How Colour Affects our Mood
22 January 2024
Image: Rockfon rockfon.co.uk
Have you ever wondered why you never get that calming feeling when you walk into your bedroom or why your living room looks and feels drab and depressing? The fact that colour influences our mood has been studied for decades. However recently, it seems, there are more in depth studies done about colour and the psychology behind it. This may have a lot to do with the fact that we are spending more time at home.
Understanding colour and how to use it is not a great mystery, but if you do not find out how to use different shades of colours in your home, you will never get that desired mood you are trying to create.
The Emotion Colour Triggers
Image: Neptune via LivingEtc.
Most of us are only about 20% aware of why we make certain colour choices or decisions, according to Karen Haller, the author and leading international authority in the field of Applied Colour & Design Psychology. These reactions to colour are both learned associations and colours associated from nature. Whether we recognise it or not, colour can trigger an emotional or physiological response.
For example Blue has been shown to reduce both a person’s blood pressure and the number of heart beats per minute, whereas Red, on the other hand, has been shown to increase our heart rate.
Studies have shown that most of us think of Yellow as a happy colour, but did you know that it also increases your metabolism and energy levels? This is why this colour is often used in Kitchens and playrooms. Blue gives a feeling of stability and calmness, hence why it is used in bedrooms and living rooms. The same goes for the colour Green. Not only is it a calming colour that brings nature in, it is also very soothing for children. Green is also often used to promote productivity when used in a workplace or school environment.
Combine the deeper green colours with blue and you get to Teal which evokes feelings of optimism, energy and trustworthiness. A great colour to use in a study.
Warm vs. Cool Colours
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Colours are often described as warm or cool. Warm colours are those with warm undertones. These are red, yellow, orange and yellow-green. Shades like these can make a room look cozy, bright and radiant. It can also make small rooms appear smaller and large rooms appear more intimate.
Cool colours are on the opposite of the colour wheel. Colours with a cool undertone are purple, blue and blue-greens. Using these colours in a room will have a calming effect. Do note that it's important to remember that when you use these colours on your walls that there is plenty of natural light coming into the room, as it can make a room feel colder.
How can you use Colour Psychology in your home?
Here are our tips on how to use colours in your interiors to get the desired mood and aesthetic;
Warm colours are great for creating a comfortable or cosy feel in a room.
Cool colours can be used to create a calming effect.
Bright, bold colours can be used to stimulate creativity or activity.
Pastel tones are perfect for rooms that need to feel comforting or serene.
Neutral shades like black, white, and grey can be used as anchors to help other bright colours stand out.
There is no "one size fits all" rule when designing with colours. There are so many options to choose from. In the end, using the colours you love in your home will make you feel comfortable and at peace.
If you are still uncertain and would like to know more, do get in contact with us. We can definitely help you create the perfect colour palette for your next project.
