Colour psychology is used widely in branding and marketing but it’s also a powerful interior design tool that arguably has more of an impact on the mood of a room than any other factor.
Colour can alter a person’s mood, incite anger, evoke happiness, or call to mind feelings of indifference and sadness. Even so, most people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the effects of colour in their homes or offices.
Different shades conjure various emotions so when debating on which hues to choose for your home it’s key to think about the kind of atmosphere you want to create and which colours will help you achieve this.
Here are the most commonly used colours in interior designing and how it affects the feel of the design:
- Orange
Orange hues are bright, fun and energetic. Since orange is a combination of red and yellow, it makes sense that it would have all the vivacity and warmth of both.
- Red
Red can be bold and dramatic or warm and earthy, depending on the tone. Red is best used in areas where energy should be high.
- Yellow
Yellow is usually associated with sunshine, energy and happiness. It can spark creativity and encourage communication.
- Green
Green brings to mind nature, balance and harmony. Deep emerald or hunter green can add intensity and elegance, while sage green is soothing and helps stimulate focus and creativity.
- Blue
Blue tones are typically associated with calm and serenity. It’s a great colour for spa-like bathrooms and peaceful master bedrooms. Deep navy or royal blues add a masculine feeling.
- Purple
Purple has long been the colour of royalty and can inspire creativity and spirituality. Nearly 75% of pre-adolescent children choose purple over any other colour.
- Pink
Pink can add a touch of feminine flair, and it has seen a huge increase in popularity over the past few years. Darker shades of magenta add a punch of drama.
- Black
Black has always been associated with sophistication, elegance and luxury. It’s most often used as an accent in the home, as all-black interiors can become dreary and overwhelming very quickly.
- White
White is the colour of purity and cleanliness, and often is regarded as a blank palette. White interiors can feel fresh and modern.
- Brown
Brown accents such as wood tones, leather, and are a great way to warm up a space to make it feel homier in an instant.
Having a through knowledge of colours will help you provided exactly what the client wants and make them feel good about making the right choice. n