How Color Affects Your Mood and Ways to Use It to Your Advantage

Color can have a powerful effect on how we feel when we enter a room. Certain shades can trigger feelings of warmth and comfort, inspire happy spirits, or create a relaxing atmosphere. It all comes down to color theory, which tries to explain how humans perceive colors and how different shades are related to each other.

"The basic science of color theory is that each color has its own frequencies that blend with our own personal energies," says Jessica Shaw, director of interior design at the architecture and interiors firm Turett Collaborative.

There is a wealth of research on how colors affect mood, linking warm hues like red and yellow with feelings of excitement and delight. On the other hand, shades on the cooler side of the color wheel, such as blue and green, are associated with calm and relaxation.

These responses are often inherently psychological, but can also be influenced by our cultures and lived experiences, says Michelle Bove, founder of the architecture and interior design case. So while there are certain general truths about how colors make us feel, it is also very subjective. Shaw links our varied feelings about color to musical preferences. "Our sense of like and dislike comes from personal liking and reaction," she says.

The key is to decorate with accessories and paint color options that positively resonate with you and help stimulate the mood you want to create. "For a person to feel happy and comfortable in her own home, she must start with the colors that he gravitates toward," says Bove.

Next, she considers how the room will be used and by whom. For example, is it a private sanctuary designed for relaxation or a cozy space equipped for entertaining? Then apply some principles to help you achieve an environment that suits the attitude you want. Here are four ways to harness color to promote certain moods.

Colors for a happy and energizing mood

Common spaces where you want to feel upbeat and energetic, such as kitchens and entryways, benefit from bright, inviting colors. Think of yellows, oranges, and reds for wall colors and accessories. Otherwise, Shaw suggests using high-intensity hues that are true to the color spectrum, not mixed or faded with other colors.

“On a recent project, I used shades of orange and green, which are complementary colors that excite you, bringing an invigorating and vibrant atmosphere to the place,” she says.

Colors for a calm and peaceful mood

Blue and green are often associated with water and nature and help promote calm and tranquility. Apply these soothing shades to bedrooms, bathrooms, and other spaces that serve as a personal retreat.

Balance blue or green with neutral tones and limit the palette to a few shades for a calm and restful effect. When choosing colors, consider the tone. "The more white you add to a color, the more pastel and serene it will look," says Shaw.

Colors for a warm and welcoming atmosphere

To establish a sense of security, Bove recommends neutral tones like brown, brown, or gray that is warm and comforting. If a completely neutral palette seems too soft for you, consider introducing some subtle colors with shades of brown to add depth.

For example, mustard yellow faded olive, and cloudy mauve can have a comforting effect similar to true brown. These warm, earthy tones work well in living rooms, where you often gather with friends and family. Incorporating a variety of textures and tones enhances the cozy atmosphere.

Colors for an intimate and dreamy atmosphere

Apply shades of black and purple to evoke a sense of mystery and imagination. It is ideal in rooms where you spend most of your time dreaming.

Deep, dramatic hues like charcoal or eggplant envelop the room in a warm and intimate feel. Shaw leans towards lighter purples tinged with gray to create a soft and light atmosphere. "Of all the colors, a pale lavender bordering on gray is a color that I personally associate with calm and sweet dreams," says Shaw.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about how to select the perfect color and how colors affect your mood:

Source: WRC STUDIOS

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