Color Theory in Interior Design
Research suggests that colors can affect mood and emotions, as the brain connects color with memories, experiences, cultural meanings, and biological responses. As a result, color choices in interior design can make individuals feel calm, excited, focused, and more. Read on to learn how using certain colors can shape a room beyond just aesthetics.
Warm Colors
Warm colors can have a stimulating effect on emotions:
- RED is often perceived as an intense color that evokes feelings of dominance. Being in a red environment can affect the body by increasing blood pressure, metabolism, and heart rate, causing energy levels to spike.
- ORANGE typically has positive associations, bringing energy and stimulation to a space. If creativity is your goal, orange can help add vigor and vibrancy.
- YELLOW can evoke excitement and is often associated with joy. Because yellow can be a high-energy color, it may be overstimulating for some.
Cool Colors
Cool-toned colors, on the other hand, are typically more relaxing:
- BLUE promotes relaxation and can encourage reflection and tranquility. Soft blues in particular can calm the mind and create a sophisticated, welcoming ambience.
- GREEN can also promote calmness and relaxation, thanks to its link to nature. In some studies, exposure to the color green also enhanced creativity.
- PURPLE can have different effects, depending on its shade. Light shades of purple such as lavender can provide a calming, soothing feel, while deeper shades of violet may promote creativity.
Neutrals
Neutral colors create a blank slate, ideal for adding in pops of warm or cool colors based on your goals for a space, and can elicit specific emotions of their own:
- WHITE can feel clean, bright, and fresh. It can also represent peace in some cultures, and be calming in certain environments.
- BROWN, like green, is often associated with nature. It can evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, and can be grounding.
- BLACK is an intense color linked to power and elegance. It often represents boldness, and its use can create sophisticated, moody interiors.
Meet the Author
Kristen Dee, BS, MA, Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Dee is a graduate of Winthrop University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. Following Winthrop, she earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group, Kristen successfully fulfilled roles involving internal corporate communications. Today, she supports ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville® – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. She also contributes to the development of blogs and other content shared on the publications’ digital platforms. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with her husband and two dogs, Cooper and Rocky.
