Psychological Effects of Color in Interior Design
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Grey walls evoke feelings of security while the pops of blue add to an overall feeling of calm. Design by Indigo Alley Interiors. Photo by Tripp Smith
When people think of the things in their environment that affect their moods and productivity, they rarely think of colors. It is hard to imagine that something as ubiquitous as colors can affect what people feel or do. This is probably because we relate colors to childhood activities like drawing and painting cartoon figures on cardboard paper.
But color is much more than something we put on walls and paper. We have started to appreciate the true power of color as we begin to uncover it's true nature. What is in color and why does it affect people?
What is in color?
Color is made up of different types of light. Although it doesn’t make sense, this is the most straightforward explanation of color. We think of color as something tangible that we put on our clothes, homes, cars, and art. But color is nothing but different wavelengths of light.
What we call color is how our brain perceives different types of light being reflected from objects. When we see an object as red, it is because the materials in it absorb all the wavelengths of white light, except red.
Light from the sun, or white light, is a perfect blend of different wavelengths of light. These wavelengths are; red, orange, blue, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Sometimes these wavelengths are separated and become visible as a rainbow, but when they are perfectly combined, they appear as white light.
If white light falls on an object, the object interacts with its wavelengths in different ways. It may reflect or absorb all the wavelengths. Or it may absorb all wavelengths, except one. How an object reacts to white light is what creates its color.
Objects that reflect all the wavelengths in white light appear white to us. Objects that absorb all the wavelengths appear black. If an object absorbs all wavelengths but reflects one, its color is determined by the wavelength it reflects.
Red objects absorb all the other wavelengths and reflect red light. Blue objects reflect blue light and absorb all other wavelengths of light. This is the process that creates color.
Effect of room color on people
Once we understand color as light, it is no longer hard to see how color affects people. This is because light affects us. When the sun is shining we are energized and we wake up. When the sun sets, our bodies slow down and we fall asleep. It is to prevent this effect of natural light on our brains that we use artificial lights.
Artificial lights mimic the effect natural light has on our minds. And since white light is a blend of different light wavelengths, the effect of light is the effect of our interaction with the different wavelengths of light.
How do different light wavelengths or colors affect people? And how does the color of a room affect the people in that room? Dawson Management helps us answer these questions.
Red
Red is synonymous with alertness; this is why it is used in warning and danger signs. Red raises people's energy levels and makes them more excited because it raises the heart rate and blood pressure. It also stimulates appetite. Red is good for inspiring conversations in living rooms. It can be used to make a strong impression in entryways. It may be incorporated in the kitchen, but rarely used in the bedroom.
Blue
Blue is calming, it lowers blood pressure and slows the heart rate. Blue encourages people to relax. It is one of the best colors for places where people socialize, such as living rooms, family rooms, and kitchens. But different shades of blue have slightly different effects. Softer shades of blue are more relaxing. Dark blue can even sometimes evoke sadness.
This blue living room designed by Indigo Alley Interiors encourages guests to relax and unwind. Photo by Sam Labrano.
Yellow
Yellow is the color of happiness. It is uplifting and makes people exuberant. People in yellow rooms are apt to show their emotions. Yellow should not be the main color in the room's color scheme because people tend to get angry and babies cry more in yellow rooms. Kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms, entryways, and tight spaces can benefit from a touch of yellow.
Purple
Purple is traditionally associated with royalty and that has not changed. It is related to luxury, creativity, and sophistication. In its lighter versions - lilac and lavender - its effect is similar to the effect of blue. Because it sparks creativity, it is ideal for rooms where children play. Using it as an accent color will enrich a color scheme
Green
Green is the color of nature. It is restful and one of the few colors that can be used in almost any room in the home. This is because green combines the positive effects of blue and yellow. It helps people unwind and encourages relaxed conversation. Green is great for bedrooms, family rooms, kitchens, and living rooms.
Green is a great color for just about any room in the house. Kitchen designed by Indigo Alley Interiors. Photo by Callie Cranford.
Other Colors:
Orange: evokes enthusiasm and is a great color for exercise rooms.
Black: is best used as an accent color to give depth to a scheme.
Brown: is earthy and makes people feel relaxed and comfortable.
Grey: is versatile, influences feelings of security and intelligence.
The color we choose for our surroundings can have a powerful impact on our moods.
