Choosing colours for our spaces can often seem daunting, what colours should we be choosing and why? Well the answer to the that is there isn’t one – it has to be right for you. As a starting point you can utilise the psychology of colour to help determine a palette for a space depending on what you want it to function as.
So what is colour psychology? In it’s basic interpretation it is the study of colours as a determinant on human behaviour. We also must consider that when people cite colour psychology they also probably mean colour symbolism i.e. the use of colour as a symbol in art or anthropology.
Studies on the subject varies widely but the most widely held emotional responses and associations to colour are:
Red
Often associated with love, passion, and lust. It can also be used to signify anger, danger or a warning.
Red in an interior is a bold choice. It is a great accent colour known to increase energy and appetite, therefore, is a good choice for a kitchen or dining room as it can also stimulate conversation.
Blue
Often symbolising serenity, stability, inspiration, trust, loyalty and wisdom.
Blue has a calming affect and is associated with reducing blood pressure so it is a great choice for an interior space. Various hues can have various outcomes stylistically: light powder blue will create calming and relaxing environments so are great for bedrooms, be aware that it can leave a room feeling cold if it doesn’t get a lot of natural daylight. Dark navy blues associated with knowledge can create sophisticated office spaces
Yellow
Often associated with sunshine, joy, happiness and intellect.
Yellow is great for hallways as it is a welcoming colour. Children often are drawn to yellow, therefore, it is a great choice for a nursery. Just ensure you get the right shade as it can be sickly or overpowering if too strong a hue.
Green
Most obviously used to represent nature, healing, or fertility
Green is the most restful colour on the eye and you can, therefore, use green in every room of the house. As it is a very relaxing colour any room where settling in is the aim of the game i.e. lounge or bedroom, it would be an ideal choice.
Pink
Pink is associated with softness, femininity, compassion, and love.
Using pink in a space can create a playful feminine look and is a good choice for bedrooms. To keep it from becoming saccharine pair with a darker bold colour or simply with white and keep lines clean and fresh. If you want to use a strong pink colour, keep it to a small room such as a WC or ensuite bathroom and pair with any metallic accent to make it feel luxe.
Orange
Symbolises enthusiasm, creativity, success and encouragement.
As a bold colour orange is a great choice for an accent in most spaces where activity happens such as home office, dining rooms and hallways. Oranges are good for creating drama and warmth so work well in rooms that don’t attract much natural daylight.
Purple
Symbolises authority, sophistication and power.
Dark purples when matched with other bold choices such as gold represent luxury and sophistication so is a good choice for public rooms in your home such as sitting rooms. Lighter pastel versions like lavender have a restful quality so are a good choice particularly for guest bedrooms.