The Psychology of Colours in Our Homes

Have you ever wondered why you are attracted to specific colours? Perhaps you’re a neutral person, your home is clean, fresh and bright. Perhaps you prefer dark colours, or bright colours, pattern or multicolour. Well, as humans we do not always realise that colour affects our day to day lives. It changes how we act, our mood and how comfortable we may or may not feel. Artists and interior designers have long understood how colour can dramatically affect feelings, and emotions. Certain colours have even been directly associated with physical health; having the ability to increase blood pressure, increase metabolism, and eyestrain.

Lover of all things floral, Jane, visits her friend Sophie. Sophie’s house is the same shade of magnolia throughout all its rooms, accompanied by beige sofas, beige lamps and beige carpet. Although spotlessly clean, spacious and airy, Jane finds it boring. However, Sophie enjoys having a neutral environment and feels like it helps her remain calm. She cannot bare clutter or pattern; they make her feel disorganised and out of control. As humans we are wired differently, and we make distinct preferences about colour from a young age; some children decide their favourite colour as young as two. Of course we change, but what’s useful to know is what colours are good for our wellbeing, as well as those that we prefer.

Understanding the psychology of colour could help you become happier and more comfortable in your habitat. Sometimes we choose colours in our home that are totally wrong for our personalities. For example, if you’re a person who loves nature and the outside, then bring the outside in; green is the colour for you representing peaceful pastures and calmative woodland. Green allows you to feel utterly serene, a colour which is ideal for the bedroom. Plants, flowers and foliage scattered throughout the home will continue to help you relax as well as lessen tension and anxiety – something we all need.

You may be a lover of red, the power colour. Rouge is one to avoid for the bedroom, as it instantly raises one’s heart rate and stimulates the nerves. This makes it perfect for a bright and bold kitchen, as it can sensitise taste buds and enhance one’s sense of smell – isn’t that amazing?! Red is also the go to colour for entertaining, as well as other warm colours such as orange and yellow. Yellow helps the brain release serotonin causing us to be well stimulated, happy and chatty. Be careful with yellow though, a shade too dark and you could be surrounded by a mouldy disaster.

Learning about the psychology of colour can help to give a better understanding of which colours could benefit you and why. It’s so important for our homes to be a that unique and personal haven. It needs to be our happy place; the place we escape to from all life’s woes, the place we come home to and our mood changes for the better just because of its good vibes. Instead of corporate interiors, surround yourself with those colours and designs that will make you feel utterly tranquil.

Do you find any of this to be true for you?

*collaborative post