Colour has a big impact; it can affect our moods, feelings and behaviours. Yes, colours have personality!
When decorating our own homes it’s important to to have a basic understanding of colour theory in interior design and warm vs. cool colours so we can create the mood we’re looking for in our own spaces.
Here are 6 of the most common colour choices used in home decor and their personality types.
Classic and cool, blue has the ability to lower blood pressure and make you feel at ease. People tend to be more productive in blue rooms. Blue is a cool, quiet and reserved colour but can be formal too. It works best when paired with white or other lighter hues. It is the colour of trust, a relaxing colour; picture it in a room intended for small gatherings of family and friends.
Too much blue can be depressing, so use it wisely. Quote: “If you’re feeling blue, try painting yourself a different colour” author is unknown.
Green is considered the most restful colour for the eye. Green symbolizes hope, peace and good luck! It is the most motivating colour, that’s why it’s best used in a working environment (office) or resting spaces.
“The grass is always greener on the other side”
In its darkest shades, such as eggplant, purple is rich, dramatic and stylish and is associated with luxury and creativity. As an accent or secondary colour, it gives the feel of depth.
Lighter shades of purple, such as lavender and lilac, bring the same restful quality to bedrooms as blue does, only it gives off a warmer feel.
Check the Pantones 2022 colour of the year, you will be surprised!
Red cannot be ignored. It is the very first colour babies see. Red is known for its energy and excitement.
Red is ideal for social areas and dining spaces such as restaurants and bars. It’s phenomenal in high activity spaces like the gym. Red can’t go wrong in a colder temperature room like a finished basement.
Whatever the shade, red is sure to add a little sizzle.
The colour of a sunny day; yellow reflects warmth and cheer, giving us a boost of positive energy!
Yellow captures the joy of sunshine and communicates happiness. It is an excellent choice for kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms, where it’s energizing and uplifting. Yellow can feel expansive and inviting in entryways, halls and other small spaces. It’s also a great choice for an entertainment room and can help make guests feel welcome.
Avoid using yellow in large amounts as it can be overstimulating.
Beige, brown, taupe, white, grey and black are quiet alternative to colour that is rather refreshing.
White can help make a small space appear larger, it also creates a fresh, crisp and livelier feel. On the contrary, black is the colour of wisdom. When used right, it can add depth and timeless elegance to any room.
Grey is the new beige and is one of the most popular paint choices these days. A grey interior provides an elegant formality without being too conservative. The mood established with a grey colour is determined largely by the hue and shade used.
It is the best colour choice to mix or pair with other colours and gives you lots of variety and options. Be careful using too many grey areas as it runs the risk of creating a boring environment.
Keep in mind that various shades of the same colour can evoke different moods. For example, red, an aggressive colour gives off a completely different vibe than pink which has been proven to reduce aggressive behaviour.
When choosing a room’s colour scheme, remember that balance is best achieved with a mix of warm and cool colours.
If you’re renovating or planning to downsize to a smaller space, invest the time to work out your preferred colour personality, then it’ll be easier to create your own unique interior. Imagine how it would feel to live in a home that makes you happy every single day!
Here’s some paint colour suggestions by room from freshhome.com for a typical suburban home:
Working with an Interior Designer
5 Tips for a Beautifully Decorated Dining Room
Psychological Properties Of Colours.” Colour Affects. Angela Wright
Handbook of Color Psychology by Andrew J. Elliot
https://www.customhomegroup.com/psychology-color-interior-design/