The Psychology of Color
There hardly a subject more interesting or fascinating than that of color and how it affects each person differently. Known as the psychology of color, it is definitely used in all fields of interior design, from offices, to restaurants, to shopping malls, to the most intimate bedroom setting.
The colors used will be determined by the needs of the project, and what the overall desired outcome should be. Understanding the effects of color can help in choosing just which color scheme to use to achieve those needed results. Whether it is to make the diner in the restaurant stay longer and buy more, or to make the patient in the dentist’s office less fearful, colors will play a big part.
Psychology of Color for Interior Design: Mood Enhancement
It’s certainly no secret that colors themes can set the mood in any room. In addition, colors can be a reflection of the personality of the person using those colors. The psychology of color for interior design, however, has only recently made its presence known in residential design. For many years now, color has been used in commercial application as business owners and the government began to learn how the psychology of color for interior design could heighten the productivity of their employees.
Bold colors, such as red, are often limited to little-used space or by people with a bold personality. Red is often associated with stimulation and has been known to increase blood pressure as well as increase appetite. By utilizing the psychology of color for interior design, restaurants may incorporate shades of red to stimulate their customers’ eating habits. On the opposite end of the spectrum, terra cotta, a duller shade of red can evoke muted feelings of desire.
Some of the better choices of color for bedrooms, according to findings in the study of the psychology of color for interior design, are blue, or earth tones such as lighter shades of browns or greens. These work to promote feelings of tranquility. Browns take in a wide spectrum and can bring about a feeling of security while greens, especially sage, offer neutrality and can works quite well in a spare bedroom.
Colors Can Reflect Owner’s Temperament
When using the psychology of color for interior design, it’s important to understand the color’s historical use. For instance, dark green was traditionally linked to banking, and deep purple is historically linked to kings, queens and royalty. A pastel purple, traditionally known as lavender, will appeal to younger females as well as have a calming effect. There are many aromas associated with aromatherapy involving the herb lavender for relaxation.
Gray is typically thought of as a neutral color and works well as background for many color combinations. The psychology of gray for interior design indicates that it can enhance productivity and is used in many offices. Black, on the other hand hints at submissiveness and will only work well in residential environments if it is used as an accent.
Yellow is most often used in kitchens and in children’s rooms. This particular color can invoke arguments and the psychology of color for interior design has shown it to rile people to anger. Yellow can make some people feel happy and others feel angry. Studies have shown that people who like shades of yellow, like them immensely while those who do not like them, dislike them completely. There’s no in between.