balance work and life and frustrated working the long hours at the hospital. My insides were screaming for me to take a closer look at how I was treating my own desires and wants vs other people, and I began to bring in the BLUES (the color that is)!

#1. Common Associations of Color

Blue

Color psychology says that blue is often associated with calmness, trust, loyalty and strength. It can evoke a tranquil mood within the home and promote relaxation and security. While blue may make some feel cold or distant, for others it can represent trustworthiness and peace. Different shades of color can evoke different emotions so it’s important to think about what the color blue specifically says in your home. Do you want a light color to open up space? Or a dark color to promote cozy comfort? Whichever color you choose, remember that the color of your home affects how you should feel as soon as you walk through the door.

Red

The color red, when used in color psychology, is often associated with feelings of strength, energy, and passion. It is a color that will definitely evoke a sense of drama and excitement in any space. Emotionally, it can be seen as an intense color that can fill people with desire, love, and longing. Red carries a lot of weight in the home - what does it say about you if you have pieces that are painted or draped in this color? Perhaps you want to express confidence or an energetic mood? Maybe it just makes you feel good inside your home. Whatever the color is saying to you, it will always make its presence felt.

Green

The color green is described as the color of life, nature, and balance. In color psychology, it is often used to evoke a sense of calmness to inspire balance, growth, and harmony. Green has the power to soothe emotional stress and help people to relax in an environment. It can influence how we feel in our homes; research has shown that greens create a feeling of well-being when it comes to furnishing interiors. According to color experts, green evokes a range of emotions such as peace, relaxation, health, and maturity depending on its particular shade because of its association with health and wellness. When it comes to color psychology in interior design green has become increasingly popular as it can make you feel secure and comfortable while also invoking positive emotion within your home space.

Yellow

The color yellow has been long associated with positive emotions and energy, such as happiness and optimism. Many color psychology studies suggest this color can help evoke a mood of joy and creativity. Others say it may provide feelings of caution or wisdom. Whatever message yellow is giving to its viewers, it is undoubtedly a color that can bring a warm and cheerful atmosphere to any space. If you want to achieve a “happy” vibe in your home, you may want to consider incorporating different shades of yellow into your color scheme for an uplifting feel!

Orange

Orange is a color that has long been associated with emotions, feelings, and even color psychology. While the color can evoke a feeling of warmth and happiness, it can also remind us of an energetic environment. It is not only used to create an atmosphere of playfulness and a sense of creativity in a space but it can also be used to elicit certain moods from people. The color orange is often seen in home décor, as it can help add warmth and depth to spaces. But what does using orange in your home really say about you? It might portray feelings of positivity or enthusiasm - no matter how the color is used, it undeniably has an impact on the feeling of its environment.

Purple

The color purple has long been associated with color psychology due to its ability to evoke a certain mood or emotion. It can be seen as conveying both strength and power, as well as a hint of mystery and luxury. Purple is often thought to make people feel more connected to themselves, their spiritual side, and also creativity. When used in your home, purple can represent what you want it to say about yourself and the atmosphere in which you reside. If your style leans towards modern decor, deep plums and mauves are shades of purple that pair well with minimalist vibes. Brighter shades offer a lighthearted atmosphere, creating a warm setting for many happy moments shared.

Neutral Colors:

Black

Color psychology suggests that black evokes strong emotions and moods, ranging from sophistication and power to minimalism. When you decorate your home with the color black, it can make a statement about you without saying a word. Whether you're looking to make a bold statement or embrace the sophisticated minimalism that this color brings, black can set the tone for any room. It's no surprise then that so many of us are drawn to the color black for its versatility and ability to capture certain feels in our home.

White

White color is often associated with simplicity, purity, and cleanliness. Studies in color psychology show that the color white can effectively evoke a certain mood or emotion. For many people, white feels calming and peaceful. It can also represent innocence and freshness - which all together conjure up a feeling of fresh starts and clean slates! As such, many modern homes are designed around color schemes that feature white, as it can be a great way to make one feel relaxed, inspired, and at ease in their own home environment. When looking at color themes for your home interior design project, exploring the possibilities of incorporating perhaps accents of white into your walls or other features could be an interesting option to ponder.

Brown/Tans

Browns and tans can be evocative and create deep feelings in us. They are often seen as warm, comforting colors, harkening back to nature in their various shades of earthy brown, from tawny gold to dark chocolate. As a color for your home, it can evoke a cozy, natural atmosphere – perfect for creating a relaxing ambiance at the end of a long day. When considering color choices for your home, think about what browns and tans say about the feeling you want to evoke.

Gray

Gray is an expansive color and can communicate a wide range of emotions when used in color psychology. It’s often associated with feelings of sadness and gloom but can also bring about peacefulness and stability. It’s stark yet neutral enough to be used as the perfect color palette foundation in some creative settings if combined with brighter shades that evoke livelier moods. Depending on preferences, gray can assist to say modernity or elegance in interior design when applied in the home. If used correctly, it becomes a statement color that expresses anything from excitement to calmness.

#2. Variations of Color

Variations in color are a great way to bring life to any project. When choosing colors for your project, it’s important to take into account the purpose of the colors and how they will be used. Color can be used to create a desired atmosphere or feel, such as exciting or calming. For example, cool colors like blues and greens are often associated with tranquil atmospheres while warm colors like reds and yellows are associated with energy and excitement. Different colors can also evoke different feelings depending on the context. Monochromatic colors for instance might suggest simplicity, whereas analogous colors may suggest unity or flow. It is important to consider the overall message you want to convey before selecting variations in color.

#3. Creating a Design Concept

Creating a design concept for your home based on colors is a fun and creative way to make any space stand out. Start by conducting research and gathering inspiration, such as colors found in nature that would work well with your decor. Imagine where colors can be used to create contrast and draw attention, such as an accent wall or door color. Choose colors that will stay timeless and will easily transition through different trends. Depending on the desired atmosphere of the room, you can create a warm, inviting atmosphere with oranges and yellows; cool vibes with blues and greens; subtle yet sophisticated tones with greys; or professional tones by using black or white. Consider how each of these colors works individually within the concept design but also look at combinations of two or more colors for added impact. With careful consideration of colors, you can bring alive your vision for any living space.

Color plays an estimated 90% role in deciding how we feel in our own spaces, both emotionally and psychologically. We are consciously aware of color without often being conscious of it. Subconsciously these colors can persuade us to take a moment to reflect on our environment and ourselves. To truly tap into this powerful reminder of color's impact, think about how color schemes affect your home and lives - do they mirror our emotions? Could they be improved to bring us more joy, or remind us that we deserve the best space possible? Analyzing color at home can help us learn more about ourselves and make sure that it's giving off stories about who we truly are.

XOXO ~ Martha

Wondering how to pick the perfect color to evoke a mood for your space? Get in touch to discuss your design project.