The Use of Color in Interior
Design Colors have a profound impact on a space and the individuals within it, capable of significantly altering the overall mood and atmosphere. Choosing the appropriate colors for the spaces within a building and its decoration is one of the most crucial aspects of interior design
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Choosing the Right Colors for Interior Design
The Psychology of Colors for Interior Design Interior design is an art that combines an individual’s personality with their interests. It is akin to filling an empty canvas with colors and other materials to make the space more pleasant. Since residents spend a great deal of time in rooms and other areas of the home, in addition to the psychology of colors, we must also consider taste and mood in a way that benefits them.
The Role of Color in Interior Design
The purpose of ambient lighting is to create a diffuse and uniform light level in a room, and this is the first consideration when designing a lighting scheme. Ambient lighting sources are often ceiling lights, although sometimes floor and table lamps can also assist in ambient lighting. Ceiling lighting sources can be a single lighting tool, such as a ceiling light or chandelier, or they can be multiple lights, such as architectural path lighting or recessed lights. These small lights work together to form a primary light source, but the difference lies in their ability to be embedded in different corners and angles of the room to illuminate from all directions.
Ceiling lights often use string lights that are inexpensive and produced in various power ratings. Compact fluorescent lamps have emerged as “green” alternatives that are slightly more expensive but significantly outlast similar string lights. They also have the advantage of being recyclable, while regular lamps are not and pose a perpetual pollution threat.
Fluorescent lamps entered the market in the late 1920s and for a long time were one of the best and most practical lamps in use. However, with the presence of various lamps such as LED lamps, due to the harms and issues they had, they have gradually been phased out of people’s daily lives. These lamps are the same as the energy-saving lamps available on the market.
To familiarize yourself with the types of these lamps and their advantages and disadvantages, it is better to refer to an article on the types of fluorescent lamps. The downside is that fluorescent lamps are known for producing unattractive and unpleasant light, but manufacturers are constantly striving to improve and eliminate this weakness. Ceiling lighting, regardless of the type of lamps, can be entirely customizable and can be very stylish and suitable, so ambient lighting sources should be combined and complemented with other types of lamps to create contrast.
Research has shown that fluorescent light, depending on the distance of the lamp from the body and face, can increase exposure to ultraviolet rays by up to 3%. If the lamp is close, the emitted light and heat can affect skin conditions and worsen the situation for sensitive individuals.
How Does Color Psychology Impact Interior Design?
Color plays a significant role in interior design. The colors of the walls, furniture, natural elements, decorative pieces, lighting, and other items all play crucial roles in influencing the residents’ mental state. We are surrounded by color combinations in our homes and workplaces for hours, so choosing the right color for each space and activity enhances comfort and tranquility at home and increases focus and productivity in the workplace. Based on studies in the field of color psychology, each individual reacts differently to various colors. For example, some people find black depressing, while many others see it as a symbol of order and functionality. Similarly, some individuals perceive red as threatening, while for others, red is inspiring.
Therefore, personal tastes and moods are also crucial in the impact of color in interior design. Below, we will examine the effects of common colors so that you can make more informed decisions when executing your interior design and decoration.
The Role of Different Colors in Interior Design
Most bright colors increase energy and liven up the environment; they also enhance potential and creativity depending on the color density you use. Softer colors have a calming effect on the senses, creating a peaceful environment and instilling a sense of security and tranquility.
Here is a list of 11 colors commonly used in interior design along with their effects on the human mind:
Red
Red is the most intense color that fully expresses human emotions. Darker shades like maroon or brighter shades like crimson can evoke feelings of love and companionship in a space. Using red in interior design adds excitement and energy to the entire room. You can use red in office buildings or workspaces at home, living rooms, and bedrooms. Red in offices is inspiring, representing leadership, high energy levels, and friendship. Using the full spectrum of red in the living room fosters camaraderie and stimulates conversation. However, one of the best uses of red is in the bedroom as it evokes feelings of love and longing. Since red can also evoke feelings of anger and revenge, it’s better to combine it with calming colors like white or beige to balance emotions. For example, you can use red on one wall or opposite walls in the bedroom and use calm and neutral colors throughout the room. You can also help maintain blood pressure under control by using complementary colors like yellow or natural colors like light green or white.
What emotions does the color red evoke in humans?
Joy, love, excitement, sexual desire, sensitivity.
Energy, power, endurance, strength.
Determination, leadership, courage, will. Anger, wrath, malice, revenge.
Danger, war. Hunger
Brown
Brown has a natural, soft nature that can harmonize modern and classic elements. It’s best to use brown in moderation. When using brown, make sure that the color of the walls, room, and overall interior color scheme create a warm and comfortable feeling, and use an inspiring color palette alongside it. Brown calms the senses, so excessive use can lead to inactivity and lack of focus. On the other hand, brown combined with vibrant shades and natural colors can symbolize resilience and security.
Brown is widely used in interior design, especially in classic designs, and has many fans. While brown is beautiful and chic, excessive use can lead to depression, so it’s better to combine it with cheerful colors like yellow, white, red, green, and orange.
What emotions does the color brown evoke in humans?
Safety, security, dependency, warmth, comfort. Resilience, spirit, determination, strength. Sorrow, loneliness, depression, isolation, indifference. Expansion, openness, coherence. Power, complexity, authenticity
Orange
Orange is a vibrant color symbolizing the sun and nature. Orange and all its shades have a largely positive impact on the mind. Similar colors to orange, such as gold, represent wealth and prosperity and can reflect success and fame.
The emotions conveyed by the color orange are very similar to red, evoking enthusiasm, love, sexual desires, and appetites. Orange also affects the calmness of the senses, as it reminds people of the beach and tropical drinks. Orange is commonly used in bedrooms and combined with balancing colors, as well as in sports halls to stimulate a sense of vitality and uplift people’s spirits. Orange can increase appetite, so it’s also suitable for kitchen and dining room spaces, both indoors and outdoors.
What emotions does the color orange evoke in humans?
Joy, peace, warmth.
Love, attractiveness, excitement, sexual desire, pleasure, attachment.
Encouragement, determination, boldness. Success, wealth, credibility, prominence, prosperity, wisdom.
Deception, betrayal, invasion, domination, distrust.
Healing, energy, vibrations.
Creativity, adventure.
Yellow
The color yellow reminds us of sunlight, thus increasing light and happiness. It is also associated with gold, symbolizing wealth and success. In interior design, yellow is recommended for kitchens, dining areas, hallways, and bathrooms. Yellow uplifts people’s spirits and brightens and sunlights the space. Although most shades of yellow have a positive impact on the mind, matte yellow creates feelings of death, decay, and illness; therefore, it’s best to use light shades of yellow sparingly in the home. For example, a completely yellow room can increase blood pressure, and since the brain associates high blood pressure with feelings of anger, it can lead individuals to lose control of their anger without any external stimuli. Yellow, especially when combined with gray or white, creates complexity in interior design. Yellow plastered walls with gray accents and patterns were very popular in the 90s and continue to be popular today.
What emotions does the color yellow evoke in humans?
Joy, cheerfulness, care, intimacy.
Intelligence, superiority, obedience, efficiency.
Energy, freshness, nature.
Caution, sickness, torment, decline, envy.
Optimism, encouragement.
Green
When people see the color green, they think of nature, and the human mind receives a sense of freshness, tranquility, and confidence from nature. Therefore, green is a powerful color in interior design. Soft green also helps reduce sensory stress and lower blood pressure. Green has a wide range of shades that evoke different emotions.
What emotions does the color green evoke in humans?
Nature, harmony, growth, fertility.
Peace, security, safety, protection.
Freshness, joy, healing.
Greed, envy, ambition.
Fear, illness, engagement. Calmness, honesty, comfort.
Blue
The color blue is one of the most calming colors in the interior design color palette. Regarding the psychological effects of the color blue, it can be said that blue induces a sense of mental calmness and slows down heart rate, metabolism, and blood pressure.
Different shades of blue, especially sky blue and light blue, have a therapeutic effect on the mind and remind one of the sea, swimming pools, and swimming. Blue is the only color that has widespread positive effects and does not have many negative effects on the psyche.
You can use different shades of blue in all parts of your home. For example, you can use darker shades like royal blue as the main color and pair it with yellow, using them in spaces like the kitchen, children’s room, and so on. You can also use a combination of light blue and dark blue in the bedroom and dining room.
However, using blue in small rooms can create a chilly and eerie feeling, like being trapped in ice, but you can neutralize this by using warm colors alongside it. Blue creates a sense of sophistication, luxury, and superiority in humans. Blue lights are also gentle on the eyes and reduce discomfort. In general, blue is an excellent color that has a special application in all styles of modern and contemporary interior design.
The color blue evokes the following emotions in humans
- Calmness, composure, control, happiness, softness.
- Knowledge, wisdom, intelligence, power, seriousness.
- Faith, trust, loyalty, honesty, courage, sincerity.
- Healing, health.
- Sophistication, beauty, prosperity.
Purple
The color purple usually evokes a sense of gentleness and superiority and is very well-suited for creative and design-related fields. Bright shades of purple like lavender add attractiveness to your design. Brighter shades of purple like lilac and jasmine create a serene yet majestic effect in your design.
Since purple is inspiring for creativity, you can use it for wardrobe closets, art studios, or even kitchens. This color is especially popular among teenagers and young adults as it encourages them towards creative and performing arts and helps them find their path.
Using purple in hallways or living rooms makes your guests spend a good time in that space. This color enhances feelings of calmness, sophistication, and beauty in humans.
What emotions does the color purple evoke in humans?
Sophistication, beauty, wealth, complexity.
Drama, depth, excitement.
Creativity, mystery.
Calmness, comfort, peace of mind.
Pink
The color pink predominantly influences human emotions and, when used appropriately in various shades, creates a space filled with love and passion.
Although pink is strongly associated with feminism, it can still be used in masculine spaces. Pink evokes feelings of calmness and love. Pink combines well with natural colors or various shades of red and white, preventing excessive sweetness. It is best to use pink in teenagers’ rooms or in living rooms and bathrooms to create a cheerful and pleasant atmosphere.
Translation: What emotions does the color pink evoke in humans?
Sweetness, warmth, comfort.
Love, kindness, nurturing.
Agreement, letting go of dependency.
Romantic.
Cleanliness, complexity.
Vibrancy, feminism.
Black
The color black has always had its own special fans and is known for its diversity and elegance. Black signifies simplicity and functionality. This color performs best in modern interior design and architecture. A completely black room can be very dark and gloomy psychologically, but if combined with red, white, blue, or any other color, it creates excellent contrast.
Contrary to common belief, black is an excellent element for interior design, especially in spaces like kitchens, living rooms, dining areas, and bathrooms. Black is more suitable for simple forms and designs.
What emotions does the color black evoke in humans?
Unity, simplicity.
Attraction, protection.
Bitterness, depression, disorder, fear.
Elegance, modernism, complexity.
Efficiency, control, beauty.
Grey
Grey is another neutral color that evokes elegance. While there are differing opinions on the impact of the color grey on the human mind, when used correctly, it can have a positive effect.
Some may consider this color to be gloomy, but grey is a strong and beautiful neutralizer for vibrant colors. It is best to avoid using light grey on all walls, but you can use dark grey on one wall and combine it with cheerful colors like white, yellow, or pink. You can also use grey furniture and decor in a bright room to add elegance and complexity to your decor design.
In fact, the color grey evokes different emotions in different individuals. Different shades of grey can be calming for some and depressing for others. Generally, using grey in textiles and decor instead of wall color is a safer choice; however, if you use it as the dominant color in a room, bring in plenty of natural light to make the space warm and inviting
What emotions does the color grey evoke in humans?
Functionality, efficiency, simplicity.
Bitterness, depression, stagnation.
Power, strength, determination, will.
Lightness, elegance, perfection.
White
The color white is a universal neutralizer. Although all shades of white appear similar and have no specific type, white is a very powerful color in interior design.
Various shades of white are widely used as the standard color for walls and many objects. White is associated with feelings of peace and tranquility and is abundantly seen in Japanese architecture and Scandinavian culture. This color signifies cleanliness and makes it easy to detect any dirt on surfaces, which is why it is widely used in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Consider white as a blank canvas for implementing all your design ideas. Psychologically, white is very suitable for individuals suffering from claustrophobia and fear of enclosed spaces. Implementing white in a space makes rooms appear larger and cleaner. White is also suitable for individuals with anxiety and high blood pressure, as its calming effect helps control heart rate and blood pressure.
White is also a symbol of simple living. You can use white in any part of the house, including the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, and dining area, as it enhances visual perception and reduces tension.
You can combine white with any other color. For a luxurious design, you can pair white with gold, grey, or yellow. If you prefer to evoke more power, you can combine it with red, orange, or green. Additionally, to create a greater sense of calmness, you can pair white with blue
What emotions does the color white evoke in humans?
Calmness, peace, harmony. Cleanliness, hygiene.
Openness, trust, brotherhood.
Creativity, challenge, productivity, efficiency.
Control, effectiveness, performance.
Elegance, perfection, well-being.
The use of color in design and interior decoration is very extensive. Color psychology is also a broad field of study closely related to interior design. Whether it’s designing a home or a commercial and office space, the right color scheme can make a significant difference in the lives of the occupants.
For individuals who work a lot, shades of red, white, and black perform best as they inspire people to perform well and enhance their performance, leading to greater peace of mind at the end of the day.
Additionally, for individuals suffering from high blood pressure, anxiety, or depression, cool colors like blue or green are ideal. Using white to uplift their spirits is also suitable. Colors like black, grey, or red are not suitable for such individuals as they may trigger negative emotions. For cheerful individuals, colors like yellow, pink, red, orange, and white work best as they promote a positive outlook.
Sapphire blue, turquoise green, grey, gold, and red represent individuals who prefer beauty. These colors are suitable for the interior design and decoration of these individuals and complement their art and history. Note that sometimes the psychological effects of a color may vary in different parts of the world.
We hope this article helps you find the appropriate color schemes for your desired spaces
