As the famous artist Wassily Kandinsky once said, “Colour is a power which directly influences the soul”. Selecting the right colour palette for space goes beyond aesthetic appeal; it is a journey into the science & art of colour theory, understanding human psychology, and harmonising these elements with practical design principles.

Whether you are a professional designer, a home decorator, or simply someone fascinated by the power of colours – this blog aims to equip you with the knowledge & tools needed to make informed choices in your colour selections.

Colour psychology explores how different hues impact our perception and behaviour. In interior design, it is a pivotal tool used to create environments that reflect a space’s desired mood and function. It’s not just about personal preferences; scientific studies have shown that colours can significantly impact our mental and emotional states.

7 Influential Colours in Interior Design and Their Effects

1. Red is often considered the most emotionally intense colour. It can stimulate energy, increase adrenaline, and raise heart rates. A colour of passion and excitement, red is ideal for areas where activity and interaction are encouraged, like dining rooms and living spaces. Due to its stimulating nature, red might not suit bedrooms or areas meant for relaxation.
2. Blue is at the opposite end of the spectrum from red. Its calming and soothing properties makes it a favourite candidate for bedrooms and bathrooms. Lighter shades of blue create a restful environment, while darker blues help foster deep concentration, making them ideal for home offices or study areas. However, avoid extreme dark shades of blue, as they can evoke feelings of sadness.
3. The colour of sunshine, yellow is inherently cheerful and uplifting. It can brighten & energise a space, and is believed to stimulate the nervous system and promote creativity. This makes yellow a great choice for kitchens, dining areas, and bathrooms. However, it is important to use it wisely – the brightest shades or the wrong shades of yellow could create frustration & anger.
4. Green, the most restful colour for the eye, combines the cheerful and stimulating qualities of yellow with the calm and coolness of blue. It is often used in design to provide balance and harmony. Green is suitable for almost any room in the house – particularly where stress reduction is a priority, such as bedrooms and living rooms.
5. Purple is associated with luxury, creativity, and sophistication – especially in darker shades. It is a great choice for sparking imagination in a space, making it ideal for creative studios or meditation rooms. Lighter shades of lavender and lilac bring the same restful quality to bedrooms as blue does, but without the risk of feeling chilly.
6. A blend of red and yellow, orange offers the right balance of energy and cheerfulness. It is an excellent colour for exercise rooms or playrooms, where energy levels are expected to be high. However, like red, it is not recommended for living spaces or bedrooms as it can be overwhelming.
7. Neutrals play a crucial role in interior design, as the foundation of a colour scheme or as a balancing element for more vibrant colours. Black adds depth & sophistication, but should be used judiciously to prevent a space from feeling overwhelming. Grey is valued for imparting a modern & sleek aesthetic, seamlessly complementing various colours. White, often used to create an impression of space and cleanliness, can make a room feel stark if overused. Lastly, brown is favoured for its ability to instil warmth and earthiness, making it perfect for crafting cosy & secure environments.

Colour Combinations and Their Impact on Home Interiors

• Living Room

This is often a social space for relaxation and interaction. Warm tones like earthy browns or soft greens can create a welcoming, calming environment. If your living room is also an entertainment area, incorporating accents of brighter colours like red or orange can add energy and fun.

• Kitchen

Kitchens benefit from colours that stimulate appetite and energy. Shades of red and yellow are traditionally known to boost appetite, but if you prefer a more calming space for cooking, consider softer shades like light blues or greens.

• Dining Room

Depending on the ambience you wish to create, you could go for warmer, richer colours like deep reds or purples to make a formal, luxurious atmosphere or lighter hues like peach or soft yellows for a more casual, friendly dining experience.

• Bedroom

Calm, soothing colours like blues, lavenders, and soft greens are ideal for bedrooms, as these spaces are primarily meant for relaxation. These colours are known to be calming and can help improve sleep.

• Bathroom

Using light blues, greens, or even gentle greys in your bathroom can transform it into a spa-like retreat, providing an atmosphere of cleanliness and tranquillity.

• Home Office

For spaces dedicated to work or study, colours that inspire concentration and productivity are key. Shades of green can improve focus, while blues can be calming yet conducive to productivity.

• Children’s Room

Bright and playful colours like light yellow, green, or blue can create the ideal environment for the little ones. Be cautious with bright colours though; they may be too stimulating for a sleeping space.

• Hallways and Entryways

Neutral tones work well in these transitional spaces, possibly accented with artwork or decorative elements for a pop of colour.

The Role of Cultural and Personal Influences

The influence of colour in interior design is deeply intertwined with cultural & personal factors, creating a complex and varied tapestry of meaning & perception. Culturally, colours can hold significant symbolism. For instance, while white is often seen as a symbol of purity and peace in Western cultures, it may represent mourning in some Eastern cultures.

Personal experiences and preferences also play a pivotal role, as individual associations with certain colours can evoke different emotions & memories, leading to a highly personalised response to colour schemes. Thus, the impact of colour in interior spaces transcends universal psychological effects, being heavily shaped by the cultural context and personal experiences of the individuals inhabiting or interacting with those spaces.

Practical Application of Colours in Interior Design

• Consider the Room’s Purpose and Mood

Think about what the room is used for and the mood you want to create. For instance, bedrooms benefit from soothing colours like soft blues and greens, while living rooms can handle more vibrant colours.

• Analyse the Space and Lighting

The amount and type of light a room receives can significantly impact a colour’s appearance. Natural light is the truest colour, incandescent lighting brings out warm tones, and fluorescent lighting casts a sharp blue tone. Always test paint colours in the space to see how they change with different lighting conditions.

• Start with a Base Colour

Choose a base colour that aligns with the desired mood and function of the room. This colour will act as the anchor for your palette and guide the selection of other colours.

• Create Balance with a Colour Scheme

A monochromatic scheme employs different shades and tints of a single colour, resulting in a cohesive and soothing appearance. Conversely, an analogous colour scheme employs colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel, resulting in a harmonious and aesthetically appealing look.
The complementary scheme is more dynamic – utilising colours opposite each other on the colour wheel, resulting in a vibrant and high-contrast look. Lastly, the triadic scheme involves using three evenly spaced colours on the colour wheel, striking a balance between colourful and harmonious aesthetics.

• Use the 60-30-10 Rule

A popular approach in interior design is the 60-30-10 rule. This means 60% of the room should have the dominant colour, 30% a secondary colour, and 10% an accent colour. This rule helps in creating a balanced and layered look.

Conclusion

Whether designing a home or a commercial space, the thoughtful application of colour can profoundly impact the overall experience. The psychology of colour in interior design is a powerful tool that can transform the feel of a space. By understanding the effects of different colours, you can create beautiful environments that resonate emotionally with your home.