What is colour psychology?
Colour psychology is the study of how individual colours affect us emotionally, psychologically and physiologically.
In interior design the choice of colours can significantly influence how a space feels and how a person responds within the space. This goes beyond simply the colour of the walls, but the decor as a whole, including your choice of artwork.
The more you understand about each colour and it's individual qualities, the more equipped you are to utilise your space to it's full potential and create an environment in which you can thrive. Art can play an integral role in achieving this, as it gives you the flexibility and freedom to subtly introduce colours to your decor, or make them the focal point of the space.
Colour qualities
Red - (Complimentary colour - Turquoise)
The colour red should be avoided in environments where excitement needs to be avoided, such as doctors and therapists waiting rooms.
The positive emotional and mental qualities of red
The colour red has quite a primal energy compared to other colours. It is associated with warmth, excitement, initiative, and the willingness to act; long with persistence and power. Other beautiful qualities of the colour red are friendliness, forgiveness and gratitude, making it the quintessential choice of colour when selecting a gift for a friend or loved one.
Orange - (Complimentary colour - Blue)
This colour combines the demanding qualities of red and the lightness of yellow, making it easier to tolerate over a larger area than red. It is an uplifting colour that promotes joy and happiness, whilst providing a warm and a soothing atmosphere. A perfect colour for areas where people gathering and communicate, such as dining and living rooms.
The positive emotional and mental qualities of orange
Orange is a blissful colour, reflecting enthusiasm, vitality, creativity, confidence, courage, spontaneity and a love for life; making it the obvious addition to any interior.
Yellow - (Complimentary colour - Violet)
The colour yellow promotes cheerfulness and positivity and is great for rooms without much natural light.
The positive emotional and mental qualities of yellow
Yellow is the lightest of the warm spectrum colours, it glows and illuminates with positive vibrations that correspond with knowledge and wisdom; in which logic and reason flow from. Paired with an air of radiance, cheerfulness and hope, it's evident that a splash of yellow would enhance any environment.
Green - (Complimentary colour - Magenta)
Lighter shades of green are serene and soothing, and evoke natural surroundings. Green works beautifully in areas that lead to the outdoors, such as a conservatory. Pale greens are calming and are used to neutralise tension. Theatres often use this colour palette for rooms in which the actors rest prior to going on stage.
The positive emotional and mental qualities of green.
The energy of green tempers emotions, it's harmonious and balancing inviting good judgement and understanding; echoing adaptability and producing an environment contusive to decision making. Green acts as a symbol of renewal and reflects the spirits of evolution. Space, freedom, harmony and equilibrium stem from green's natural sense of justice.
Turquoise - (Complimentary colour - Red)
The colour turquoise works well in smaller rooms as it expands the sense of space and is a cool, refreshing colour. It also reflects cleanliness and purity, making it the obvious choice for bathrooms. Any shade of turquoise works beautifully as an accent colour alongside most other colour schemes.
The positive emotional and mental qualities of Turquoise.
Turquoise has an aura of alertness and awareness which promotes clarity and it's fresh consistent vibrancy is unlikely to over power a space; whilst promoting an open minded quality which emanates well being.
Blue - (Complimentary colour - Orange)
Paler shades of blue lend themselves to any environment that seeks relaxation, peace and rest , such as bedrooms, bathrooms and treatment rooms, due to it's calming quality.
A selection of blue artwork positioned throughout a spa setting would a clear use of colour psychology.
The positive emotional and mental qualities of Blue.
Blue is an aspirational colour that promotes devotion and trust. With it's serenity it brings with it peace, faith and a relaxing healing quality.
Violet - (Complimentary colour - Yellow)
Paler tones such as lilac promote meditation, self analysis and can help people to replenish their sense of self worth, so suited to spas and treatment rooms. The darker tones are best used as accents tones to a room to avoid a sense of overindulgence.
The positive emotional and mental qualities of Violet.
The colour violet reflects dignity, nobility and self respect. Artistry, tolerance and consideration are associated with violet and it vibrates with the power of integration and oneness
Magenta - (Complimentary colour - Green)
Magenta has a reassuring quality to it. Ranging from deep mulberry to soft blossom shades, magenta radiates a warm, affectionate, nurturing and loving quality. The lighter shades are perfect for bedrooms and due to the warmth it radiates artwork featuring magenta would be ideal for an entrance hall.
The positive emotional and mental qualities of Magenta.
Dedication, gratitude and commitment are ascribed to the colour magenta. Magenta is a gentle, warm and protective colour that helps to stabilise emotions, so introducing accents of this colour to a teenagers room would be beneficial.
Source - COLOUR YOUR LIFE by Howard and Dorothy Sun
