Psychology of colors for Interior Design

Have you ever considered why you feel more relaxed after spending time in a neutral, light space? Or energized after being in a colorful, vibrant room? It’s probably largely down to color psychology (the connection between our emotions and color), making a huge impact within interior design schemes.

Color psychology is a powerful interior design tool that impacts the mood of a room more so than any other factor.

Different shades evoke certain emotions so, when choosing your colors, it’s important to consider the kind of atmosphere you wish to create and which colors will help you achieve this.

Whether you’re looking to add the odd pop of color or decorate your entire room, discover the psychological effect of color in interior design with our help:

Blue

Blue is among the most calming colors in the palette for interior design. In regards to the psychological effects of color, blue relaxes the mind and slows down heart rate, metabolism, blood pressure, and hypertension.

Aquatic shades of blue, in particular, such as sky blue and light blue have a healing effect on the mind.

It reminds the inhabitants of the sea or swimming pools. You can use different shades of blue in all areas of the house.

You can use darker shades such as royal blue as primary colors and pair it with yellow and use it for the kitchen, playroom, etc.

You can also use a combination of light and dark blue colors in the bedroom and dining room.

Although using blue in dark rooms with small spaces can create an eerie feeling like that of being trapped in ice, you can add a touch of warm colors to neutralize the effect.

Black

The color black has always fared well with versatility and elegance. Black signifies simplicity and functionality. This color works best in modern interior design and architecture.

On a psychological front, an all-black room can be overwhelming and gloomy.

However, if you pair the color with red, white, blue, or almost anything else, it provides excellent contrast.

Contrary to popular belief, the color black is an excellent addition to interior design, especially in the kitchen, living room, dining area, and bathroom.

Green

When people see the color green, they think of nature. Although, in reality, nature can be cruel, the human psyche associates nature with freshness, peace, and trust. Thus, green is a powerful color in interior design.

Additionally, pale green is promptly associated with the color of pea soup, which is comfort food.

It helps relax the senses and lower the levels of hypertension and blood pressure.

Green can be used in different shades throughout the house.

You can use lighter shades on the walls and create contrast with dark shades of green with plants.

The effect of the dark shade is neutralized as plants automatically remind people of nature.

The color green mostly has a calming effect with a sense of security, which makes it an ideal color for interior design.

Red

Red is one of the more dramatic hues in the coloring book and one of the most enticing colors when it comes to rousing emotions. It’s often coupled with sentiments such as passion, excitement and energy.

Ambition, action and will power are additional qualities attached to the primary hue and that’s why red can be a productive choice for home offices and creative spaces.

The color is not only powerful in its most basic form in interior design psychology, but also boasts many beautiful sister shades including tomato red, crimson and burgundy.

Whether you want to channel a rich, traditional aesthetic or a pop-art feel, red can provide a solution.

Pink

The color Pink influences emotions that are closer to the heart. When used appropriately, pink and all its shades create an atmosphere of love and compassion.

Although pink is largely associated with feminism, you can still use this color for a masculine effect.

Simple patterns and sophisticated designs can take pink to a whole new level in modern interior design.

It instigates feelings of comfort and love. Vibrant shades of pink such as Magenta, Fuchsia, etc. help make a statement when paired with secondary colors such as light blue.

You can use them to bring out the playfulness of wall patterns. Complement the color pink with natural hues or vibrant tones of red and white for form and function.

It helps in preventing any sentiments of loss and excessive sweetness.

Pink is best used in the room color for teenage girls or in the living room and bathroom to create an atmosphere of joy and bliss.

Purple

The color purple is usually associated with elegance and royalty. Purple color schemes work well in areas that inspire creativity and design.

Bright hues of purple such as violet or plum add flair to your design scheme.

Whereas, lighter shades of purple such as lavender and mauve create a calm but regal effect in your design.

Since purple inspires creativity, you can add it to dressing rooms, walk-in closets, in-house art studios, or even the kitchen.

This color is particularly popular with adolescent teens as it inspires them towards creative and performing arts and helps them find their path.

The regality of purple also works well in the foyer or living room where your guests spend time. It gives an essence of calm, elegance, and luxury.

Yellow

The color yellow is synonymous with sunshine, thereby spreading the effect of light and happiness.

Yellow is also associated with intellect and prosperity, due to its close associations with the color gold. In interior design, the color yellow is recommended for the kitchen, dining areas, hallways, and bathrooms.

The color automatically uplifts people’s spirits making the room feel bright and sunny.

Although most shades of yellow have a positive effect on the psyche, dull yellow colors instigate a feeling of doom, decay, and sickness.

It is best to use yellow in its bright shades around the house. Make sure to use it sparingly though, as yellow tends to stimulate uncontrollable emotions.

Due to the extreme optimistic effect, a completely yellow room can drive up blood pressure.

The brain associates high blood pressure with feelings of anger thus causing people to lose their temper without any provocation.

Orange

It symbolizes sunshine and nature. Orange and all its shades pretty much have a positive effect on the psyche.

Distant tones of Orange, such as gold represent wealth and prosperity.

It can either reflect on the client’s personality or their desire for success and fame.

Orange, much like red, also inspires desire, love, sexuality, and appetite.

This color predominantly has a calming effect on the senses as it reminds people of laying on the beach, drinking tropical beverages.

Orange is typically best used in bedrooms with complimentary tints that tone down the extreme effects of the color.

You can also use it in exercise areas to stimulate people.

Orange can increase appetite, which is why it is well suited for indoor and outdoor kitchen areas.