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You may think it a little strange to be talking about
psychology on a website to do with interior design yet there is much to be
learnt about how colour can be used to affect temperament and all have both
positive and negative aspects. When you come home after a hard day at work
you want to feel secure and comfortable but you may also want to have areas that
allow for creative thought by understanding how colours act on our psyche it's
possible to consider when, where and how to use them. RED -
is
a colour of physicality. It can suggest strength, energy and be
stimulating. But it can also be aggressive and straining.
It is the most powerful of all the colours and in its
purest form cannot be classed as a subtle colour.
Best used in small quantities as accent colours in its
brightest forms or, if muted, used in large expansion in dining rooms with a
Victorian feel (on the basis that the room is used most often after dark and the
colour can be dissipated somewhat by the use of reduced artificial lighting such
as candles).
BLUE -
is
the colour of the intellect and communication it can suggest logic and serenity
allowing for calm reflection. It can also suggest aloofness and lack of
emotion.
Research has shown that this is the most popular colour
and is very good if used in hospitals, call centres or as a fresh colour in
garden rooms. Because it can appear cold (probably because historically we
have used it a lot in kitchens and bathrooms) consider adding hints of a
complementary colour such as those in the orange range.
YELLOW -
this it the colour of optimism, self-esteem and creativity. It is also the
colour of fear and depression. Gentle yellows are perfect for walls and
furniture and as you can see from the picture they work well with blues.
If you are considering using stronger yellows perhaps in the form of gold think
about using them together with other 'regal' colours like purple and royal blue.
GREEN -
suggests balance with the world, peace and awareness. Unfortunately, it
can also be the colour of boredom and stagnation.
Works well if incorporated in naturalistic schemes or
along with the primary colours. If using a cooler version (a blue-green)
then it is best used together with a warmer colour such as terracotta.
VIOLET -
this suggests luxury because of its links with royalty in past generations (or
was it the other way round!), truth and vision. Alternatively, it can
suggest decadence, inferiority and suppression.
If used to excess or in the wrong tones it can give the
impression of cheapness (generally good to team with blues, yellows and whites.
ORANGE -
on the one hand this colour can be used to suggest sensuality, fun and warmth.
But it can also represent frustration and immaturity.
Terracotta is probably the most recognisable/used version
of an orange but this muted, warm hue can work well in halls and other places
were people first meet.
If thinking of using bright orange use it only as an
accent - otherwise it will be too garish and too reminiscent of advertising
hordings.
PINK - this colour
also has a split personality! It can suggest nurturing, warmth and
femininity or it can be emasculating and inhibiting.
Like its 'parent' the colour red pink does affect us
emotionally but in a more soothing manner although too much of it can be
draining.
GREY -
grey is often seen as the colour of neutrality but it can also be very boring
and spat the energy of those who come in contact with it.
This is probably due to the fact that there is virtually
no tone to the colour - as a result it can be good at cooling down a colour
scheme that is too vibrant.
BLACK - the colour of sophisticated evening gowns
but also the colour of fear (the fear of the dark).
Black absorbs all colour which can suggest clarity or it
can be used to overset other colours such as yellow, white and orange (think of
the 1980s use of black, white, grey and red or magenta, black, white and gold of
the Art Deco are)
WHITE - this colour is the exact opposite of black
and reflects colour. It is seen as a symbol of purity, cleanliness and
efficiency. But it can be sterile and cold.
This can be used effectively to fool the eye into
believing there is more space in a room but if used with warm colours they
appear garish. Strangely it looks great in very large open spaces too eg
warehouse conversions where everything is minimalist and there are only a few
pieces of iconic design on display ... not to everyone's taste though!
The trouble, however, when dealing with the concept of
'white' is what is 'white' really as it can be tinted, matte or gloss and all
have an affect on the overall results due to the way they reflect other colours
and light back at you.
BROWN -
this is the colour of the earth, of reliability but also of a lack of
sophistication and a poor sense of humour.
It is softer and warmer than black because although it
contains large amounts of black it is also made up using red and yellow.
For those looking for a natural look if used with creams and greens a sense of
the outside can be brought into the home.
Hope this helps you develop your ideas. If not
please don't hesitate to contact us
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