There are many ways in which people approach the re-design or decoration of their homes. However it has become apparent that exploring the benefits of effective colour psychology to create a calm and well balanced home is a thing of the past…
Colour is an extremely powerful communication tool. It’s widely used to signal action, however we will be looking at how colour can influence mood. This is true for feelings and emotions too.
Our perceptions of colour is somewhat subjective these days, but colour still does have universal meaning.
Colours in the Red spectrum as known as warmer colours, which includes red, orange and yellow. These colours can evoke feelings of warmth, comfort and even hostility.
Colours in the Blue side of the spectrum however, are much colder. This includes blue, purple and green and can evoke feelings of calm but calls feelings of sadness too.
Hence, it’s very important to consider the feelings colours evoke when you’re thinking of decorating.
It can be difficult to choose the correct colours at home as it is. Nevertheless, if we understood the feelings and emotions behind each colour before embarking on making such decisions, surely it would make the process much easier…
Using Colour for Therapy
Many ancient cultures (such as the Egyptians, Chinese etc) practiced the use of colour in order to heal. Amazingly, it is still used today and is extremely relevant.
Red was used to stimulate the body to increase circulation
Yellow was used to stimulate the nerves, and to purify the body.
Orange was thought to heal the lungs and also increase energy levels.
Blue was used to soothe and treat pain.
And finally, Indigo was thought to help alleviate skin problems.
Modern Colour Psychology
It is important to note as this point that colours have many different meanings in different cultures.
As a general rule, the following effects from modern day colours should help you decide which emotions and feelings you wish your home to evoke…
White is an extremely popular choice for modern homes in particular as it can feel extremely fresh and clean. It also expresses a sense of youth, and is the perfect base / foundation colour to most homes.
Black is often described as a powerful colour. It is mysterious, sexy yet can be seen as ominous. Darker tones generally create more of a “cocoon” feeling in homes, but proceed with caution.
Red, as previously stated in this post, can be seen as evoking danger. It is bold but shows confidence.
On the other hand, Blue is an extremely stable and calming colour. Opt for brighter blues to show playfulness and more muted pastel blues to calm the mind.
Yellow is perceived as the happiest colour in the spectrum.
Creating a Calm and Balanced Home
Following the research and information presented above, we can draw a number of conclusions with regards to how you can create a calm and balanced home with the help of clever colour placement.
Always start with a neutral foundation / base palette. This generally starts with tones of white, off-white, cream or even beige.
Then, add muted tones of the colours you resonate most with.
This could be any of the colours we have discussed in this post, depending on how you’d like your environments to feel. This not only relates to how your home make you personally feel, but also to those who may visit.
Focus on Bedrooms, Living Rooms and Bathrooms to make them calm environments. Consider muted tones of greens or blues for these areas.
If you’re a particularly playful, fun or eccentric person then adding bold and bright colours in accessories or feature walls will evoke this throughout.
I hope you have enjoyed this post and learnt something new about colour and how it can effect your moods and emotions. There are still many more researches to be into colour and how exactly they have an effect on people. However they do have influence, subject to one’s personal, cultural and situational factors.
Do you agree with the emotions and feelings associated with the colours discussed in this post? How do you react to colour, particularly in your home? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
All the best,
Jessica xo
References:
General Research, Very Well Mind – https://www.verywellmind.com/color-psychology-2795824
Introduction, Cate St Hill – http://catesthill.com/2017/05/08/i-wish-i-lived-here-white-and-light-grey-create-a-calm-interior/
Using Colour for Therapy, Modern Colour Psychology, Creating a Calm and Balanced Home, Architectural Digest – https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/refined-new-york-apartment-consort?mbid=social_pinterest
