Why are nurseries usually designed in light colors? Why are so many office buildings shades of blue and beige? Why are most fast food restaurants designed in bright color schemes? Each of these questions and many more can be answered using color psychology.
Tone – Dark vs Light
In addition to color temperature, tonal value also plays a role in interior design color psychology. Lighter tones are more reflective and as a result we see these as moving away from us. They give the illusion of more space and lighter in weight. On the other hand darker tones reflect less light and appear closer to us. This creates the sense of a closer more intimate space or a feeling of heaviness.
Saturation – Pure vs Muted
The more saturated a color is, the more intense of a feeling it projects (see part II of this blog for the feelings each color projects). Saturated or "pure" colors are colors that are closest to their base hue (red, yellow, blue). The more grey added to a color the less saturated it is.
The appropriate interplay of a color’s temperature, tone, and saturation will help you achieve the feel you are aiming for in a room.
Before you settle on an interior color scheme, it’s good to be clear how you will use each space in your project whether it is your home or your business.
It’s also a good idea to be aware of what type of lighting each space will primarily be used in. Will the space only be used at night with incandescent table lamps, or will it mostly be used in the day with lots of natural sunlight. Maybe the space is lit with fluorescent light fixtures. Whatever the case may be it is essential that all color selections be made in the type of lighting that they will be used. No color is the same in all types of lighting.
The next step is to ask yourself, “How do I want to feel in this space?” - Do you want to feel calm and focused? Maybe you want to feel energized and motivated. In other spaces you might want to feel warm and secure. Here is where color psychology can provide you with information and options.
Remember to take a look at the three basics of Color Psychology (Temperature, Tone, & Saturation).
Warm colors can make a space feel warm, cozy, and comforting, although used in great amounts or in dark hues one can feel more excitement or anger. Warm colors also tend to advance visually. The positive aspects of this are a closer, cozier feeling environment. If you have a large space that lacks an intimate appeal, consider using colors from this part of the spectrum.
Cool colors tend to make a space feel calm and crisp, although used too much or in too strong of a hue the feeling can turn cold and gloomy. Colors on the cool side of the color wheel also tend to recede visually suggesting a more airy open environment. This is an aspect of interior design color psychology to consider if you are struggling with how to enhance a small space.
Another way to create a space that appears larger than it really is, or a space that appears cozier and more comforting than the space really lends to, is with light and dark colors. Light colors will make your space feel larger while dark colors will make your space feel smaller.
Don’t forget saturation. The more saturated or “pure” a color is, the more intense of a feeling it will put off.
Part II of this BLOG will talk about each of the main 11 colors that are universal by name: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Black, White, Grey, Brown, & Pink. Each color gives off its own feeling and energy that can make or break the design of a space.
Utilizing color psychology in your spaces can help you to create the right “mood” that you are looking for. Color psychology is a very interesting aspect of interior design but don’t worry about getting it right. It’s definitely not an exact science. No color has been scientifically proven to have the same effect for all humans. Such factors as eye sight, culture, and personal experiences can change a person’s perception of color. Still, research does show that we all share some basic responses to color. So when you set out to decorate your new home or office, color psychology can provide you with the most promising color candidates for the effects you want to achieve.
What is color psychology?
Color psychology is the study of the effect that colors have on the moods, behavior, and feelings of people. Its use is found primarily in interior design and marketing helping people understand how individual colors invoke positive or negative feelings which are used to promote products or create a desired atmosphere inside a home or business.
Color Therapy
Color psychology was also used in several ancient cultures including Egyptian and Chinese, with the belief that colors could be used to heal. Alternative Therapists still apply this method, referring to it variously as chromo therapy, light therapy, or colourology. According to this theory, red stimulates the mind and body, and increases circulation. Yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body while orange was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels. Blue is believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain while Indigo shades are said to alleviate skin problems.
Color Psychology Basics
Temperature - Warm vs Cool
One of the most well known principles of Color Psychology is the designation of warm and cool colors. Colors on the warm side of the color spectrum include red, orange, and yellow. These warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility. Colors on the cool side of the spectrum include blue, purple, and green. These colors are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of sadness or indifference. Then there are the beiges and muted grays that don’t really have a definite warm or cool projection in interior design color psychology. These are referred to as temperature neutral.
One of the most well known principles of Color Psychology is the designation of warm and cool colors. Colors on the warm side of the color spectrum include red, orange, and yellow. These warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility. Colors on the cool side of the spectrum include blue, purple, and green. These colors are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of sadness or indifference. Then there are the beiges and muted grays that don’t really have a definite warm or cool projection in interior design color psychology. These are referred to as temperature neutral.
Tone – Dark vs Light
In addition to color temperature, tonal value also plays a role in interior design color psychology. Lighter tones are more reflective and as a result we see these as moving away from us. They give the illusion of more space and lighter in weight. On the other hand darker tones reflect less light and appear closer to us. This creates the sense of a closer more intimate space or a feeling of heaviness.
Saturation – Pure vs Muted
The more saturated a color is, the more intense of a feeling it projects (see part II of this blog for the feelings each color projects). Saturated or "pure" colors are colors that are closest to their base hue (red, yellow, blue). The more grey added to a color the less saturated it is.
The appropriate interplay of a color’s temperature, tone, and saturation will help you achieve the feel you are aiming for in a room.
Applying Color Psychology to Interior Design
Before you settle on an interior color scheme, it’s good to be clear how you will use each space in your project whether it is your home or your business.
It’s also a good idea to be aware of what type of lighting each space will primarily be used in. Will the space only be used at night with incandescent table lamps, or will it mostly be used in the day with lots of natural sunlight. Maybe the space is lit with fluorescent light fixtures. Whatever the case may be it is essential that all color selections be made in the type of lighting that they will be used. No color is the same in all types of lighting.
The next step is to ask yourself, “How do I want to feel in this space?” - Do you want to feel calm and focused? Maybe you want to feel energized and motivated. In other spaces you might want to feel warm and secure. Here is where color psychology can provide you with information and options.
Remember to take a look at the three basics of Color Psychology (Temperature, Tone, & Saturation).
Warm colors can make a space feel warm, cozy, and comforting, although used in great amounts or in dark hues one can feel more excitement or anger. Warm colors also tend to advance visually. The positive aspects of this are a closer, cozier feeling environment. If you have a large space that lacks an intimate appeal, consider using colors from this part of the spectrum.
Cool colors tend to make a space feel calm and crisp, although used too much or in too strong of a hue the feeling can turn cold and gloomy. Colors on the cool side of the color wheel also tend to recede visually suggesting a more airy open environment. This is an aspect of interior design color psychology to consider if you are struggling with how to enhance a small space.Another way to create a space that appears larger than it really is, or a space that appears cozier and more comforting than the space really lends to, is with light and dark colors. Light colors will make your space feel larger while dark colors will make your space feel smaller.
Don’t forget saturation. The more saturated or “pure” a color is, the more intense of a feeling it will put off.
Part II of this BLOG will talk about each of the main 11 colors that are universal by name: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Black, White, Grey, Brown, & Pink. Each color gives off its own feeling and energy that can make or break the design of a space.
Utilizing color psychology in your spaces can help you to create the right “mood” that you are looking for. Color psychology is a very interesting aspect of interior design but don’t worry about getting it right. It’s definitely not an exact science. No color has been scientifically proven to have the same effect for all humans. Such factors as eye sight, culture, and personal experiences can change a person’s perception of color. Still, research does show that we all share some basic responses to color. So when you set out to decorate your new home or office, color psychology can provide you with the most promising color candidates for the effects you want to achieve.
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