Understanding color and how to use it properly is a huge part of interior design. One of the most interesting aspects of color is its ability to affect a person's mood and how that can trigger certain behavioral responses. The color of a room can greatly impact the happiness, energy and ability to focus of its inhabitants. Because of this, color choice is important for so many reasons beyond aesthetics.  Here we will discuss the positive and negative associations with varying colors.

‍

‍

Warm Colors (Reds, Pinks, and Oranges) Relate to More Aggressive Responses

Physically, red coloring or lighting entices our body to increase adrenaline, blood pressure, temperature, and even breath rate. It is no wonder that when we think of the color red emotions such as rage, love, embarrassment, and passion all come to mind. Pink, being a softer version of red, has more soothing attributes. It can be physically weakening and has been known to heal headaches. Orange is perhaps the most positive of the warm colors and provides great energy.  Because it is a combination of yellow and red, it is linked to cheerfulness, happiness, and optimism while still containing the strength of red.

‍

‍

Cool Colors (Blues, Greens, and Purples) Are Relaxing

Purple, the spiritual color, can make us feel brave or gloomy. It all depends on the saturation of red and blue that make up the color. In relation to health benefits, blue is easily the opposite of red. Blue hues are calming. They slow heart rates, lower blood pressure, decrease temperature, and even assist with balance. Peace and tranquility are brought about by blue and green colors. One great use for these colors is in the bathroom. It will can make the space feel soothing, somewhat like an in-home spa! Take care to avoid overusing them in one space though. This can bring on feelings of depression and isolation (blue hues) or sickness and sourness (green hues).

‍

‍

Neutral Colors (White, Black, Grays, and Browns) Are Balanced

Black and white are strong colors; they embody empowerment. White is purifying and will make your room feel crisp and clean. Alternately, it can give a sense of emptiness. Black is sophisticated, like that little black dress you put on for a cocktail party, but the color is also kindred to fear and despair. If you yearn  for comfort and security, go with browns. Brown is also connected to feelings of boredom, but this can be countered by pairing it with warmer colors. Gray is both ancient and modern. A dull gray will seem lifeless and old, while a shiny gray (such as silver or platinum) feels new with longevity and wealth.