Color Psychology And Smart Lighting: Setting The Mood With Interior Design April 19, 2017 00:00

  
Color psychology—it’s not just a trendy term or year-long fad.

In fact, businesses across the world have been using the study of how colors affect our mood, emotions, and (most importantly to companies) our spending habits.

When it comes to branding, for example, choosing just the right color to communicate your corporate values can mean the difference between attracting your perfect customer or alienating them entirely.

But the usefulness of color psychology doesn’t end with the business big-wigs.

Take interior design for instance. Although the interplay of hues and shades is crucial, knowing how to incorporate color psychology into your home’s décor can give any space that extra special something that your guests just can’t put their finger on—but they’re sure to love.

Color Psychology: How does it work?

In order to wield the power of color psychology for your interior design effectively, you first need to know a bit about how the concept works. After all, painting a masterpiece takes more than just picking up the paintbrush.

Color psychology is a bit more complex than simply “red means love” or “green corresponds with greed.” While it’s true that some people might make such associations, how any one person subconsciously responds to a color depends on a whole host of factors, from culture and location to past experiences and even the weather.

That being said, there is quite a bit of science out there that points to the general effect each color can have. As such, we’ve put together a quick list of the most commonly used colors and how they can tap into the subconscious mind.

RED – The boldest of the colors, red has been known to not only have an impact on an individual’s appetite, it can also help to paint things in a more urgent light.

BLUE – Calm and peaceful, blue has been used by many large companies for the sense of security it provides. Blue light has also been shown to increase productivity

PURPLE – Purple’s effects are directed at the creative mind. Whether it’s solving complex logistical problems or deciding on the twist in your next chapter, this hue will help harness your creative energies.

GREEN – Because this color is especially easy on the eyes (it really does cause the least amount of eye strain!), it’s ideal for creating harmony and peace.

ORANGE & YELLOW – If there’s ever been a more joyful color than orange and yellow, we have yet to find it. These two hues are particularly great at adding a bit of optimism to your day.

While it’s worth mentioning again that not everyone will have the exact same reactions to each color, the consensus seems to be that the attributes above are pretty common among most of the public.

Color psychology and interior design

So, now that you know the specifics of these hues, let’s have a look at how you can take advantage of each when it comes to planning out your home’s décor.

Before moving on to the color specifics, one tip in particular should be noted: interior design isn’t limited just to the paint on the walls. It can include everything from furniture and hangings down to accent lighting and even paper weights! So, don’t feel limited with your décor options. Even a single well-selected accent pillow can change the entire personality of a space.

Beyond that, it’s important to stick to design principles 101. A lack of complimentary colors, mismatching shades and tones, and ultra-bright of colors are all basic pitfalls that even color psychology can’t overpower.

Now, let’s move on to how to use color psychology to bring your interior design to life.

RED – Stimulating conversation and a satisfying eating experience can both flourish when surrounded by this particular color. As such, look to add a bit of it to where people tend to gather most like the family room and of course to the main dinner spaces like the kitchen or dining room.

BLUE – The cool and collected security of this color can do wonders to help you melt the stress away and get ready for relaxation. Try sprinkling your bedroom or living room with a touch of blue or go all out and create an entire accent wall in the hue.

PURPLE – Imagination especially shines with this shade. Use it to get your creative juices flowing in your studio or wherever you solve problems and engage with any form of art like the study.

GREEN – A particularly calming color, green is a good place to start when trying to plan out your home office’s décor. The lack of eye strain it creates can help you concentrate in small details for longer than normal (hence the green eye shades and lamps for accountants).

ORANGE & YELLOW – If you really want to pump yourself up to finally make use of your exercise room, try giving it a bit of orange or yellow flair. The stimulation might make it easier to feel enthused about tackling another mile on the treadmill.

Let us know what you think!

Do you have any other color psychology design tips to share? How has incorporating these awesome techniques helped to bring your décor to life? Let us know in the comment section below and start using color to your advantage with the Flux Smart product line!