The Psychology of Color

It’s said that certain colors can make us feel certain ways. Red can be related to anger or boldness, while green leans towards nature and calm. But is it true? Can colors really make us feel specific emotions? In short, yes.

The Psychology of Colors

There have been multiple studies researching the psychology of color and why different colors give off specific vibes. Evidence suggests that colors can influence human behavior and therefore impact everything we do: from what we buy to how we dress, and so on. However, it’s hard to define exactly why colors invoke emotional responses since not everyone experiences them the same way. Factors such as lifestyle, upbringing, and core values have an impact on how we associate colors, and it’s these associations that specifically lead to our decision-making.

Colors in Interior Design

This theory is used in many different industries, interior design being one. However, understanding how to use the psychology of color to your advantage (especially when you’re not an interior design expert) can be tricky. Create the perfect color combination for your interior palette when you discover what each color means!

Yellow

• Vibes:

  • Happiness
  • Youthfulness
  • Confidence
  • Sympathy

• Color Pairing:

  • Green
  • Brown
  • Blue
  • White

We associate yellow with sunshine, sunflowers, and smiley faces. When used in interior design, it can promote a happy, cheery, and soothing environment. The color literally shines, making it an invigorating hue that carries elements of positivity and opportunity. It’s closely linked to spring and summer through living flowers and sunshine, and applying it to your color palette could be easy as painted walls, comforters, accessories, or plants. Yellow is a fantastic gender-neutral shade that’s great for a nursery or child’s room and makes a great addition to patio or deck furniture.

Brown

• Vibes:

  • Strength
  • Reliability
  • Organic
  • Warmth

• Color Pairing:

  • White
  • Gray
  • Yellow
  • Red

Brown is a neutral color that’s commonly used as a base or building block in interior color palettes. It optimizes the benefit of color combination, meaning it can work entirely on its own or to enhance other colors. It has the ability to stand out as the foundation for the rest of your palette or make a statement independently. This color reminds us of nature, soil, dirt, and trees, which closely relates to stability and growth. It’s a grounding color that soothes our senses and warms up our space. Lighter shades add excellent undertones to other colors, while deeper browns create a solid statement.

Purple

• Vibes:

  • Stability
  • Power
  • Peace
  • Independence

• Color Pairing:

  • Gray
  • Pink
  • Brown
  • White

Grounding your space with shades of purple introduces a sense of creativity and independence. This color is often associated with luxury and royalty, and has generously taken its place in both modern and contemporary design styles. However, having a room full of purple furniture can be… overwhelming. Make it your accent color surrounded with gray, white, or light pink for a modern, high-style interior.

Green

• Vibes:

  • Energy
  • Growth
  • Ambition
  • Envy

• Color Pairing:

  • Brown
  • Gray
  • White
  • Red

We associate green with nature and growth since all things in nature are subject to grow (trees, flowers, and vegetation). Adding green to your interior design can increase optimism, energy, and ambition. It’s known to not only be visually appealing but also help with well-being.

Read our Biophilia Design Style blog post to learn how you can incorporate greenery elements into your home!

Red

• Vibes:

  • Excitement
  • Modern
  • Power
  • Romantic

• Color Pairing:

  • Purple
  • Brown
  • Orange
  • White

Using red in your interior color palette creates a sense of excitement in your home. Deep reds represent leadership and power and make great bold accent colors for a statement-making, modern interior. Shades like crimson, scarlet, and berry are used in a lot of food establishments since some evidence suggest it increases heart rate and encourage hunger. Lighter shades of red like blush flaunt a sense of romance and playfulness, which pairs nicely with browns, blues, and whites for a more bohemian look.

Blue

• Vibes:

  • Tranquility
  • Serenity
  • Reliability
  • Productivity

• Color Pairing:

  • Green
  • Orange
  • White
  • Gold

We unintentionally link blue to the ocean or the sky. Why? Well, because they’re both blue. And with the ocean or sky comes calming waves and warm breezes. So, it only makes sense in our brains that we associate the color blue with tranquility. Using blue in an interior color palette affects our mood for the better by promoting serenity. It’s commonly used in bedrooms since it creates a relaxing atmosphere for sleeping.

Tones

Although we connect black, white, and gray with different meanings, they are often all associated with grief, depression, and coldness. It’s important to find the right color combination for your interior color palette when using monochromatic colors to eliminate a cold atmosphere. Use one of these tones as your base color, then sprinkling brighter, warmer tones to help liven up your interior. Consider layering in blues, pinks, and brown pieces to enhance a happier and healthy interior.

Understanding the psychology of color is more than just understanding the emotional response each color invokes. Instead, knowing how to best utilize them in your interior color palette is the real advantage! It is a building block to interior design and a clever way to capture the desired ambiance of a room. Although you can showcase your dominant color through painted walls, it sometimes can be shown with statement furniture and décor. Next time you revamp your home, use the psychology of color to fill your space with positive feelings!