It’s a new year, and one of your resolutions may include giving your living space a much needed refresh. Choosing new colors can go a long way to greatly affect how a space both looks and feels. The right lighting and color can have a surprising effect on our emotions, mood, and well being.
Whether it’s your sofa’s upholstery, wallpaper, mats and cushions, or you’re trying to find the right shades to match your wooden furniture legs, color is important.
In this article, we’re going to explore color theory and how it can help in transforming your living space. So if you’re wondering what shades and hues to pick for your furniture and décor, read on…
What Is Color Psychology?
Color psychology is the study of how colors can influence humans, including their behavior, emotions, and even their mental state.
The right choice of color can make a big difference and help you in creating a harmonious atmosphere for your home. With that in mind, it’s time to look at some individual colors and what they can represent…
Blue
Why choose a blue color? Well, blue is often associated with calmness and tranquillity. Choosing a shade, or multiple shades, of blue can create a soothing ambiance in your home. This could be an ideal choice for someone that needs a space that promotes relaxation.
Red
Red is a warm, powerful, and energetic color to choose for your décor. It stimulates passion and vitality. Incorporating red shades could add a burst of energy to a room, making it a great color to choose for an area where lots of socializing would take place. Vibrant and exciting.
Green
Green, particularly earthy greens, are linked with nature. These shades can represent growth, balance, and renewal. A splash of green in your room can feel refreshing. It can also promote a positive sense of wellbeing, as well as a connection to the outdoors.
Neutral Colors
Neutral tones include beige, taupe, and grey. They convey a sense of simplicity, yet can be elegant and versatile. Some find these tones soothing as they help you maintain a calm and balanced aesthetic. Neutral tones are timeless, and allow you to introduce pops of color via accessories, without the risk of ruining your carefully planned aesthetic and having it feeling like too much.
Yellow
Yellow is bright and cheerful, and is associated with positivity, optimism, and happiness. Infusing some yellow shades in a few areas of your décor can instantly lift the mood of a room. It’s an excellent choice for spaces where you want to create a cheerful and inviting vibe.
Purple
Purple, specifically royal purple, has long been associated with luxury. It’s also linked to creativity and wisdom. Shades of purple can introduce a touch of sophistication to your space.
How to Choose Colors
Now that we understand the meanings that certain colors have, let’s look at how to decide what colors to use:
Assessing the Room’s Purpose
What do you use the room you’re renovating for? Whether it’s for relaxing, socializing, engaging in hobbies, working, being creative, or a mixture, this should inform the kind of atmosphere you’d like your space to have. Blues and greens may be ideal for a soothing, relaxing bedroom, whilst reds and yellows will be great for an energetic, social living room space with a cheerful vibe.
Harmonizing with Existing Décor
You might not want or need to perform a complete refresh, so take note of existing elements of your décor. This includes the current wall color, flooring, and accessories. You can then choose colors for new upholstery and accessories that will complement these existing elements. Complementing colors carefully will leave you with a cohesive and visually appealing space.
Experimenting with Patterns
Patterns can add depth to your décor, so consider experimenting with patterns that match your chosen color palette. Geometric patterns, florals, or abstract designs can all inject more personality into your space. Whether it’s furniture, wallpaper, or accessories like cushions.
Embracing Textures and Materials
Different textures and materials can also enhance your overall aesthetic. For example, velvet can add a touch of luxury, whilst natural fabrics like linen make a space feel more relaxed and casual.
Consider the Size of Your Space
The size of your room can also inform your color choice. Lighter colors can create an illusion of openness, ideal for smaller rooms. Similarly, darker colors add coziness, ideal for larger rooms.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right colors can be complex, but color psychology may help you figure out what works best. It might take a bit of experimentation, but your newly refreshed space is only a few trial-and-errors away.