The Science of Seeing: Influence of Color Psychology In Interior Design
How do you pick an outfit when you go out somewhere?
You choose something that suits the situation you are going to be in, according to the function you would perform that day, and based on how you want to be perceived as well.
This idea of dressing according to the occasion is not simply limited to our styling but is also equally applicable to styling our spaces.
What is Color Psychology in Interior Design?
When we come across a vibrant and playful space with cartoon murals and cute illustrations, our mind immediately goes to a kids’ playroom or a classroom. We don’t see that and think it is the office of a stockbroker or a banker.
Or imagine a funky, neon space with modern fixings and abstract decor. It is undoubtedly not a hospital. Even if it were, you are less likely to visit that particular hospital twice.
Anyway, you get the idea.
A space is dressed to cater to its purpose, mood, and target audience. The most simple and essential way to go about this is by using the appropriate colors and tones to set the stage.
This school of thought in interior design, where colors are utilized to emphasize the mood and ambiance of a space, is what we refer to as color psychology.
It is a powerful tool that can make or break your space. Quite literally.
Therefore, it’s crucial to think about the kind of environment you want to create and which colors will assist you in achieving it when choosing your colors because different tints induce different feelings.
Using Colors To Set The Stage
Extensive research into the behavior of colors, as well as the behavioral influence they have on us, has been going on for several centuries now.
As a result of this, we now have a clearer idea of what specific emotions are associated with each color, hue, and tone.
So, how exactly do we identify and implement this knowledge to create the optimal ambiance?
Let us consider some of the standard colors and the influence they bring to the table
Red
As the most intense color, it denotes ambition, vigor, and power, as well as raises the energy of the room and gets the adrenaline pumping.
The stimulating qualities of red make it suitable for home offices and creative spaces. It is bold and deep and can create quite the first impression.
Blue
Blue, one of the most robust colors in the color psychology spectrum, is thought to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate and breathing.
Deep, striking colors are associated with qualities like loyalty, trust, peace, and success and are good at fostering a sense of confidence.
This color is often suggested for areas where you want to create a relaxing atmosphere because it is thought to be peaceful and serene.
Yellow
Yellow is a cheerful color that reflects the sun’s warmth.
It’s a fantastic option to create bright and hospitable spaces. Using golden hues can light up even the gloomiest corners.
But it must be the correct shade of yellow, though, as too bright yellow can be agitating, and too dull yellow can be equally sickening.
Green
Similar to blue and yellow, which are among their primary hues, green has a natural feel to it and is a favorite color for interior design.
A sense of freshness, growth, and vitality can be imparted by this color, making it feel revitalizing.
As observed in biophilic design, green is a color that many people like because it makes them feel safe and secure.
Orange
Orange is said to stimulate creativity.
If the shade is as vibrant as the fruit, its warmth could give you more energy. It encourages happiness and can be hospitable to guests, just like yellow.
It also looks good in any spaces where yellow would be appropriate.
Purple
From depth and creativity to fantasy and nobility, purple is linked to a variety of positive emotions.
It exudes a sense of grandeur and luxury, giving it a genuine presence. You can place it in your hallway to wow visitors right away.
Neutrals
The interior designer’s color scheme must include hues like black, grey, white, and brown.
Their versatility is their most significant asset; add color to make things more vibrant or take it out for a more subdued look.
Grey is a color that can evoke feelings of security and tranquility and can be either warm or cool.
Black’s neutrality gives it a reliable quality and produces an elegance that evokes drama, mystery, and power. Although it may seem stark, the color black can also mean power, refinement, and elegance.
White goes well with the majority of other colors and is a symbol of goodness and purity. It is also very good at expanding and opening up small spaces, which can help you feel more at ease and relaxed.
However, a vast subject, such as color psychology, cannot be summarized in the definitions of just six or seven colors.
It is much more complex than that.
For example, we mentioned that while certain shades of yellow make you feel warm and joyful, some make you feel sick. Similarly, while the right amount of black is robust, beyond a limit, it is dark and almost symbolizes death.
While colors themselves evoke certain emotions, their individual properties can further refine their impact.
Adding white creates calming tints, while black makes for sophisticated shades.
Graying things down with tones offers a balanced feel.
Value affects spaciousness, with light colors opening up a room and dark ones creating intimacy.
Saturation controls vibrancy, with bold tones offering energy and muted ones bringing calm.
Finally, chroma, the pure color untouched by variations, provides intensity for focal points or pops of color.
You can design environments that are both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally impactful by being aware of these nuances.
Conclusion
In interior design, color is not just about the aesthetics.
It’s a strong force that can affect our well-being in addition to affecting emotions and moods.
Through an understanding of color psychology, you can open up new design possibilities and create environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also naturally uplifting and welcoming.
Remember, the secret is to know the subtleties of each color and its characteristics. Every color has a story to tell, whether it’s the energizing energy of a vivid orange or the soothing serenity of a pastel blue.
You can design a space that genuinely reflects your brand and inspires inspiration, joy, and serenity by paying attention to these little details of color and incorporating them into your design narrative.
So, harness the power of color psychology and start converting your interior spaces into vivid representations of the intended feelings and experiences.
With each stroke of color, countless opportunities are just waiting to be discovered.
