Psychology Of Color

Color psychology is based on the psychological aspects and functions of color. It is a universal language and one of the fastest ways of communication. Behind every color and shade or hue is a meaning and an emotional message.

Did you know that by using color psychology, you can send a positive or negative message, encourage sales, calm a crowd, make an athlete pump iron harder, and help create the right mood for interior space?

In this post we will go over some basic tips for applying the psychology of color in interior design courtesy of www.dreamhomedecorating.com. We will explore the psychology of specific colors in more detail over my next few posts!

Research has shown that people are affected by color, so here are some helpful guidelines when decorating your home.

• Saturated colors from the yellow/orange/red section of the color wheel tend to raise our energy levels, while colors from the blue/green section calm us down, both physically and emotionally.
• Neutral color schemes are generally found relaxing (and boring, by some – it does take a bit of practice to make a neutral color scheme look stylish.)
• Dark colors generally make a room feel smaller; it doesn’t really matter if they are ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ colors. (On the other hand, it takes more than light wall color to make a room seem larger than it is.)
• Some color combinations are loved almost universally; for example, blue combined with neutrals (blue is the majority’s favorite color).

It’s important to remember that colors affect people differently and that no two people will see and respond to a specific color in the same way. Also, colors have different meanings in different culture’s. For example most of the world associates “white” with purity (wedding dresses) and cleanliness (doctors in white coats).

However, in some eastern parts of the world, white is associated with mourning. And finally, colors will ultimately bring back personal memories and feelings.

So when you are selecting colors for your home make sure you keep the following in mind:

• How you will use the space? For example, a deep red or burgundy is a very traditional color to use for a dining room in Richmond, VA. The same colors would not; however, be as successful in a home office or bedroom.
• At which time of the day will you be using the space? Remember that lighting plays a huge part in how a color looks and how it affects you. So make sure you consider how much light and the types of light being used when you selecting colors.
• How do you want to feel when you’re in the space? Excited, relaxed, energized? Trust yourself! You know what you like and don’t like, so have fun! 😀