Color is more than just a wide array of hues and shades, they represent emotion, personality, and even language. For centuries we have used color to express how we feel and create an environment that reflects us. Over the last one hundred years, color trends have come and gone in the home decor world. There are some that have remained constant while others have had their brief moment to shine but does color really matter? Is there a reason behind the colors we choose and can they really have influence in the home? The answer is yes, color is one of the most powerful design tools which is why designers are taught color psychology in school. To better help you understand its importance we thought it would be helpful if we shared some of this information with you. 

What is color psychology?

Color psychology is the study of how certain colors impact human behavior. Every color has a different effect on us making it important to understand what it is and how best to use it, especially in the home. There is also a certain amount of color theory involved in this as well since certain color combinations and perceptions can make a difference too. The meaning of certain colors can differ from culture to culture which is valuable information to an interior designer wanting to create just the right atmosphere for their clients. Understanding color and its relationship to people is the first step to creating the perfect atmosphere in any home. Read more information about color psychology and what impact it can have on your home in an article by Stoneside.

Examples of color psychology

What does the color red do for you or how about green? Have you ever walked into someone’s home and loved how it made you feel? That is color psychology at work. Let’s talk about a few examples.

• Blue: this color is often associated with serenity, a sense of calm like the ocean and sky. It can also be seen as reliable and steady which is why it is a wonderful choice for areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. It is the perfect color because it creates a calm environment that makes it easy to connect with family and friends whether you are sharing a meal or just relaxing together. Because of its tranquil qualities it is also a wonderful choice for bathrooms to give it that spa feeling. From bright turquoise and mellow country blue, there are so many ways to incorporate it into your home.
• Green: while the obvious meaning is nature, the color green has several other meanings  too such as refreshing and even safety. It is also a wonderful color associated with health benefits such as a lowering of anxiety and stress. This is a great choice for use in a home office or homework station for the children. Work and school can both be stressful and incorporating the color green into the design can help offset some of those negative emotions. Just like nature, green is a color that leaves us feeling refreshed and ready to take the next steps in our day or provide us a place to relieve the tension during the day.
• Red: this is an exciting color that can motivate, stimulate, and even warn of danger which is why it is a popular choice for road signs. It is an iconic color that makes up some of the most well-known logos for brands. Because it is such a color of emotion and energy it should be limited when used in the home. It can be a good color for areas like family game rooms but is not the best option for kitchens and living areas especially as the dominant color. It can be a great accent color and adds a nice visual contrast.
• Yellow: a color that is the most noticeable of all colors to the human eye making it a wonderful choice for accent pieces and even furniture. It is associated with positive vibes and qualities such as happiness, optimism, and even help with analytical thinking. Like the color red, there is a downside to this color, because it is such an attention grabber, this can lead to visual fatigue. This means that a little can go a long way and it should not be used as a main color choice but rather scattered throughout especially in places you spend a significant amount of time.

By researching the impact each color has on the human eye, you will be able to select the right ones that are perfectly suited for each area of your home. 

Neutral colors

Often when we think of color psychology, we think of the rainbow colors but neutrals like black, white, and gray have their place in this as well. Think of neutrals as a bridge between color realms that provide unity and balance for a design. Each plays an important role in the design world.

• Black: a color associated with elegance and class, it can add a sense of luxury to any area and accenting specific features in a room. It is also a wonderful way to add a strong contrast especially when paired with white. Black tends to be linked to a more contemporary look so when looking for ways to blend traditional with modern, black is the best color choice.
• White: when looking to create an open, clean space, this is the go to color for most designers. It is also a timeless color and the most commonly used because it blends effortlessly with multiple design styles and color choices. It can immediately brighten an area and make it feel larger than it is. This is the perfect color to begin with as you can continually build upon it and mix and match with so much.
• Gray: not only is it sophisticated but it is also strong and sturdy. It is a flexible color that can easily combine with a wide variety of styles and areas in the home. It works well in a home office or in a kitchen. Interior designers enjoy using this color as it helps to break up a space with a soft shade and can bring a sense of calm to the room.

Never underestimate the power of neutral colors, they are the backbone of interior design as they exquisitely balance the color spectrum with stunning results every single time. 

Color psychology matters

Color is one of the most beautiful things in our world, in fact, without it things would be pretty dull. As we bring color into our home, knowing how it can influence our mood and well-being is important as each area of the home serves a specific purpose. Our experienced design team has helped hundreds of clients achieve the perfect balance of color in their home and they can do the same for you. We serve more than 15 counties in two states including Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Spartanburg, Greenville, Gaston, and Henderson. Whatever your vision, we can help you bring it to life in vibrant color. Connect with us today and let’s get started planning your new space.