Color Psychology 101: The Impact of Color

Have you ever considered the impact of color in a space? Many of my clients think of it simply as a decorative element, but what they don't realize is just how much color psychology affects the entire tone or mood of a room. 

I love playing with color in a design, from unexpected pops in patterned pillows and accessories to full accent walls and pieces of furniture in brilliant hues. Each color is a form of self-expression that contributes to the unique story of a home. 

 I have shared some of the psychology behind color below, along with a collection of my favorite colorful home decor items. Take a look to learn how you can transform your space with a vibrant splash!


Blue

Blue is one of the most commonly used colors in interior design because it is soothing and easy to coordinate with other colors. Light shades evoke feelings of freedom and openness, whereas darker shades convey a sense of stability and trust. The wide range of blue hues makes it a truly timeless color that works well with many different design aesthetics. 

Red

Red is a great color choice when you want to add warmth to a space or make a statement. Soft variations, such as blush pink, express femininity and coziness, while deep reds symbolize stronger feelings of intensty, passion, and boldness. Because it does stir up so much emotion, too much red in an interior can be quite overwhelming. I recommend using it sparingly, in accent pieces throughout your home. 

Yellow

Yellow is considered to be the color of happiness, and it will certainly bring some cheerful and sunny inspiration to a space. Just like the color red, though, I would avoid using it in large sections of your home. Too much yellow can cause you to feel very anxious. 

Green

Green is the color of comfort and renewal. It connects us to nature, bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside. As you may know, incorporating natural elements in an interior has a soothing effect on the mind and body, promoting wellness and healthy habits at home. 

Purple

Purple used to be a color reserved for royalty and some of those connotations are still associated with it today. It is the perfect choice if you are going for a sophisticated and luxurious aesthetic or a one-of-a-kind custom design. Pastels and light shades also create a sense of whimsical airiness and feminine charm. 


Although it is sometimes overlooked, color psychology has a major impact on how a space makes you feel. This guide is meant to help you understand the feelings color can evoke, so that you can use it to create a home that makes you feel amazing every day. 

As you begin experimenting with color, we would be more than happy to offer professional guidance. My academic background in psychology and our psychology-based approach to interior design make us valuable partners throughout the process. We evaluate your needs first through an assessment to determine what makes you happy, and translate those results into a design concept, complete with furniture, accessories, finishes, and personalized color scheme suggestions. Reach out to us when you're ready to live life at home in full color!