The Psychology of Color in Interior Design

Choosing the perfect color for your home is about more than just what’s trendy at the moment, or what matches your existing couch, throw pillows, or other accent pieces.

In fact, the colors used in interior design can have a significant impact on our emotions and behaviors! For this reason, it’s essential to choose colors carefully when designing your space.

We’re here to explore the psychology of color in interior design, and examine how different colors can affect our moods, behaviors, and overall experiences within a room– both positive and negative!

Why does color affect mood?

It might sound a little silly, but it’s actually scientifically proven that color can affect our moods.

Certain colors can actually physically affect our bodies, too, by doing things like increasing or decreasing blood pressure.

The psychology of color goes beyond the physical reaction. In fact, our reactions to various colors within an environment can also be determined by age and cultural background. You might have a mental and physical reaction to a color based on a positive or negative memory from your past, or feel more strongly about a color if it’s particularly significant within your culture.

Red

Red is a tricky color to incorporate into a room, especially when it comes to choosing a paint color.

It works very well as an accent– pops of red around a room can look incredible. It’s a bold and energizing color that can stimulate your senses and increase excitement.

Red is a great color for dining rooms and living spaces, where people tend to interact the most, because it can be beneficial for conversation and socialization.

However, incorporating too much red into a room, especially if it’s too bright and saturated, can be overwhelming and can even lead to feelings of aggression or anxiety. Moderation is key!

Yellow

A cheerful and uplifting color, yellow can be used to create a sense of happiness and positivity. It’s often used in kitchens and dining rooms, because it’s been proven to stimulate the appetite and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Just like with red, however, the positive effects of a yellow room can change drastically when the color is too bright or too saturated. With the wrong color of yellow, a sunny, cheerful kitchen can quickly veer into “caution tape” territory– evoking anxiety and irrationality.

Green

Deep emeralds in particular are trendy right now, but green is (pardon the pun) an evergreen choice in home decorating.

It’s often seen in yoga studios and other places that promote relaxation and well-being, like spas. Effective use of the color green can create a sense of peace and tranquility, and reduce stress. Too much green, or the wrong shade of green, can also lead to feelings of boredom or stagnation. It is possible to have too much of a good thing!

Neutrals

Much of the time, you really can’t go wrong with neutral colors. These are often used as a base in interior design, creating some space for pops of brighter colors to shine. However, if you use too much white or beige, your space might start to feel too dull or sterile.

What colors should I decorate with?

Making the right choice when it comes to color in interior design can be a tricky decision. Ultimately, it comes down to the way that each color makes you feel. It can’t hurt to experiment with paint samples or fabric swatches, just to see how you feel interacting with the color in question throughout your day.

If you’re curious about what colors will work in your space, or want some interior decorating tips, don’t hesitate to give us a call or stop by. Our design experts will be happy to help!