How do the colors in your home affect your mood?—And what do they say about you?
This is why the process of choosing colors for your rooms should always begin with what you like. But it’s also good to remember that different colors can dramatically how your home makes you feel on a daily basis. From inviting yellows to introverted blues, colors can also communicate subtle messages about about who you are.
Designers of all stripes give serious thought to colors and color theory precisely because color has such a powerful impact on our brains. So before you start taping color swatches to your walls, here’s a quick look at some of the major color families and their personalities.
RED – Fire, lipstick and traffic lights. In a word, red is stimulating. Red raises your heart rate, but not always in a good way. Energetic and lively, red can spark aggression and conflict. Like all bold moves, when choosing red, choose wisely. Pick a living or dining area, but avoid bedrooms.
BLUE – Oceans, skyscapes and Coltrane. The yin to red’s yang, blue is soothing. Great for giving bathrooms a spa-like feel and creating a calming feel in bedrooms, blue takes things down a notch. Be careful about going too icy though, especially if you’re painting a room that’s already cool.
GREEN – Grass, trees and world peace. If red is fire and blue is water, green is earthy – the color of the natural world. It evokes the restorative emotion and sense of tranquility we find in alpine forests and lush meadows. Anyplace you want to create a sense of quiet escape – of peace – green is a great choice.
YELLOW – Sunshine, candlelight and caution. Bright and inviting, yellow can turn any room cheerful and welcoming. It can also stimulate appetites. But like red, yellow should be used with care, since it can also conjure feelings of frustration. Keep it earthy and mellow, and yellow is perfect for cheerful, hospitable kitchens.
BROWN – Coffee, chocolate and leather-bound books. Another earthy tone, brown creates feelings of warmth and security. Brightened up with yellow or orange furnishings, for example, brown can create an intimate space. Chocolate and cocoa hues wrap a cozy sense of togetherness around an otherwise average den or TV room.
PURPLE Are you descendant from kings and queens? Purple, especially in richer hues, is a dramatic color indicative of royalty and wealth. Also a stimulant for the creative part of our brains, shades of lavender make a room feel luxurious and lively. Again, avoid the bedroom, unless you’re the long lost relative of Louis XIIV – then you can do whatever you want.