How Color Affects the Home and the Mind
If you’ve ever stared blankly at a freshly primed wall wondering what color would be perfect for your living room/kitchen/dining room/etc…, you probably never took into consideration what certain colors mean when it comes to the human mind. It’s no secret that major retailers have taken advantage on the psychological effects of color, and by using the same techniques in your own home – you could be on your way to a happier, more energetic family on a daily basis. Although they’re “just colors”, they certainly can trigger certain feelings and emotions for all of us, so using that to your advantage – use these tips when choosing the next color for your walls.
One of the most popular colors in the home is blue. Blue is a naturally calming color, so it’s great for bedrooms and living rooms. Another quality that blue is known to enhance is people’s productivity. If you have a home office or room that is designated for kids to do homework in, blue is a great color choice.
Although bright varieties of the color aren’t often found in the home, pale yellow is a great choice for your kitchen or bathroom. Yellow is certainly an attention getter, so applying it to a room like the living room could be somewhat overwhelming. Yellow is a naturally cheerful and bright color, so using it in a small bathroom can help open it up and add a sense of light to the room. Using yellow in the kitchen is a great idea since yellow is known to speed up metabolism. Used in the right shade and in the right rooms, yellow can be a fun and bright color for your home.
Red is a color that works great as an accent piece. Red is emotionally intense, and can cause people to want to move faster. Many fast food restaurants utilize red in their dining rooms since they want people to get in and get out. Red works better on furniture than it does on walls since it’s such an attention getter. If you have a neutral room, adding a pop of red here or there can increase the intensity of the room and create conversation pieces. Warmer, reddish brown shades are known to give off a genuine and natural feel, so if you’re working with a country or log cabin-style theme – a deep mahogany or maroon would be a great choice.
Finally, what is said to be another one of the most popular decorating colors is green. Green is extremely easy on the eye and creates a calm, natural effect. Lighter greens are said to relax people, which is why many hospitals use this color to keep their patients at ease. If you want to achieve a richer, more conservative look – dark green is known for both of those characteristics.
So whether you’re looking to create a bold, drastic look or you’re interested in more of a soothing and calming effect – colors are going to play the most important role in the design process. For many, choosing a favorite color is as far as they go as to weighing their options. Although it may appeal to you, the effect it may have on family and friends can be the complete opposite. By ensuring that your room is giving off the vibe that you intended, you can be sure that your home will reach it’s full visual potential.
