Shades to suit your mood – How to decorate your home using the power of colour psychology

PART ONE

It’s no secret that the colour of a room has an incredible affect on the way we perceive our interior surroundings. Equip with paint and brush alone, we have the power to manipulate the size of a space, artificially create the appearance of sunlight, conceal flaws and accentuate stand-out features. But have you ever thought of the psychological impact the hue of your home has on your overall mood?

Psychologists for almost a century have suggested that deep emotional association, cultural symbolism and visual perceptions of shades can alter your temperament if you are exposed to them for certain lengths of time. Most famously, seminal abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky examined the power of pure colour in non-representational painting in his famous essay ‘Concerning The Spiritual In Art’ (1910). In it, he suggests that, without the aid of impression, colour alone can invoke a picture and stir ones emotions.

Later studies have also revealed interesting physical changes in the human body when in contact with certain shades. For example, heart rate and circulation is said to soar at the sight of red, while deep violets can produce feelings of fatigue.Of course, personality also plays an important part in colour preference; there is, after all, no accounting for taste. If bright green and acid purple works for you, so be it. But whatever your favourite might be, listed below is a tried and tested guide for picking colours not only to optimise the function of your room, but also enhance your general feeling of well-being. After all, home is where the heart is.

Black

The colour of authority, power, sexuality and wealth, black has the unique ability to make shades in any colour more expressive and diffuse borders. A black mirror in the bathroom could pick out the blues in the walls, and emulate a classic sense of luxury while a great looking panel in the hallway of your office subtly suggests ‘We mean business.’ to potential clients. It is possible to decorate liberally using black. However, keep in mind that black absorbs light, and therefore should only be used if suitably illuminated.

White

White implies a level of innocence, purity, and health, reflecting light to create the illusion of open space. By itself, it maintains a cheery level of comfort regardless of season. White is utterly indispensible when used in poorly lit areas, that can otherwise feel enclosing, inducing feelings of discomfort and depression. Doctors and nurses traditionally use white to convey sterility, so it’s great in places where implied (and, dare we say, applied) hygiene is necessary. For example, white sets an exemplarily standard in the bathroom, particularly where there’s a lack of light. In the kitchen, too, white is advised, though go for a shade with a touch of warmth to it to avoid the food preparation area looking too medical.

Blue

Colour of the sky and the ocean, blue is a peaceful and tranquil colour. Studies have shown that blue actually causes the body to produce calming chemicals, naturally relaxing body and mind without the need for aroma-oils, expensive treatments or sedatives. As a result, it’s a great choice for the bedroom. However, take care over the shade you select. Go for deep or dark blues as some blue-greys and light blues can induce feelings of sorrow and make a room feel cold. If you’re lucky enough to own a gym, paint it blue; studies have shown that weightlifters lift more if bathed in oceanic surroundings. Blue also represents loyalty, and as such is a great colour for business, be it a subtle panel in a conference room or a suit for an interview.

Red

Red is the most emotionally intense of all; the colour of passion, love, rage and anger, so select your space carefully when decorating with shades of scarlet. Psychologists have revealed that red naturally stimulates a faster heartbeat and increases breathing. Great in a play room, drawing room, dining room or hall, or anywhere energy can be freely expelled. Because of this, it is better used to accent in decorating, rather than applied large amounts. Red gets noticed, so insure that the space, piece of furniture or upholstery is something you want to highlight, not conceal. It is possible to use in wind-down areas if this is your favourite, but be sure to pick natural shades, deep, dark reds or pinks, as they can limit the physical effects.

Pink

Naturally tranquilising – though not as much as blues – a tasteful pink is perfectly ok in a bedroom or living room environment, providing the shade is not too vivid. A shade known as “drunk-tank-pink” is often used in prison rooms to calm inmates down, while famous football teams have been known to paint the locker rooms of their opposition a deep pink to zap their energy before match. Because of this side effect, steer clear of using the colour in sports or business environments.

Part Two: Yellow – Grey to be continued. Watch this blog!

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