What is colour psychology?
Color psychology is how colour influences and effects human behaviour, colour is more than just a visual experience, through colour we feel, we heal and express ourselves. Colour evokes emotions and changes our moods.
So how does colour effect interior design?
When designing a space its not only about which colour to choose or how they go together that's important but how the colour makes you feel when you are in the space.
Have you ever entered a space and felt calm, energetic or peaceful? Well the colour of the space would be the result of those feelings.
However it is important to remember that your feelings about colour are often deeply personal and rooted in your own experience or culture and this could play a major role in how you experience a colour.
by understanding colour psychology you can create the perfect space.
Red
Red is a powerful colour its energetic, vibrant, exciting and attracts attention. It is a warm colour which
makes it inviting. It is associated with strong emotions such as love, anger, passion, ambition and power. It is a very stimulating colour but avoid using too much as it can be over stimulating in a space.
Studies have shown that the colour red results in increased heart rate, raised blood pressure and speed respiration, which aids in productivity and energy.
Try an accent wall or red decorative accessories or pendant lighting, a touch of red can make your creative space stand out but also make you more productive.
Best suited for: offices, creative areas or gyms
Best to avoid: Bedrooms and living rooms and in large amounts
Not a big fan of red? remember that there are different shades of red that might catch your eye, we have added Dulux 2021 popular red shades bellow for different shades of red.
Orange
The combination of red and yellow makes orange a warm exciting and energetic colour. This optimistic colour symbolises courage and hospitality, success and bravery and promotes activity. As the colour red when used in large quantities orange can be overwhelming but softer orange shades like peachy colours can be calming, fun and comfortable.
Orange is often used as a natural antidepressant in color therapy and can relieve feelings of self-pity. It is also thought to help strengthen the immune system.
We love the look of a soft peach wall accompanied with darker peach shade decorative accessories or occasional chairs. Small touches of orange can make a space feel fun and exciting. Remember to always combined dark shades of orange with lighter shades or white to softer the look.
Best suited for: offices, creative areas, gyms or kids areas
Best to avoid: Bedrooms (unless going for a softer shade) and in large amounts
Not a big fan of orange? remember that there are different shades that might catch your eye, we have added Dulux 2021 popular shades bellow for different shades of orange.
Yellow
Yellow is the colour of sunshine, it is filled with happiness and energy, it is fresh, uplifting and is associated with confidence and success.
Yellow stimulates the left side of the brain which makes you more alert, creative, think clearly and make quick decisions but in some cases yellow can also trigger feelings of anxiety and fear. Avoid using it in large amounts as it can be over stimulating.
With such a happy colour, a touch of yellow in any space will make the space more fun and alive. Remember cushions, throws, rugs, artwork, wallpaper and occasional chairs are a great way to bring your favourite colour into a space.
Best suited for: offices, creative areas, gyms or kids areas, living rooms and kitchens
Best to avoid: bedrooms and in large amounts
Not a big fan of yellow? remember that there are different shades that might catch your eye, we have added Dulux 2021 popular shades bellow for different shades.
Green
Green as we know is associated with nature, it is a peaceful colour that represents health, growth, renewal, healing and life. It is known to provide feelings of comfort, abundance, relaxation, security and restfulness.
Green relieves stress and can help you breath slower and deeper
Best suited for: All areas
Best to avoid: In large amounts
Green is the easiest colour to use in a space, something as simple as adding greenery like house plants in a space make a huge difference but so does a beautifully painted green wall. Green is limitless and can be used in so many different ways.
Not a big fan of green? remember that there are different shades that might catch your eye, we have added Dulux 2021 popular shades bellow for different shades.
Blue
Associated with the sky and sea, this calming and soothing colour is associated with feelings of confidence, integrity, security, serenity and peace.
Blue is used to reduce stress and increase relaxation, it has been proven to lower blood pressure and slows respiration and heart rate which stimulates mental control and clarity.
Although it is a calming colour, blue can be known to increase feelings of depression when used in abundance.
Like green, blue can be used in so many different ways. Try a beautiful blue tile for your bathroom to create that perfect oasis or blue wallpaper to bring in some colour and texture. When going for a wall colour go for a softer shade of blue so not to be overwhelming and add darker shades of blue in decorative accessories, cushions, throws, artwork etc.
Best suited for: All areas
Best to avoid: In large amounts
Not a big fan of blue? remember that there are different shades that might catch your eye, we have added Dulux 2021 popular shades bellow for different shades.
Purple
Purple is the combination of red and blue, combining the energy of red and the calm of blue, this colour encourages creativity.
It represents royalty, spirituality, luxury and sophistication for darker shades and relaxation for lighter shades.
Purple is used to treat mental and nervous disorder as it helps balance the mind. Dark purple in large amounts can be overwhelming.
When going for purple it can be easy to end up with an overwhelming space. Stick to subtle splashes of purple surrounded by white. remember when it comes to a strong colour like purple, less is more.
Best suited for: All areas
Best to avoid: In large amounts
Not a big fan of purple? remember that there are different shades that might catch your eye, we have added Dulux 2021 popular shades bellow for different shades.
Pink
This misunderstood colour known only for little girls room has so much more to offer.
Pink represents nurturing, love, compassion, comfort, warmth and femininity.
Using the right shade of pink in simple and clean lines with sophisticated fabric can create a beautiful space
Try going for a blush or dusty pink throw and cushion accompanied by a similar pink occasional chair or rug, small splashes of pink will give your space the sophistication it deserves, or be bold and do a pink feature tiled wall in your bathroom.
Best suited for: All areas
Best to avoid: In large amounts
Not a big fan of pink? remember that there are different shades that might catch your eye, we have added Dulux 2021 popular shades bellow for different shades.
White
White is a fresh, peaceful colour that represents purity, innocence, faith and youthfulness. It makes a room feel more open and spacious, look livelier and fresh.
It is used to uplift any colour scheme.
White can be used as the base of any room and then adding your splash of colour weather is be a bold colour or a subtle brown by adding wooden accents. always make sure not to go too white as it might leave your space feeling sterile and cold.
Best suited for: All areas
Best to avoid: Non
Not a big fan of white? remember that there are different shades that might catch your eye, we have added Dulux 2021 popular shades bellow for different shades.
Brown
Brown another colour taken from nature, this versatile colour represents support, stability, warmth and comfort.
When used in accents of wood, leather and natural elements it provides warmth and comfort to a space.
Brown softens and warms a space, so if you have a space that feels cold, add a little brown, make sure to either add softer shades of brown or white if you are going for dark brown shades to lighten up the space.
Best suited for: All areas
Best to avoid: In large amounts
Not a big fan of brown? remember that there are different shades that might catch your eye, we have added Dulux 2021 popular shades bellow for different shades.
Black
Black is known for its many negative attributes such as evil, mourning and death but it is also associated with wisdom, elegance, mystery, power, sophistication, security and drama.
When used right black adds depth and grounds any colour scheme.
Be careful to use it in large amounts as it can be oppressive.
Black has become a very popular colour in interior design over the past few years, add a black tap in your kitchen or bathroom or a beautiful black pendant light.
Black decorative accessories always make a space feel more modern and chic. Remember to add some wood for warmth as black can come off stark and cold or add a touch of colour to break it.
Best suited for: All areas
Best to avoid: In large amounts
Not a big fan of black? remember that there are different shades that might catch your eye, we have added Dulux 2021 popular shades bellow for different shades.
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