Image copyright Clair Strong Interior Design
For many years’ artists, scientists and researchers have been interested in the psychology of colour. They found that colour can have a profound effect on the human mind and emotions; evoking memory, affecting mood and influencing behaviour. It has been shown that colour can have physical effects, increasing blood pressure and affecting appetite, and can even cause eye strain.
As an interior designer, the consideration of colour is an important part of my job. I work with my clients to choose hues that help create the right atmosphere or mood in their home, are practical for their use, and compliment their furnishings. Of course, our attitude to colour is subjective, and everyone has particular likes and dislikes. This can make home design a balance between picking colours for their visual appeal or style status and choosing colours for their potential benefits.
Fortunately, there are so many colours, tones and shades to choose from, it’s possible to achieve both style and substance. You don’t have to select the brightest green or angriest red to feel… something; it can be much more subtle and nuanced than that.
Architects and interior designers have become increasingly aware of the benefits of colour. And they have been using this knowledge to create healthy, positive environments in schools, hospitals and other institutions.
Happy, Healthy Home
Here are a few simple ways to start using colour psychology in your home design scheme:
- Cool colours like blue, green and violet create a sense of calm, so these hues are ideal in bedrooms and bathrooms or any space where relaxation is required.
- Yellow is a subtly optimistic, happy colour and is perfect for playrooms and nurseries.
- White has long been a symbol of purity and cleanliness. If you’re a bit of a neat freak, consider an all white bathroom!
- Is your home a little on the small side? Light reflecting colours create an illusion of space.
- Reds, oranges and browns make the home feel warm and welcoming, this is a great trick for the long, dark British winters!
