The Psychology of Color

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Think of area rugs as a fifth wall when it comes to color selection.
Think of area rugs as a fifth wall when it comes to color selection.
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Secondhand furnishings can be revamped with a coat of colorful paint.
Secondhand furnishings can be revamped with a coat of colorful paint.
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Soft, earthy orange tones are more soothing than bolder orange hues.
Soft, earthy orange tones are more soothing than bolder orange hues.
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The colors we choose for our living spaces don't just reflect our tastes; they also impact our stress levels, productivity and more.
The colors we choose for our living spaces don't just reflect our tastes; they also impact our stress levels, productivity and more.
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A mix of bold colors can make spaces feel energizing and dynamic.
A mix of bold colors can make spaces feel energizing and dynamic.
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Green is a restful color suitable for any room of the house.
Green is a restful color suitable for any room of the house.
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Neutrals—even in dark tones—act as a relaxing base that leaves room for exploring brighter colors as accents.
Neutrals—even in dark tones—act as a relaxing base that leaves room for exploring brighter colors as accents.
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To wash a room with color, paint all four walls and the ceiling a soothing hue.
To wash a room with color, paint all four walls and the ceiling a soothing hue.
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Neutral accents soften the effects of colorful paint.
Neutral accents soften the effects of colorful paint.
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Brightly colored furnishings can define the palette in a neutral-painted room.
Brightly colored furnishings can define the palette in a neutral-painted room.
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Deep colors lend drama—without becoming overwhelming—when used on a single accent wall.
Deep colors lend drama—without becoming overwhelming—when used on a single accent wall.
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Stripes, patterns and color blocks are a creative way to use paint in our homes.
Stripes, patterns and color blocks are a creative way to use paint in our homes.

Our homes are a reflection of our tastes: Most of us choose décor and furnishings based on our personalities and preferences. But nothing establishes the personality of a home and its owners more quickly than the colors we use—on the walls, in the furniture, and in the pillows, bedding, rugs and other accent pieces.

The colors used in a home quickly set the mood and can, in turn, affect the mood of its inhabitants—and visitors, too. Light colors can make rooms seem open and airy; they are subtle, quieting the mind and the mood. Darker colors can make rooms appear smaller; these colors can be sophisticated, but they can also make us feel down, so using them strategically is important.

We really can’t formulate any hard-and-fast rules when it comes to color. First, “there are varying degrees, intensities, values, shades, tints and tones” of every color, says Leatrice Eiseman, a color specialist based on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and author of nine books on color including Colors for Your Every Mood. What’s more, everyone has their own personal color tastes, which must be taken into account when designing a space, says Kentucky-based interior decorator Liz Toombs, founder of Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors. “Everyone associates different feelings with different colors, so you have to balance out your likes and dislikes before you choose colors for your home or your office,” she says. San Francisco-based interior designer Kriste Michelini, founder of Kriste Michelini Interiors, likens color in the home to how people dress: “Some people love vibrant colors, others feel more comfortable wearing neutrals. It’s the same in the home.” Certain fundamental parameters—to follow, in our color guide—often hold true in homes, though. Keep these guidelines in mind, along with your own personal preferences, when decorating your space.

Passionate Red

For many, red raises a room’s energy level: It stirs excitement, is a symbol of love, and can be an appetite stimulant, Eiseman says.

  • Published on Apr 14, 2016
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