Guest Post by Delaney Wiley
Why do we tend to gravitate towards some colors more than others? Are we choosy because color resonates with something deeper than just what catches the eye? Color Psychologists study how color is linked to human behavior. There is said to be a definite relationship between color and how it can affect our mood, however, it’s been difficult to pinpoint exactly why this happens.
Despite some uncertainty within the theory of color and mood, the concept of color psychology has become widely known within businesses, marketing, art, and design. Color schemes of houses and apartments can actually reveal a lot about the owner and the colors chosen can have an effect on your mood whether or not it’s acknowledged.
Color psychologists have been able to link colors of the spectrum with energy properties they represent. Here’s a list of the main colors of the spectrum and the energy properties which they’ve been said to represent:
Red
Associated with fire, red is a supportive color. Shades of red can elevate heart rate and blood pressure leading to increased circulation. It also represents passion, love, and is very stimulating to the mind. It creates an appetite which is why it’s often used in restaurants. It makes a good color for the dining room or living room where people tend to be together.
Orange
The color of joy and communication. It radiates warmth and creativity. Orange supports being extroverted and adventure, however, it seems to be the most underused color of our time! Bring more orange into your kitchen or living room to get people conversing and thinking, and if you have a gym, that’s the most ideal space for the color orange since it can generate an energetic mood.
Yellow
Being the lightest hue of the color spectrum, yellow is said to be illuminating and uplifting. It’s one of the better colors to provoke feelings of optimism and confidence. It is more intellectual and deals with the head and not so much the heart. Some people can’t tolerate yellow for long periods of time because it “vibrates” too fast for some, creating stress. Yellow is not an ideal main color for a room, so use yellow to brighten small areas.
Green
Usually associated with what’s found in nature, green reminds us of comfort and home. Different shades of green represent growth and balance. It is a color related to the heart and emotions. Green is a very positive color and is viewed as a “peace maker.” represents abundance and prosperity. A garden lover and a great host will usually be utilizing a lot green in their homes since it may give a sense of connection to nature. Paint nearly any room green where you want to awaken a sense of comfort and relaxation.
Blue
Known as a very soothing color, blue creates trust and doesn’t draw a lot of attention. It reduces stress and is referred to as the teacher because it supports one-on-one communications. A lot of spas and serene businesses are painted blue for the sense of calmness it generates. Blue is a great color for a bathroom, bedroom, or any area you want to focus on tranquility.
Purple
The color associated with royalty, imagination, and spirituality. It’s for the daydreamers and artists wanting to escape from reality. Shades of purple such violets, can induce harmony between the mind and emotions resulting in piece of mind. It’s a good color for offices, play rooms, and art spaces; however, it is one color you might not want to paint a bedroom as it is very stimulating for the brain.
Black
Black is a protectant of external emotional stress. As white brings light, black hides and can exude intimidation and being unapproachable. Since it's a popular color for attire during nice occasions, it's often associated with success and confidence. When thinking about how to decorate with the color black, it’s best to use in small doses to create a dramatic effect. Add color to amp things up or tone it down to create a calm atmosphere.
Brown
An earthy, wooden, and outdoor feel resonates from the color brown since it’s frequently associated with natural and organic objects. Brown hues can suppress the emotions, which can be positive because it creates a feeling of no stress. Chocolate, espresso, and other shades of brown make a room feel cozy and safe, which is why a lot of coffee shops are painted brown. Brown is a good color for dens or rooms in which you go to get away from it all.
White
If you want to make a space feel light and open, use white to create a serene atmosphere. White is special because you can always add more color without becoming too overwhelming. Adding accessories such as adding a framed photograph or colorful rug revs up the color and won’t be too overwhelming. White is associated with purity and new beginnings. It isn’t as stimulating to the senses as other colors making it a good way for the mind to be open for creativity. Consider white for a space that is crammed in your house to make it appear bigger or a living room where you want to add more color through objects (unless you have kids or pets running around!).
Color Harmony
So what about all the thousands of colors in between these basic examples? Along with choosing a color that fits the mood, you want a room to stimulate. Combining colors can also be very important in decorating a living space. “You can go for the classic combinations of complementary colors such as red, which you can take into the pink tones, or you can go for a split complementary such as purple or orange. Go with any combination you like, the key is to use colors that are in the same tonal color group (i.e. yellow or blue based) otherwise you are likely to experience a jarring effect making it difficult to live with over time” (Color Psychology). Using a color wheel makes it easy to see what colors work harmoniously together. This is a helpful tool for people wanting to set a mood or convey something that in a nonverbal way.
We naturally gravitate towards certain colors, foods, smells, and sights for reasons that still aren't completely explained. Once you figure out how to pair colors that are complementary and view the properties of certain colors, a room can become a personal oasis of whatever you want to portray.
What’s your favorite color and can you give a reason why it’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments below – We’d love to hear your thoughts!
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