How to Use Color Psychology in Interior Design
Introduction
“Life is too short to have dull room colors” is a phrase we can all relate to! Everyone wants to have a beautifully decorated house with colors matching their personality. That’s where color psychology and interior design come in. It is up to the person if he wants to turn his house into a spectacular piece of art. However, one can choose vibrant dull, or cozy colors in his house.
The emerging trend of interior design is making this business the hot talk of the town all across the globe including Pakistan. People now want to be in the race of making their homes look welcoming and astounding. The concept of interior design involves color psychology. Using bright colors can make you feel energetic and dull colors make you calm.
Let’s unravel the great mystery of the colorwheel and certain colors impacting your emotions. This blog will help readers know tips and ideas on how to use different colors as per their mood and taste. Moreover, it will assist those who are interested in the business of interiordesign.
What is Color?
To start with the basic concept, “Color is defined as the aspect of things that is caused by varying qualities of light being reflected or emitted by them.” To see color, you need to have light. When light sparkles on an object some colors bounce off the object and others are absorbed by it. After that, the naked eye can only see those colors that are reflected.
Each color has further types/ shades and human beings tend to like different colors depending on their choice, likeness, personality, and taste.
What is a Color Wheel?
Coming to one of the most interesting parts of this blog, the color wheel is one of the widely used tools to organize colors in a color scheme. As the name itself suggests, the “color wheel is the arrangement of colors in a wheel or circle.” The color wheel is used by interior designers.
A basic color wheel consists of 12 colors that are arranged in groups as follows:
- 3 Primary Colors _ Red, Yellow, Blue
- 3 Secondary Colors _ Orange, Green, Violet
- 6 Tertiary Colors _ Red-orange, Yellow-Orange, Yellow-Green, Blue-Green, Blue-Violet, Red-Violet
Apart from these basic colors, a modernized wheel may comprise some unique colors that emerge from the tertiary colors. No matter how many colors there are in the wheel, they are always arranged in the same VIBGYOR order.
Here the VIBGYOR stands for “Violet-Indigo-Blue-Green-Yellow-Orange-Red.”
Rules of Picking a Color Combination
Now with the growing era of modernization and aesthetics, people tend to hire interior designers for the renovation of their homes. The designers then take the help of a color wheel to look for a perfect color combination. There are certain rules set to choose great combinations.
Below are three amazing combinations that turn out to be great together:
Combination 1:
- Monochrome – Shades, tones, or tints of the same color. For example: raspberry, rose, and bubblegum (different shades of pink).
Combination 2:
- Analogous – Two or more colors which are located side by side on the color wheel. For example: orange, yellow-orange, and yellow.
Combination 3:
- Complementary – Also known as contrasting colors, these are the two colors that are located exactly opposite to each other on the wheel. For example: green and red.
With the growing understanding of psychology, interior designers are now incorporating the use of the above-stated combinations. These combinations help them to find the best suitable colors as per the needs of their clients.
What is Color Psychology and How Does it Relate to Interior Design?
The theory of color psychology plays an important role in the interior design business. This is because when someone buys a home or wishes to renovate it, he wants to feel relaxed there. Now, it is up to the designer to understand the psychology of the client and choose the best up-to-the-mark color combinations for him. Because colors impact a major part of life.
Moreover, at the end of the day, home is a place where one has to live for the most of day. That place should be filled with colors that give a welcoming vibe to the person as per his needs. And this welcoming vibe is different for every person because each human reacts differently to color. So, it is necessary for designers to conduct proper research for every client beforehand.
Below are some of the things where color psychology can be applied:
- Color of walls
- Color of lights
- Decoration pieces
- Color combinations of furniture
What Emotions Do Colors Trigger?
Now, it might be unusual for some readers to know that colors can trigger certain emotions. Well, this is true. Many studies have been conducted on this phenomenon and it was unraveled that emotions are directly linked to color exposure. Colors can uplift your mood in seconds.
Colors are divided into warmer and cooler tones.
Cool colors such as blue, green, and purple are associated with:
- Calm
- Serenity
- Relaxation
Warm colors such as red, yellow, and orange are associated with:
- Energy
- Warmth
- Happiness
How to Use Color Psychology in Interior Design
This section of the blog will focus on the common colors that are being used in interior design and how they affect the human psyche in different ways.
Below are 7 colors that are to be discussed in relation to the interior design and human psyche:
- Blue
- Pink
- Black
- Brown
- Green
- Yellow
- Red and earthy shades of red
1: Blue
Blue is one of the three primary colors and is widely used by interior designers to bring a vibe to the home décor. It is located on the farthest end of the spectrum and brings a cool vibe to the place. It is categorized as the coolest of all colors in terms of temperature.
Color Psychology in Interior Design Using Blue
This color is said to relax your body and normalize your blood pressure. Following this benefit, interior designers use this color in the décor of bathrooms and bedrooms. It is because these two places are used by people for relaxing and using blue in these places can help relax the heart rate.
The blue color is used in interior design in:
- Furniture
- Bathroom walls
- Decoration pieces
- Wooden storage units
Psychological Effect of Blue
The deeper shades of blue invoke the following feelings:
- Trust
- Loyalty
- Dependability
However, the lighter shades of blue invoke the following feelings:
- Serenity
- Calmness
- Relaxation
- Cool-headedness
2: Pink
The pink color is often associated with females. But apart from that nowadays pink shades are widely used by interior designers to uplift the overall vibe of the room or home. This color is used due to its versatility.
Color Psychology in Interior Design Using Pink
Pink interior design can transform your space in ways you never expected. Pink is warm, soothing, and, as a muted shade of red, passionate. We often think of a pink bedroom as being girly, but pink goes well beyond that limitation.
The pink color is used in the interior design as follows:
- Bed
- Sofas
- Cushions
- Decoration pieces
Psychological Effect of Pink
The pink color invokes the following features:
- Safety
- Calmness
- Soothes aggression or anger
3: Black
You have probably heard the phrase; “When in doubt, go with black!” This is the power black color holds generally. It is thought to be the most mysterious color of all. It has the power to absorb other colors as well. This color is now widely incorporated in design by interior designers due to its significance and likeness among GenZ and Millennials.
Color Psychology in Interior Design Using Black
Black color often connotes elegance, sophistication, and power. When combined with the right color, such as white, your design will feel classic. It is now popular among individuals to use this color in decorating their homes.
Black color can be used in interior designing in:
- Rugs
- Sofas
- Walls
- Lamps
Psychological Effect of Black
Black color invokes the following feelings:
- Safety
- Integrity
- Leadership
- Self-Control
- Self-Discipline
4: Brown
This color is a lighter and softer deviation from red. With its natural tone, it evokes a soothing essence, brown can work wonders in large spaces to synchronize different elements. Like black color, it is now also used by interior designers to create a simple space in the room or house.
Color Psychology in Interior Design Using Brown
Brown is linked with feelings of security, comfort, and peace. Brown keeps us grounded and creates welcoming interior retreats perfect for winter nights in.
The brown color is used in interior designing in:
- Floor
- Walls
- Tables
- Side lamps
Psychological Effect of Brown
Brown color invokes the following feelings:
- Safety
- Security
- Strength
- Reliability
5: Green
Whenever we think of green colors, we immediately think of nature and greenery. Because it soothes the nerves and brings peace. So, those who have a tiring day can incorporate greenish color tones in their homes.
Color Psychology in Interior Design Using Green
Green is considered to be a positive color. It is because it stimulates thoughts of balance and growth in color psychology. It immediately brings nature to mind and it’s an implausible way to bring a refreshing sense of nature indoors. Now, interior designers use this color in the wall textures of the rooms and homes to bring a vibe.
The green color is used in interior designing in:
- Sofas
- Lightning
- Wall textures
Psychological Effect of Green
The color green evokes feelings of:
- Wealth
- Energy
- Comfort
- Forgiveness
- Hopefulness
- Responsibility
6: Yellow
The next color that is the talk of the town is yellow. It is mostly used in a unique way in interior design. The yellow color makes the whole place come alive and creates an atmosphere of playfulness, and joy. As it is evident that yellow lights are common in both commercial as well as residential settings, the color yellow is also considered to be the color radiance.
Color Psychology in Interior Design Using Yellow
Modern-day designers love to incorporate yellow color in their design projects. It is because this color showcases prosperity and happiness.
Yellow color is used in interior designing in:
- Sofas
- Living rooms
- Wall textures
Psychological Effect of Yellow
The color yellow evokes feelings of:
- Wisdom
- Optimism
- Prosperity
- Abundance
- Intelligence
- Self-Confidence
- Encouragement
7: Red and Earthy Shades of Red
All the shades of red are very vibrant colors to play with while working on design projects. It can create a variety of moods and ambiance for the residents. Moreover, red is considered to be an energetic color. Red combined with yellow is one of the most commonly used color schemes for restaurants and fast food joints.
Color Psychology in Interior Design Using Red
The red color is widely used by interior designers due to its wide use everywhere. The professionals suggest painting the red walls of the rooms where you with to encourage activity, creativity, and productivity.
The red color is used in interior designing in:
- Walls
- Lamps
- Chairs
- Paintings
Psychological Effect of Red
Red color evokes feelings of:
- Love
- Anger
- Energy
- Power
- Desire
- Passion
- Revenge
Impact of Different Colors on Psyche of Employees
Now, we’ve talked about how interior designers use different colors in the decoration of the place to create a vibe. We can also say that the commercial setups use different colors to invoke specific feelings in the workplace.
Below are some colors and their effects on the psyche of the employees in a commercial setup:
- Orange lifts up the mood
- Green is used for boosting creativity
- Blue is used for a relaxing environment
- Use red for areas that need your instant attention
How Cultural Differences can Influence Color Associations?
Different colors have various meanings in different cultures. Each culture perceives a different color in different cultures. Due to this, there can be the possibility of miscommunication. A color can be used for different meanings and for a person with a different culture might perceive it differently. So, it is important to be familiar with this issue.
For example,
- In Eastern cultures, it is associated with luck and prosperity.
- Red is often associated with love and passion in Western cultures
- In many Eastern cultures, white is associated with mourning and funerals.
- In Western cultures, white is often associated with purity, innocence, and cleanliness.
This is the whole concept of color psychology in interior design. One can use different colors as per their taste and choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some of the FAQs about how to use color psychology in interior design:
Q1: What is interior design?
Ans: An interior design concept is the central theme that all the design elements are focused upon.
Q2: What is color psychology?
Ans: It is defined as a set of hues that determine human behaviors and moods.
Q3: What is a color wheel?
Ans: A color wheel is the arrangement of colors in a wheel or circle.
Q4: What are 12 colors in the color wheel?
Ans: A basic color wheel consists of 12 colors that are arranged in groups as follows:
- 3 Primary Colors _ Red, Yellow, Blue
- 3 Secondary Colors _ Orange, Green, Violet
- 6 Tertiary Colors _ Red-orange, Yellow-Orange, Yellow-Green, Blue-Green, Blue-Violet, Red-Violet
Q5: What are three color combinations?
Ans: The three basic color combinations are monochrome, analogous, and complementary.
Q6: What emotions and feelings are invoked by colors?
Ans: Cool colors such as blue, green, and purple are associated with:
- Calm
- Serenity
- Relaxation
Warm colors such as red, yellow, and orange are associated with:
- Energy
- Warmth
- Happiness
Q7: What colors are more frequently used in interior design?
Ans: Among the most used colors are black, green, yellow, pink, red, and brown, etc.
Q8: What feelings do black color invoke?
Ans: Black color invokes the following feelings:
- Safety
- Integrity
- Leadership
- Self-Control
- Self-Discipline
Q9: How pink color can be used in interior design?
Ans: The pink color is used in the interior design as follows:
- Bed
- Sofas
- Cushions
- Decoration pieces
Q10: Is there a particular color people mostly like?
Ans: No, it generally depends on someone’s likes, tastes, personality, and choice what color they choose.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, this blog sheds light on the concept of color and how it is incorporated into the design of the house. From defining color to implementing color psychology in the design and décor of the house, this blog provides pertinent information. The readers will be equipped with various other concepts such as various meanings of colors in different cultures.
However, if you want to enjoy variations of soothing colors in interior design, Hassan Associates takes pride in its up-to-the-mark projects such as. The developers have ensured to cater to the color needs of people by incorporating a variety of colors in their interior design. So, what are you waiting for? Contact Hassan Associates today!