Colour Your Mood

Even with colours all around us, most people are unaware of the profound effect colours have on our lives. They work subconsciously, so when designing and decorating living space, one should take into account not only colour compliance rules and personal taste but the moods we want to evoke as well. If you have become bored and are considering an inexpensive design change, the simplest solution is changing wall colours, upholstery on sofas and decorative details such as cushions, curtains and carpets. However, make sure you carefully choose the colours and the atmosphere you want to create. Studies have shown that our environment, especially colours, have a strong effect on how we feel. In scientific terms, the colour is the first thing we notice when we encounter something new, which is why the colours around us effect mood and behaviour. Human response to them is subjective and therefore unpredictable, so there is no colour that is universally attractive or repulsive, and that is why small changes in colour tone can evoke or suppress certain emotions.

 

Energising Colours
There are a few distinct categories of colours that are energising but they all bring energy to our living space. First, there are all shades of blue, vibrant blues bursting with energy. Grim and dark shades of blue do not belong to this category. There is also a bright red, but not burgundy. You see, the darker the colour, the calmer and less energetic it is. When painting the walls of a room, it is recommended to paint only one wall bright red (a maximum of two walls) to get the desired level of energy. Bright yellow and golden shades of yellow are also energising colours. You should, however, avoid very bright yellow shades as they can become irritating, as well as dark gold, which has a calming affect.

 

 

Colours that Evoke Comfort

Dark colours (but not vibrant shades of blue and pastel purple) are the ones that create a feeling of comfort. However, do not use extremely dark shades because they cause claustrophobia. Dark shades of green, earth tones and dark flash pink also evoke comfort because they remind us of nature and human contact. The same stands for butter yellow. Throughout its existence, the human race has always had a sense of peace and comfort when in touch with Mother Nature, which is why all the colours that remind us of nature and earth evoke the same feelings.

Sensual Colours 
Rich brown hue, chocolate shades, from light to dark chocolate, and certain shades of deep red and crimson evoke sensuality. That is why they are always an ideal choice for bedrooms; unfortunately, this effect can not be achieved in small rooms. However, the dark colour of salmon also brings sensual mood, and it can be readily used in smaller rooms without inspiring claustrophobic feelings.

“Exhausting” Colours

According to numerous studies, bright pink drains the energy, which is why some American prison cell walls have been painted that colour to reduce aggressive behaviour. The similar effect is created with dark orange and yellow.

Depressing Colours
Dark green, dark blue and grey stimulate negative moods, sometimes even depression. The same applies to the darker earth tones and the colour of rust. So, be careful when using these colours! They may be good to highlight certain details, but not for entire walls, especially in small rooms.

Claustrophobic Colours

Burgundy can sometimes be quite elegant and sophisticated, e.g. in dining rooms or large living rooms, with the right furniture, of course. Yet, it causes claustrophobia in small spaces. Black is a powerful colour, effective in large spaces, but again not suitable for the smaller ones as its only effect then is a feeling of claustrophobia. The same stands for dark grey and brown.

Refreshing Colours 
Pure green is very refreshing and is often used in bathrooms, but is not a bad choice for living rooms either. It is always better to choose light shades because the dark ones have a completely different effect. Bright orange also appears to be refreshing, and so does lemon yellow, but anything lighter will have a calming effect.

Neutral and Balancing Colours
There is a multitude of reasons why people want to have rooms with natural and balanced atmosphere. It is usually required for work spaces and businesses, and these rooms are often painted bright shades of beige, light earth tones and dove grey. Institutional green - special shade of green between the colour of avocado and mint - looks neutral and therefore has become a standard colour in hospitals. These shades do not stimulate emotions, nor do they drain us emotionally.

Soothing Colours
The soothing effect is gained with  pastel blue, pastel lavender, and pastel lilac, so all these colours are often used in  mental health institutions as they calm the patients. Pale earth tones close to flesh pink and dark gold also create a sense of calm.

’Liberating’ Colours
Bright turquoise and the colour of the sun have a liberating effect on human psyche . The connection can be found in the old belief that all patients with chronic conditions should be sent to the seaside to enjoy the fresh air, the sunshine and the turquoise sea. Bright peach is also liberating. ‘Liberating’ colours are an excellent choice for those who are redesigning for the first time or those who are making a complete makeover of their home.