When it comes to decorating our home, we have all wondered what colour we should paint the different spaces and rooms. The feeling that each colour gives off can influence our mood.

We spend many hours in our house, so deciding how we paint is often an important decision. Psychologists have long been investigating what effect different colours have on our mind and our behaviour. Today I explain some conclusions about this.

What is color psychology

The psychology of colour is a field of study that aims to analyse how we perceive and behave when faced with different tones , and to understand the different emotional reactions that these tones provoke in us. Although it is true that colour perception is an individual and subjective process, there are some accepted principles.

Colours influence our emotions and our state of mind, and while some colours relax or calm us, others can make us feel energetic. Many companies are aware of this reality, and for decades, marketers have tried to take advantage of it.

Applications of color psychology

I’m sure you’ve experienced this yourself, for example, that when you go to a clothing store the company has strategically selected the colors to increase sales. The fact is that many companies design their logos and their designs being aware of the emotions that their different colours produce . Some scientific studies conclude that the colour red stimulates hunger, so it should not be surprising that some companies, such as McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, KFC or Wendy’s, use it to represent their brand.

However, the psychology of color is not only present to make money , it is an important part of art therapy. In this therapeutic practice, the different colours are used to improve the well-being of the person, knowing the influence of the different colours on our physical and mental state. While red seems to increase the heart rate and adrenaline and causes people to feel more energetic and enthusiastic, white causes the opposite.

How to paint your house according to the psychology of color

It’s not unusual to talk about the sensations that colours cause us. For example, in Western countries we all associate white or sky blue with peace and quiet . Red, on the other hand, represents passion, love or danger.

When painting our house, almost unconsciously, we ask ourselves different questions: Should I paint the living room with an elegant grey? Should the kitchen be green to give a fresh and spring feeling? Maybe it’s better to paint the room white because I like meditation and yoga? As you see, we employ the psychology of color almost without realizing it.

Warm colours and cold colours

It is common to talk about warm colours and cold colours. Warm colours are colours such as red, yellow and orange, which provoke both positive (warmth) and negative (anger or hostility) reactions. In our house, as the experts say, these colours favour the coexistence with other individuals, because they bring joy and optimism. It is usually used in dining rooms and restaurants .

When we talk about cold colours, such as green or blue, we are referring to tones that make us feel calm but also sad. These tones favour environments where greater attention and concentration is required, such as schools or the workplace.

How colors affect us and what their symbolism is

The symbolism of colours is an ambiguous terrain, which is not always accepted in the field of science. The reasons may be that it is a subjective territory and that depends on the context and culture . If you are thinking of painting your house, below you can find some meanings of colours and reasons why you should use one colour or others. These explanations are more or less accepted in the West.

Orange

Orange is a warm color that inspires enthusiasm and movement, but it is also related to success, optimism and creativity. It is an ideal colour to paint the room of a couple, because it is associated with fraternity and unity (especially some derivatives such as salmon). In work environments it is associated with teamwork.

Yellow

Yellow is ideal for painting a room, because it represents light. A light yellow gives luminosity and space. Light shades of yellow are better to apply at home because they tire and irritate the person less than more intense yellows.

Red

The color red is associated with passion, strength, desire, virility, energy and danger . Although red can be an extreme colour, it is ideal for painting the room. However, as it is very stimulating it is better to do it in moderation. For example, by painting only a part of the wall, some corner and combining it with other colors.

Pink

Pink represents the feminine, the sweetness, the delicacy, of friendship and authentic love. Also can be used in a couple’s room , because it is a relaxing and very romantic colour.

White

The colour white is associated with relaxation, purity, peace, innocence and cleanliness. When combined with blue it is ideal for bathing .

Blue

As mentioned, blue is a colour that fits perfectly with white because of its relaxing and calming sensation . Furthermore, it represents the sky and water, so it gives freshness and calm to the home. At the same time, it transmits confidence and purity.

Grey

Grey is a colour that is used in the home either very much or not at all. While some people associate it with sadness, seriousness, boredom and the absence of colour, can be a colour that, applied intelligently, gives elegance to the home .

There are lighter and more intense greys, which combined with other colours can convey a very pleasant feeling. Grey combines with everything, especially with white.

Green

Green is a color that reminds us of the ecological, the natural, life, hope and youth. According to the experts, a room with this colour (with soft intensity) causes relaxation and well-being . A kitchen with white and green tones works very well.

Black

Black is a colour that transmits elegance, formality and sobriety to the different spaces in the home. Not everyone dares to use this colour to paint the walls of their home, but used intelligently and without abuse , it can give a great touch to your home. It is recommended not to abuse this color. One wall in the bedroom or in the living room are enough to benefit from this shade.

Purple

In the world of marketing, purple is a colour used in anti-ageing products, because represents glamour and youth . When painting the house, it is ideal for giving a youthful touch to the rooms of teenagers and even the youngest children.