Do you want to create a truly customized environment within your own home? Giving things your own flavour is a key part of interior design. But it is more than just finding the right furniture or decorations, or even where you place each item. The real trick is finding the right colour scheme, one that properly changes the feeling of each room.
Your living room should be a place for friendly gatherings. Your bedrooms should be calming and relaxing. Your bathrooms should be clean and fresh. Your kitchen should be cheery and functional. All of these impressions (and more) can be conveyed with some colour tweaks.
Our brains have a tendency to react to colours in specific ways. Here are the most common colour associations, and where they are best placed.
Blue
Blue is a versatile colour. In its darker hues it can be very calming and relaxing, promoting a feeling of gentle well being. In its lighter versions it is innocent and fresh. When it is brighter it comes off as more electrifying, giving a quick boost of energy when viewing it. It even helps to give an impression of space in smaller areas, thanks to its association with the sky.
Where It Belongs
Any room in the house, depending on the brightness of the colour. If you are planning on using it in bedrooms, stick with less intense versions to avoid disruptions to sleep.
Red
Passionate, energizing and intense, red will add excitement to any room. If you are looking to create a bold design that will really catch the eye, this is one of your best colours for doing so. It is great for small spaces to add drama where it would otherwise be sparse.
Where It Belongs
Anywhere that you want a bit of energy. Which means you will want to avoid putting it in bedrooms if you can help it. But it is a great colour for living rooms, family or entertainment rooms, patios, kitchens and offices or studies.
Yellow
Warm and inviting, yellow can give any room a bright and happy feel. Using a pastel version will make things more gentle and homey.
Where It Belongs
Kitchens are the number one room for yellow tones. It adds a bit of energy, and makes you feel positive and creative. It is also great for children’s rooms when using a lighter shade.
Orange
Like red, orange is very energetic. However, it has less of a passionate feel and more a cheerful one, thanks to the yellow tones. However, it is harder to find moderate hues in orange.
Where It Belongs
Anywhere you would put a red or a yellow, and in fact it can be a great intermediate colour between the two for a cohesive palette. Also great for adding a bit of colour outdoors.
Green
Natures colour, green can immediately make any space seem more fresh and relaxing. But there are bright greens or bluish tones that have a more exotic flavour. Whatever you use it for, green is one colour you want to use sparingly.
Where It Belongs
Anywhere, but as an accent, not a main colour. Having a plant here and there can really improve the feel to a room. Using green as an accent in pillows, or in wall d?cor is also a great idea. If you do choose to get green furniture or wall colours, try something more muted, maybe with a hint of another shade in it, such as blue.
Do you have any tips for using colour psychology in the home? Let us know in the comments.
By Jessy Troy
Jessy Troy is the pro blogger collecting her interior design ideas at her blog.