As a Psychology Graduate I am fascinated by how colour used in our homes can affect how we feel. Whilst the colours themselves can evoke certain emotions, we can also react to them in quite different ways. Therefore, choosing the right hue/colour palette for you is the best way to make sure your home decor is working for you in the most positive way.
As this is a complex subject I have broken this blog down into two parts. In Part 1 I will run through the colours and then in Part 2 I will go on to explain about the effect different colour palettes can have on us.
White
White, the blank canvas that so many of us like to have as our backdrop in our homes. It is not surprising when it represents: balance, wholeness, innocence, purity and freshness. White can be used pretty much anywhere in our homes, although if you want those creative juices to flow then this possibly wouldn’t be the colour to use.
Photo Credit: The White Company
Red
In contrast Red evokes passion, excitement, energy, power and ambition. Fantastic to use within a dining room, enabling spirited discussions to take place bringing an exciting and energetic feel to dinner parties!
Photo Credit: Debbie Treloar
Pink
The softness of Pink creates a feeling of love, calm, sensitivity, femininity and nurture. Great to use in a bedroom to create a calm & loving environment or a bathroom to bring out our femininity and to feel nurtured.
Photo Credit: Simon Upton, House & Garden Magazine
Yellow
The vibrancy of Yellow evokes intellect, energy, joy, youth and optimism. Whilst this is a great colour to use in a playroom or as an accent colour in an older childs room, it is not one to use in a nursery or young childs room. The reason being that the energy that yellow exudes is in complete contrast to the peaceful, calm environment which is needed to promote a good sleeping environment.
Photo Credit: Petite and Small
Green
Perhaps not surprisingly by using green in the home it is like bringing the outdoors in, bringing with it a feeling of balance and growth. Green can be used in any room although best suited to those with lots of natural light so as not to feel too overpowering.
Photo Credit: Farrow & Ball
Brown
Much like green, brown in all its neutral hues is also largely associated with nature and not only creates a relaxing environment but also one of support and structure. Given its timeless features, neutrals are great in bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens.
Photo Credit: Hernandez Greene
Purple
Purple, known for its opulence and association with royalty creates a feeling of luxury, fantasy and creativity. It is also known to be a calming colour.
Photo Credit: Lux Deco
Black
The sleekness of black is often associated with power, drama & mystery. It can be used in small doses to make a powerful statement in a room or in large areas to create a dramatic interior scheme.
Photo Credit: Elle Decor
Blue
Finally, Blue, known to be the most popular worldwide colour can evoke different emotions depending on its hue. Whilst all forms offer peace & tranquility, darker blues lend themselves more to loyalty, trust, confidence and success whereas the calmness of lighter blues creates an environment for intelligent thoughts, spirit and control.
Photo Credit: Little Greene Photo Credit: Dulux
So that is the theory on the emotions that different colours can evoke, but how do we as individuals react to them? Find out in Part 2 - Colour Psychology & Personalities!
Anna x
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