Choosing the right colour for your home can make the difference between a comfortable or uncomfortable place. There’s a whole psychology behind how different colours affect our mood, behaviour, and even how we perceive space. So, let’s see how we can make our homes not just look good but feel good too.
Understanding Colour Psychology
The world has known about colour psychology for quite a while now. To summarise, it’s about how colours can affect our emotions and behaviours. For instance, ever noticed how fast food chains love reds and yellows? Because red can increase heart rate and appetite, while yellow grabs your attention. Clever, eh?
Colours can have an immense effect on how we feel when at homes. The difference between walking into a room painted a soothing blue versus a fiery red is quite remarkable. One might make you feel calm and relaxed, the other might have quite the opposite effect.
The Role of Colour in Different Rooms
Each room in your home serves a different purpose, so it makes sense that the colours you choose should reflect that. Let’s break it down:
Living Room
Here is where you relax, entertain, and spend time with family. Reds, oranges, and yellows, being warm colours, can create a welcoming, cosy atmosphere depending on their intensity. But if you’re after something more serene, opt for cool colours in the blue and green spectrum. How about a strong coloured feature wall standing out from the three remaining white ones?
Kitchen
That special room where the tea gets made! Bright colours like red and yellow can stimulate appetite and conversation, which is great for a lively kitchen. The trend at the moment is a white and grey space for a clean, sophisticated vibe. Or you could compromise and have a bright yellow backsplash in your contemporary kitchen, giving a feel of a sunny morning.
Bedroom
Your sanctuary, your personal space. Your place to unwind and get a good night’s kip. Use soft blues and greens for a peaceful, restful atmosphere. Or try a soft lavender or green. Colours like these are reported to lower blood pressure and heart rate, and that’s good for drifting off to sleep.
Bathroom
The bathroom is another space where you want to feel calm and refreshed. Light blues and greens can give a spa-like feel, while white can make the space feel clean and open. Ever tried a bold navy or dark green on a single wall in a bathroom? It can be surprisingly chic and relaxing.
Home Office
So important for the many of us who work from home. It is now become a crucial space. Muted greens and blues can boost concentration and productivity and possibly help you stay focused. If you need a little more pep in your step, consider a splash of yellow or orange or a cerise to energise your space.
Choosing the Right Colours for Your Home
When it comes to selecting colours, choose something that looks good and gives you a good vibe. Think about the mood you want to create in each room. Also, consider the amount of natural light each room gets. A sunny room can handle bolder colours, while a darker room might benefit from lighter shades.
Accent colours and accessories are also a great way to introduce colour without fully committing. Switch out cushions and throws with the seasons to keep things fresh and revamp the room.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best intentions can go awry. Here are a few common pitfalls:
Overusing bold colours can make a space feel overwhelming. Stick to one feature wall or use bold colours sparingly.
Ignoring the influence of natural and artificial light can result in colours looking different than expected. Always test paint swatches in different lights.
Failing to consider the overall colour scheme of the home can lead to a disjointed feel. Aim for a cohesive look throughout. Travelling through an entire paint box on your way through the home can be unsettling to say the least. And how would you match your carpets?
Conclusion
Colour is a powerful tool in home decorating. It’s capable of transforming the look and feel of your home. Understanding and applying colour psychology gives you the flair to create spaces look great and feel just right.
Feeling inspired but not sure where to start? At MJ Kloss, we’re the experts in painting and decorating. We can offer advice on choosing a colour, although, of course, we wouldn’t dream of foisting our ideas on you. Book a consultation or get a quote today, and let’s bring your home to life with the perfect colours.
