Psychology of colours for interior design

Choosing the right colours for home is not just about picking a colour to match your upholstery and furniture. Psychology of colours for design offers so much more to your lifestyle and psyche than you can possibly imagine. For instance, have you walked into a calm, pastel coloured room and felt suddenly relaxed? Or entered a room with a vibrant colour scheme and felt energised? That is the psychology of colours in design at work.

Psychology of colours in design has become quite a popular and powerful interior design tool that helps make a huge impact within interior design concepts. 

• Blue Colour Psychology

Blue is a favourite interior wall colour as it exudes calmness and serenity. Blue colour psychology describes it as peaceful and tranquil and it is considered a non-threatening colour and a sign of stability and reliability.  Though it has a conservative label, the right blue can make your interior look gorgeous as well as tranquil.

For instance, the latest Pantone colour of the year, the Classic Blue has a calming hue and is meant to provide a reassuring ambiance in a tumultuous time. This absolutely beautiful colour enhances the décor of any room, provides the perfect backdrop for furniture and induces peace and serenity. Blue is an easy colour to use on walls as it goes well with any home décor and works with most other colours.

• Red Colour Psychology

Red is often the most discussed colour when it comes to interiors as it is a very strong colour and cannot be used without forethought. It has been associated with strong emotions and passions and therefore people may feel hesitant to use the colour in their interiors. Red colour psychology is described as vibrant, stimulating, exciting and energising. It boosts self-esteem and enhances metabolism, and is a colour of passion and fervour. 

Red is a good colour for walls that face the door. Large rooms can accommodate deep red walls, but it may overwhelm smaller rooms and therefore a statement wall may be more effective. It would help to have the red wall facing the entrance so that the energy that it exudes will be felt as soon as someone walks into the room. It is a great colour for foyers and entryways.

• Orange Colour Psychology

Orange is the colour of the extrovert and radiates warmth and happiness. Orange is the combination of red and yellow and brings with it the vibrancy and enthusiasm of red and the cheerfulness of yellow. In brighter shades, it can be a colour full of vitality, and in darker hues, it becomes gentler and more soothing while still radiating warmth. Most people think of orange as a very bright colour and are fearful of experimenting with it. If orange on its own feels too bright, it can be paired beautifully with brown and spicy shades. Low lighting can also tone it down to a more soothing hue.

• Yellow Colour Psychology

If you are looking for a colour that inspires and gets the creative juices flowing, yellow is the colour for you. Apart from inspiring creativity, it is also one of the most cheerful and optimistic colours. Yellow colour psychology calls to mind a lovely, sunny day and this warm and bright colour on the walls can bring a feeling of happiness and brighten the spirits. Though people love yellow as a colour, they still think twice about actually painting walls with it.

A bright yellow room might be too loud, but when used in tandem with moderating colours, like warm blues, and forest greens, it can make for very interesting interiors.

• Green Colour Psychology

Green is a very nurturing colour and green colour psychology is symbolized by harmony, healing, and stability. It is a combination of blue and yellow and brings together the calmness and serenity of blue and the freshness and optimism of yellow to create an invigorating hue. It conjures up images of forests, meadows and all things natural and stimulates balance and growth. It is such a versatile colour and works well with any kind of interior bringing contrast, drama and richness to a space.

• Purples –

This colour of royalty promotes imagination and spirituality and infuses a quiet dignity and elegance to interiors. A purple two colour combination for bedroom walls can add a regal touch to the space while also promoting a sense of imagination and spirituality.

• Pinks –

A sweet, compassionate colour that can make a room playful, feminine, and warm.

• Browns –

A peaceful colour, brown must be used sparingly or in tandem with other colours as it tends to relax the senses.