The Psychology of Colour
Whether you’re a lover of colour, or prefer a neutral nook, understanding how colour and tones can work together is key to creating the perfect space.
The relationship between our emotions and colours is undeniable and has been synonymous with interiors for centuries. Colour psychology is an approach that explores how human behaviour can be influenced by colour, varying from person to person and through different cultures, our perception of colour and what it symbolises can directly impact our emotions.
A beautiful red reception room styled for Burbeck Interiors. Image Credit: James Balston Interiors
The History of Colour Psychology
The way the colour spectrum is organised was discovered by Sir Isaac Newton in the 1660s, however, colour psychology can be dated back thousands of years to the Ancient Egyptians. Using research found surround the effects colours can have on mood, this was used for health and holistic benefits. One of the earliest known works on colour theory was published by German artist and politician Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe in 1810: The Theory of Colour outlined the nature, function and psychology of colours and remains one of the leading explorations on the effects colours have on mood and emotions.
Although initially dismissed by the scientific community, modern psychology has further proven the use of colour psychology with theories which can now be used in a variety of industries.
Colours & Interiors
It’s no secret that colour and interiors go hand in hand, whether you’re deciding on your new headboard, a piece of artwork or paint for a statement wall, understanding the principles of how this can transform a space both physically and mentally is a fantastic tool for achieving the perfect space.
The basics…
Red
Red is renowned for evoking the strongest of emotions; love, hatred and rage alongside strength, power and courage. The use of red in creative spaces such as studies, kitchens and art studios raises creativity with its additional qualities connected to ambitions, action and power.
Alternatively, when used in a social space such as a reception room, red has the power to draw people together stimulating conversation.
Yellow
The sunshine colour; yellow can be used to energise and create a positive ambience, evoking happiness and positivity. A great choice for kitchens, bathrooms and dining spaces it can also be used to brighten dark corners of your home to create contrast.
The playfulness of yellow makes it a perfect match for children’s bedrooms and nurseries.
Blue
Often used in hospitals and spas, blue is believed to bring down blood pressure and relax our nervous system. Deep shades of blue are known to improve productivity and promote success whereas lighter shades are often linked to creativity; both evoke calmness, and this colour is often used in bedrooms, studies and bathrooms.
A monochromatic deep blue scheme in a bathroom creates the ultimate space for relaxation.
Green
Combining the tranquillity of blue, and the optimism of yellow, green immediately brings concepts of the natural world into your home, stimulating thoughts of balance, growth and restoration.
Deep greens embody enough warmth to promote togetherness making them perfect for reception rooms and bedrooms.
Neutrals
My personal favourite, a neutral palette can not only provide a flexible backdrop to any space, a variety in hues and tones allows for the opportunity to seamlessly blend cool and warm tones.
Combine this with different textures and subtle patterns to create a scheme fit for any room.
With so much research surrounding the emotional impact a colour can have when used in the right space, there is no denying how crucial it can be to choose the right colour for you. Take a look at my post on Finding the Right Match to see how you can perfectly pair your chosen colours. Whether it be for a bold blue kitchen, or a radiant red study choose colours that work for you and make it feel like home.