How to Choose the Vibe for Your Home Using Color Psychology

There is a connection between emotion and color. So important, in fact, color choice – whether in paint, furniture, or accessories – is carefully considered depending on the specific room function. Considering the effects of color psychology in your home will help you create the exact ambiance you want in each space.

A living room area, designed by Lorena Aboado.

While you should always choose colors that make you feel comfortable, practicing color psychology will make your home aesthetically pleasing and functional while enhancing its vibration and energy.

Colors aren’t randomly used when it comes to interior design. It is important to understand the emotional impact of colors and which best delivers the desired result. Color can play an important role in creating certain moods. Color preferences can also exert an influence on people’s moods, feelings, and well-being.

It is important to understand the theory of colors and the color wheel. The primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. These colors are considered pure because they cannot be made from other colors. The secondary colors are green, orange, and purple. Secondary colors are made by mixing two primary colors together. From there, the color palette possibilities are endless.

The basic properties of color include hue, brightness, chromaticity, and saturation.

Here is a description of the basic colors and their mood effect:

• Red: As one of the most powerful shades in color psychology, it entices a wide range of emotions such as passion, excitement, and high-energy.
• Blue: The peaceful, serene feeling that washes over you when you watch ocean waves roll in and out is linked to the calming effects of the color blue. Blue is associated with feelings of tranquility and neutrality.
• Yellow: As one of the most vibrant colors, yellow is related to happiness and optimism. It is the universal color for happiness, not considered to be a relaxing color because of its brightness. It is another stimulatory color that increases energy levels.
• Orange: Orange is known to invoke fun, energetic enthusiasm. It can stimulate physical effects such as a heightened sense of activity, increased socialization, and feelings of joy.
• Green: Green stimulates feelings of balance, growth, and restoration. Because of its relationship to nature, all shades of green create an atmosphere of serenity and balance.
• Purple: A regal and powerful color that gives rise to an array of emotions. It can develop feelings of creativity, depth, and inspiration.
• White: Denoting feelings of purity, cleanliness, and innocence, white is the most versatile color to use in interior design. It is associated with a refreshing and modern atmosphere.
• Black: A good rule of thumb: When in doubt, go with black. In color psychology, black signifies power, mystery, depth, and elegance.

Explore color palettes and experiment with different combinations. Don’t be afraid to try your own. Just paint small samples on one of the walls and see how you feel. You can always change it. It’s only paint.

Born in Lima, Peru, Lorena Aboado is a local interior designer. She has a degree in Interior Decorating and Design and owns Lorena Interiors. For more information, visit lorenainteriors.com.