Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

Many people might not realize that the color of their walls may be greatly affecting their mood. Color has very strong ties to how a person feels and it is important to know a few basics about the psychology of color.

Even if you are not that interested in other aspects of design, you should pay attention to color because it can have the biggest impact. 

 
You may have noticed that fast food restaurants (think McDonald’s) use very vivid colors of yellow, orange and red in their décor and logo. This color selection is not just because of the association with ketchup and mustard but because some studies say that the color red increases hunger. However, the main reason behind these bright colors is because these colors irritate people, causing customers to grab their food and go (hence the term, “fast food”). There may be other design strategies that go into creating an agitating atmosphere like uncomfortable seats but the most dominant factor is color. With this knowledge, it is good to know that creating a gender neutral baby’s room red, yellow or orange will most likely leave your little one cranky. Not only can color affect your mood but it can affect the body as well. Pantone’s color studies show that “red has been shown to stimulate the senses and raise the blood pressure, while blue has the opposite effect and calms the mind.” Toning down these warm colors to softer hues will make these colors more livable and less temper fueling. 

 
Even though colors may have direct affects on our bodies and moods, they are not always strictly because of the color itself. Most colors are psychologically associated with visuals that are influenced by our culture or personal experience. These color associations, whether good or bad, will have a direct link with how we respond.

 

For example, if you went on a trip to Hawaii and saw the most beautiful sunset with the loveliest orange-pink color in the sky, you might go home and want to paint a reading room that color. This orange-pink color will bring fond memories of your time in Hawaii over and over and help you re-live the sunset time and again. However, another person might see that same orange-pink color and to them, they think of the sherbet ice cream that they suffered an allergic reaction to when they were six, leaving them ill for a whole week.

Experiences play a large factor in our love or hate for color. It is important to acknowledge what it is we like and don’t like about certain colors before we select them for our walls. The best thing to do before choosing a color for your home is to buy a small sample can of the color. This way, you can paint a decent size area of the color on your wall to see how you like it. After a few days or even a week, decide if you are happy with it or not and you will end up saving valuable time, money and energy. Color is your friend but can be your enemy if you aren’t careful.

Remember to take the time to acknowledge the initial reactions you receive from a color. If it is positive, play up that color and note to yourself why you love it so much. If you have negative feelings towards a color, be sure to figure out why you feel that way. These explorations will help you figure out if they are personal or cultural reactions, which you can then help yourself either embrace or overcome. Many times we may not like a color but once we have experienced the same color in a different setting we have a new appreciation for it. Color can dramatically change a space, for better or for worse, so take the precautions to make it the best space it can possibly be!

By: Christa Rose Falk
Blog: www.loveinspirecreate.com
Twitter: LoveInspireCre8

Sources: Pantone , Colorful , One World News , EPS Painting

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