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Tiffany Brooks

The Power of Color: Color Psychology & Interior Design

If you know me, then you know I LOVE using color in my designs. Not only do I like how it looks, but also how it FEELS. Yeah, that's right - FEELS. Did you know color can actually impact your mood?

Colorful painting of face
Photo by Nicola POWYS (Unsplash.com)

Color psychology, the study of how colors impact human perceptions and behaviors, is used in interior design to evoke specific emotions and influence the ambiance and functionality of a room. Below are some common colors and their reported psychological effects:

Red room with chair
Photo by Jean-Philippe Delberghe (Unsplash.com)

RED: Often associated with energy and excitement, red is known to stimulate conversation and appetite. However, it can also evoke feelings of intensity or even aggression if used excessively. 


Blue subway tile in shower
Photo by Bence Balla-Schottner (Unsplash.com)

BLUE: Blue is known for its calming and soothing effects, making it ideal for bedrooms and relaxation areas. It can promote a sense of serenity, trust, and stability.


Yellow room with chair
Photo by Eva Gorobets (Unsplash.com)

YELLOW: Yellow is linked to happiness, optimism, and warmth. It can create a welcoming atmosphere and boost creativity. However, excessive yellow might cause feelings of anxiety or agitation in some individuals.


Green wall paint with black lamp
Photo by David van Dijk (Unsplash.com)

GREEN: Green symbolizes nature, renewal, and freshness. It's a versatile color that can promote a sense of balance and harmony. Green is often used in spaces where relaxation and concentration are important, such as offices or study areas. 

Purple walls with vintage interior accents
Photo by Lina Castaneda (Unsplash.com)

PURPLE: Associated with luxury, creativity, and spirituality, purple can add a sense of elegance and sophistication to a room. Lighter shades can have a calming effect, while darker shades can convey a sense of mystery or opulence.

Neutral walls and furniture with green plant
Photo by Liana Mikah (Unsplash.com)

NEUTRALS: White, beige, gray, and brown are often used as neutral backdrops. They can create a sense of simplicity, cleanliness, and versatility, allowing other elements in the room to stand out.


Red kitchen walls with red utensils
Photo by ONUR KURT (Unsplash.com)

When designing your space, it's important to consider the psychological impact and influence color has. After all, a red kitchen may sound intriguing for appetite stimulation, but if you're not careful, too much red can leave you and your dinner guests feeling #hangry.

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