A fresh coat of paint on an accented wall or an all-out color scheme can spruce up and transform a space, breathing new life into a dreary room.
And if you’re planning to give your walls a splash of color as part of your spring-cleaning ritual or otherwise, there are several factors that play into your color selection. You have to consider the existing color schemes in a space (art, furniture, etc.), the intended function of the room, and your personal preferences.
But perhaps most importantly, you might want to factor in the psychology of color – i.e., how different colors impact our emotions and behavior.
Imagine trying to be productive in a home office that screams, “it’s time to relax and unwind.” Or perhaps picture getting some shuteye in a room with a playful and energetic ambiance. You can see where we’re going with this…it’s important to understand how paint color impacts your state of mind.
“Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.”
Read on for more on how color impacts our mood and how we can apply color psychology to create the ideal mood for any space.
The Impact of Paint Color on Mood
Ever walked into a blue room and felt a sense of calm in your breath? Color psychology suggests that this is not a coincidence. The saturation and brightness of colors can profoundly influence physiological reactions, moods, and even signal action.
There’s more to color than meets the eye. It enhances our visual world and shapes our understanding of the environment, making it a valuable resource for artists, marketers, and interior designers. Whether it’s your house or a piece of artwork, color is often the finishing touch. And depending on your choices, it can make or break a space.
Here’s how different colors evoke different emotional triggers:
“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”
Soothing Colors – Sit Back and Relax
Looking to unwind after a long day? Consider exploring blue and green paint colors, which tend to have a tranquil effect on our mood. This makes the hues ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, or any other areas you go to escape the hustle and bustle of life.
Pale to mid-tones of blue are widely known for their soothing effect, including reducing blood pressure and slowing the heart rate. And according to a survey of 2,000 homes, respondents slept the longest in a blue bedroom.
Similarly, green paint color creates a feeling of harmony, freshness, and growth—all characteristics of nature. It invokes feelings of safety, peace, and Zen. In a way, you’re bringing the freshness of the outdoors inside.
Luxurious Colors – Ooze Sophistication and Royalty
Few colors conjure up the feeling of opulence and regality to the tune of purple. It’s an eye-catching accent that brings a sense of presence to a space, like a king or emperor walking into a room. Purple is also great for inspiring creativity.
Consider purple for spaces where you want to make an elegant statement or add a depth of drama. But keep in mind that lighter shades invoke a certain softness to a room, while saturated hues may feel gloomy.
Other paint colors that give a room an air of luxury include gold and silver, which represent glamor and success. They’re often used subtly to accentuate complementary hues like black to inject some authoritativeness, power, and mystery to a space.
Paint Colors for an Energetic Mood – Bubbly All the Way
If you want to dial the energy in a room up a notch, warm shades are the catalyst you need. From passionate reds to playful oranges and cheerful yellows, colors on the warmer side of the spectrum radiate vigor. In fact, red is known to increase metabolism, appetite, blood pressure, and heart rate.
As far as saturation is concerned, bright hues (perhaps neon?) and highly pigmented colors can feel energizing.
Lively paint colors are ideal for high-traffic or gathering areas in a home. Maybe the kitchen, dining room, hallway, the living room, or even an exercise/play area. The idea is to use the feeling of excitement they confer to stimulate meaningful interactions, conversations, and experiences with guests or family members.
However, some shades may be too vibrant and overwhelming for an all-out color scheme. Consider oranges or yellows for accent walls.
Productive Colors – Get it Done!
Got a home office? You’ll be surprised at the impact a fresh coat of paint can have on your work output. Crank up your productivity and help your mind shut out distractions using the power of color.
- Purple hues can help you feel more inspired and passionate – ideal for creatives.
- Shades of blue and green can lower stress and boost concentration – just the prescription you need for high-pressure environments.
- Yellow or orange accents invigorate and keep you alert, which is handy for physically intensive or learning environments.
Related: Remote Work is Here to Stay
A Neutral Tones for a Serene Ambiance
White may be a common paint color, but that doesn’t make its impact less profound. The right shade of white paired with complementary accents (e.g., wood, glass, or pops of black) can drastically transform a room.
White is symbolic of simplicity, purity, and airiness. When used as the primary tone in a room, it makes the space feel fresh and clean. And as a bonus, it creates an illusion of spaciousness. Not to mention its versatility as a universal neutralizer that works in nearly every space in a home.
Find the Best Hue for Every Room
Color is a powerful tool in an interior designer’s arsenal. Tuning into color psychology and leveraging the impact of color on our emotions can go a long way in helping you find the perfect hue for every space in your home.
But you must also understand that people can respond differently to the same shade of color. For this reason, it’s advisable to factor in your personal preferences. Love the space you inhabit. And just like your home, color your life.
“Be uniquely you. Stand out. Shine. Be colorful. The world needs your prismatic soul!”
