Choosing the right color is important. Color convinces, guides and makes you feel. This is called color psychology. Keep in mind that this psychology varies by culture. For example, white in the West stands for peace and tranquility, while in the East it stands for mourning and death. Discover below all the colors within color psychology according to Western culture, with corresponding color advice.
Color psychology: red
Red in itself is a fierce color. This color is intense and we interpret it both positively and negatively. On the one hand, it represents love or something sensual. Red is warm and works up passion. On the other hand, the color can oppress you. The color dominates if you use too much of it. Advice: Be careful. Shades of red often look a lot more intense at night than during the day. Add red accents for an exciting interior. They are easily combined with colors such as blue, black, gray and white. Are you a real fan of red? Then create a beautiful red accent wall. Or use softer red hues such as burgundy, pastel red or salmon pink. These varieties are less bright and arouse less strong feelings.
Blue
Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It is a commonly chosen color because it has a calming, fresh and cool effect. In addition, blue exudes confidence. The color promotes your concentration and productivity. Advice: Blue is a safe color that you can use in any kind of space. Work with different shades. Thanks to its relaxing property, light blue is suitable for bedrooms, bathrooms and home offices. In contrast, navy blue is a more classic and sophisticated version. And is more suitable for accent walls.
Yellow
Yellow we associate with the sun. The color brings energy into spaces and quickly grabs your attention. Yellow stimulates the production of the happiness hormone serotonin and activates our memory. In general, it is a very positive color. Advice: Thanks to a yellow hue, your room will have an inviting atmosphere. On the other hand, according to color psychology, yellow is a color that activates. A large amount of yellow feels too active for a quiet room, such as a bedroom or relaxation room. Use yellow preferably e.g. in a playroom.
Purple
Purple was historically a color that was hard to come by and therefore expensive. In subtle amounts, purple feels luxurious and is a handsome accent among more neutral colors. For example, a satin decorative pillow in purple makes a nice contrast against a somber interior (with e.g. black, gray and white). But in a stronger shade and in large quantities, it quickly comes across as overwhelming. In contrast, the lighter shades of purple have a calming effect. Advice: Use intense purple in a sparse way between neutral colors. That way you’ll transform your space into a luxurious room. Or use a light purple shade to bring a playful but calming mood to the room.
Orange
Orange brings life and energy. The color spontaneously stimulates your enthusiasm and liveliness. The warmth of the color radiates cheerfulness. Thanks to the stimulus of extra cheerfulness, the color increases your creativity. Opinion: This explosive color attracts attention. The color arouses positive associations in us according to color psychology, but like red and yellow, orange is intense and does not have a relaxing effect. Use orange only in spaces where you are active and avoid passive spaces such as bedrooms and children’s rooms.
Green
Green is undoubtedly a versatile, positive color that we associate with nature. The color represents growth, renewal and balance. Mint green represents freshness and health, while blue green offers more tranquility. Advice: With green, you bring nature into your home. Do you have a house with a garden or balcony? Then extend the fresh feeling from outside to the room next door. Do this with a green accent wall or go for more subtle green accents (decorative pillows, fleece blankets, plants, etc.). Thanks to greenery, you create an oasis of calm in your home.
Brown
Brown breathes warmth, comfort and nature. We associate brown tones with the earth. It gives a sense of solidity, simplicity and reassurance. Thanks to these feelings, we find brown timeless and classic. Advice: Combine brown with neutral colors such as shades of beige, white or gray. That way, according to color psychology, you have a balanced and soothing color palette. Because brown is so versatile, the color will fit into any room in your home. Compliment the earthy brown with vibrant, organic green plants.
White
White represents pure peace. White is the color of virginity and simplicity. Hence, it is a popular choice for wedding dresses. White color is neutral, timeless and reflects light into your space, making it look bigger. Opinion: The color that is not missing from any interior. Thanks to its neutrality and timelessness, white adds tranquility and space. It is the most flexible color in the color palette. You use it without worries in any room. Beware of an all-white room, though, as it can give you a cool and sterile “hospital” feeling.
Black
Black is a strong color. According to color psychology, black represents authority, elegance, serenity and luxury. Like white, black is a timeless color that goes with any other color. Black is hugely trendy and is associated with modern technology. A lot of electronic gadgets have a black finish to give it a modern look. Opinion: Make a statement with black. Black is becoming an increasingly popular color. Its simplicity and authority gives colorful and chaotic interiors a streamlined feel. The color provides a nice contrast. Or flows nicely with a neutral color palette (beige, white and gray tones).
We hope you’ve gained valuable insights about using different colors in your interiors. Remember that color is a powerful tool for creating atmosphere, emotions and style in a room. Most importantly, select colors that suit your personal taste, the function of the space and the desired atmosphere. Experiment, be creative and make your home a place that truly suits you.
Looking for color inspiration? Read our article on Living Trends 2024 and the Pantone color of 2023 (Viva Magenta)
Sources: Dako, DutchWalltextileCo., Liek Crossmedia, Wijzonol & Yowpillow
Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use:
Stiasteny, L. (2023, Dec. 26). Color psychology in your interiors: 9 Colors. Apartment.com. Consulted on (date XX/XX/202X), from. https://www.appartement.be/kleurenpsychologie-in-je-interieur-9-kleuren