The Psychology of Color

What do the colors in your house say about you?  Better yet, what moods and emotions do they inspire?  The psychology of color can play an important part in your paint selections as you get ready to update your home with fresh color! 

Each room has a different purpose and therefore you want to be thoughtful about the kind of mood you are setting.  However, just like the room itself, color choice is always individual and personal.  Colors matter and your home should be a perfect reflection of you and the things you value and love.  If we all made the same choices the paint store wouldn’t need to have hundreds of paint chips!!  Let’s start with popular color trends and where they fit in to your home.

INTERPRETATIONS

Primary Colors

Blue – Ocean and sky, serenity, stability, inspiration                                                                                                                          Red – Activity, love, passion, joy                                                                                                                                                        Yellow – Sunshine, optimism, hope, creativity 

Secondary Colors    

Green – Nature and the natural world, tranquility and good luck                                                                                                      Purple – Sunsets, royalty, grandeur, independence                                                                                                                          Orange – Sun, warmth, enthusiasm, fun, extroverted, uninhibited         

Shades and Tints – Black, white and gray

Black – the absence of color                                                                                                                                                        White – All colors in one                                                                                                                                                                Gray – A mix of black and white (true gray is an equal mix)       

 BEDROOMS

What words come to mind when you think about the atmosphere you want to create in a bedroom?  Probably words like tranquil, cozy, serene.  You can never go wrong with soft grays, neutrals or off-whites.  Soft, warm colors create a cozy feeling. Cool colors, like green, blue and purple evoke relaxation and calm.  You can add interest and color with comforters, pillows, artwork and accent pieces.

BATH

Bathrooms come in all sizes, so that will have an impact on your color choice.  Blues and greens that reflect the feeling of ocean, lake, motion are a popular choice.  Whether or not to choose a soft, gentle shade or a bold, statement color depends on the size and shape of the bathroom.  All white bathrooms are popular because they create a light, airy aura and a feeling of elegance. Enhance the feeling of relaxation and luxury with plants.

LIVING AREAS

More than any other spaces in your home, the living areas should reflect your personality. The top 5 colors for living areas are green, gray, blue, beige, and believe it or not, black!  Yes, black and white are always a classic combination. Just remember that if red, orange or yellow better reflect your personality and outlook on life that should not be discounted.  And regardless of the basic color you choose, there are lots of variations.

DINING ROOM

Your dining room is a great place for bold colors.  Rich, warm reds actually increase appetite and that is why they are a popular choice in many restaurants.  Reds and oranges promote interaction and liveliness.  Corals, golds and silvery grays are also good choices.  The ideas is to promote hospitality and comfort for your guests.

KITCHEN

This is definitely the space where you want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.  All white (or mostly white) kitchens are popular because they are energizing and give an air of “fresh and clean.”  Gray, blue, red, yellow and green are also good choice.  The great thing about the kitchen is that there are so many areas that can take color and tie the whole room together.  Think counter tops, cabinets, backsplashes and appliances.  Displays of fresh fruits and flowers add to the inviting atmosphere that so often makes the kitchen the heart of the home. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Have fun when you are deciding on colors and try not to second guess yourself.  We highly recommend that if you are still indecisive about your color choices that you buy paint samples (about $8 per sample) and test them out.  You also have the option of looking at pre-determined color combinations at your local paint store.  And don’t forget the ColorSnap Visualizer from Sherwin-Williams.  Happy decorating!

Let ColaTown Painting help make your dream home come true!  Call Britt at 803-603-6486 – its that simple!  Or e-mail us at ellisb@colatownpainting.com           

              

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