How Your Home Makes You Feel & Why Color Plays a Key Role
Have you ever walked into a room and suddenly felt energized, comforted, or soothed? Chances are, color played a big part in your reaction.
Studies have shown that color has a direct impact on our emotions, via the way we physically see colors, and through our personal history and experiences.
On the blog this time, I'm sharing how three different color palettes can influence our mood and energy at home.
Creating Cozy, Comfortable, Yet Colorful Rooms
We've seen a shift in popular colors recently, veering into reds and warm earthy neutrals like sand, copper and brown. These shades are easy to live with, they’re softer than gray, and they dial up the warmth.
I think pale peach, terra cotta and coffee bring on a really cozy vibe right now. Check out the beautiful tiles in the bathroom photo below. This palette is also inviting and welcoming, so any sort of breakfast nook or reading corner, guest bedroom or study would be smashing in these earthy colors.
peachy beige tiles/ photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash
Evoking Emotion While Infusing Impact & Energy
Spaces with focused activities like socializing, cooking or working can handle a brighter palette. Highly-saturated colors tend to spark energy within us and we feel like getting things done. Classic red, blue and yellow definitely raise the vibration in a room because of their intensity.
Try choosing one of your favorite bold colors and pairing it with its complementary color to make an impact in your decor.
deep blue cabinets/ photo by Jana Heinemann on Unsplash
Soothing a Space with Less Saturated, Subtle Shades
On the other hand, pale colors tend to relax us. I love sleeping in our bedroom because its pale blue walls are really soothing to me. Soft sage and light leafy greens also radiate a sense of calm, which is so necessary at the end of the day. If you like to sleep in a cool room, this pale palette is a great option.
I also love tinted whites in a bedroom, like the very palest pink or purple, because they’re clean, light and airy with just a wisp of color. Very restful.
pale purple chaise/ photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash
It’s Your Home, So You Do You
Color and emotion are linked at the subconscious level. We see colors and we respond to them according to our culture, experience and situation. There's no right or wrong to that, it’s totally personal. The trick is to align your color responses with how you want to feel in the room, and go from there.
If you enjoyed these color tips and want more advice you can use in your home, you'll really love my newsletter! Sign up below and get my free furniture layout guide to boot.
Until Next Time,
Nan
About Nan
I’m an interior designer who helps people turn their homes into their sanctuaries without the pain of renovating. I’ve been working as a professional designer since 1995 and one thing I love about interior design is how it can evoke a mood and create whatever feeling you want in your space. In that way, it’s kind of magical.
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