Anyone that has an interest in color and design is naturally fascinated by the area of color psychology. However, for the most part, claims about how color can affect the quality of life can bring out the skeptic in us. If you are one of these people, think about these simple questions;
- Would you paint a 3 year Old’s bedroom black?
- Would you decorate your office board room “Barbie” pink?
- When it comes to room you want to relax in at the end of the day, could you relax in a room that was decorated entirely red, with red curtains and furniture?
These are extreme examples, but they illustrate the point that colors are important to us. If you approach color psychology with an open mind, you will be amazed at the somewhat magical effect that color has. In line with this, we shall be sharing a series of tips that will guide you when it comes to setting the mood right with color.
Blue
The positive characteristics of blue are that is has exceptional healing powers – its calm restful nature can act as a potential sedative, making it ideal for bedrooms and rooms where you want to calm people under stress.
Its use is also encouraged in playrooms and in areas that seek to create a motivating atmosphere like study rooms, especially for little kids. On the other hand, blue like the sea, can be calm and peaceful one minute, and yet rocky and turbulent the next; making people who spend a lot of time in blue rooms prone to burst s moodiness and anti-social behavior. It should be avoided by anyone that suffers from depression or sadness, and those that dislike cold weather.
The following snippet of advice is something I’ve never tried for myself – please take it seriously with a large pinch of salt; the psychological effects of the color blue can help you restrain your appetite and lose weight. So you might consider painting your kitchen and or/dining room blue (as well as eating from blue plates).
Red
Red is the most powerful color of the color wheel. It is the color of fire and passion, and it represents our desires and cravings in all areas. Red has been shown to stimulate the appetite and enhance conversation. Thus, interior designers may suggest using it for dining rooms – unless of course you are on a diet ;).
This color, unlike blue emits warmth and coziness and is ideal for people susceptible to cold. On the downside however, red can be perceived as a stressful color, known to increase the heard rate and blood pressure. It should not be recommended where calmness and clear thinking is required. Its energetic frequency is not conducive to areas where rest is needed.
As with other colors , the psychological effects of red depend very much on its intensity. So while vibrant, saturated hues of red have been shown to raise people’s heart rate and blood pressure, you may feel comfortable with muted warm earthy shades of red around you, for example; red orchre, venetian red and brick red.
This was the first of two guest posts by Shrinal Patel, our resident interior designer who can be reached on – 0725633479 for further consultation. Watch out for the next one..
