The Psychology of Colour: Choosing the Right Colour
Tip: Paint colour swatches on canvas, that way you can move them on opposite sides of a room to see how the colour changes.
Colours have a significant influence on human minds, feelings, actions, and general well-being. The ambience and mood of a space can be greatly influenced by the paint colours chosen for each wall when it comes to interior design. Gaining an understanding of the psychology of colour is crucial to establishing the right atmosphere in each space of your house or workplace
We’ll examine how different colours can affect how you feel in each room as we delve into the intriguing field of colour psychology. We’ll also give you useful advice on how to choose the ideal paint colour, which will transform your design journey from overwhelming to invigorating.
The importance of colour in interior design
A small space with beautiful colours can look amazing. Colour can change the overall appearance of any place. Colours are the easiest way to add impact or change the atmosphere of a space in interior design. Furthermore, wall colours account for a significant portion of the colour palette of a home. They encompass nearly 60% of the colours in your house. The remaining materials include the floors, ceiling, upholstery, and furniture.
Furthermore, The study of colour psychology looks at how different hues cause people to react emotionally and behave in particular ways. This information is applied to interior design to produce visually beautiful spaces that also support the intended atmosphere or mood. Depending on the owner’s tastes, lifestyle and use of space, interior designers can turn any space into a haven that encourages productivity, social interaction, or relaxation by carefully choosing paint colours for the walls, ceiling, and accents.
Understanding colour psychology
Colour psychology explains how human emotions, behaviour, productivity, and perception are affected by colour choice. Colour is significant in branding, marketing, and even therapy because it elicits different emotions in people. The study of colour psychology goes beyond the fundamental connections we previously discussed. Here’s a closer look at some fascinating concepts to consider when choosing paint colours:
Colour temperature: Colours are divided into two categories: cool (blues, greens, and purples) and warm (reds, oranges, and yellows). While cool colours produce a sense of calm and peace, warm colours arouse feelings of warmth and energy, making them useful for the workplace. Thus, it can be used as a sleeping area, study, or place of worship. Gaining an understanding of colour temperature will enable you to create a desired atmosphere in a space. For instance, warm paint colours can help offset the colder feeling in a north-facing room with less natural light.
Here’s a breakdown of some common colours and their associated psychological effects:
Red: Red is a sign of bold and attention-grabbing colour. The red colour arouses emotions of ardour, vigour, and enthusiasm. So you can use it for dining rooms, gyms and light shade in the living room.
Orange: Orange is a colour associated with optimism, self-assurance, zeal, warmth, and agreeableness. Generally used in exterior design and social places to make it more vibrant.
Yellow: Yellow colour gets a different identity due to its brightness. So it perfectly fits in kitchen space, exterior walls, waiting area, and kid’s room where positivity and joy stay
Green: Green, a colour that represents harmony, growth, and nature, can bring balance and vitality to any area where relaxing mode is required. Different shades of green colour can be used in restaurants, living rooms and elevation designs to make unique designs.
Blue: Blue colour expresses calmness and simplicity. Mostly designer advice for bedroom, washroom colour and light blue in pooja room where peace is required.
Purple: Purple colour is for a smooth environment and reflects the luxury of a bungalow and office. It’s a sophisticated colour used with other colours for single-wall decorations
Neutral tones (White, Grey, Beige): Colours like white, beige, and grey are versatile and evergreen, So it’s generally used everywhere and in most parts of the home, office, hotel or any showroom. It helps to look more spacious and elegant.
Choosing the right colour for every room in the home
You can choose the perfect inner and outer colour for your resident with the help of our interior designer team which suggests proper guidance and gives 3D visualisation of your imagination. So you can see in advance how it will look after the painting is done.
Having gained a foundational knowledge of colour psychology, let us examine how to select the ideal paint colour for every room in your house:
The living room should be welcoming and conducive to conversation because it is the centre of the house where you spend time talking, watching TV or meeting the guests. So to make it more vibrant you can choose white for brightness and yellow, light green, ruby red or any warm colour for prosperity.
Living room (Source)
Kitchens require warm tones that can create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere as well. Warm hues can also make a kitchen feel cosy and energetic. Plus, with most of the space covered by cabinets and appliances, a single warm paint colour can be a great choice for a cohesive look.
Kitchen design (Source)
In a dining room choose colours that encourage interaction to encourage cosy and social gatherings in the dining area. A warm and welcoming ambience can be produced by using earthy colours like olive green or chromatic greys.
Dining room (Source)
Since your bedroom is your haven, pick your favourite colours that encourage calmness and sound sleep. Calm and peaceful hues include lavender, grey, and Turkish blue and natural colours make it harmonious.
Zim House bedroom (Source)
The bathroom ought to evoke sentiments of peace and freshness. Warm rich tones with silver, copper or gold accents add freshness while a large scale wallpaper print is unexpected.
Bathroom (Source)
Tips for choosing the perfect paint colour
Canvas swatches
When Choosing paint colours for each room, consider the following factors:
Think about the natural light in the space: While rooms with limited natural light may require lighter, airier shades, those with plenty of it can handle bolder colours.
Consider the atmosphere you wish to create: is it bright and cheery or serene and calm? Think about how the space will be used and select a colour that complements your intended mood.
Try new things without fear: The colours we choose from pamphlets, look different on the wall. But tiny paint samples are your best friend! To see how they actually appear throughout the day, get a few different shades and test them on the walls in various lighting scenarios.
Hire a pro: Transform your space with the magic of South African design! RVS Design Studio uses its mastery of colour theory and spatial dynamics to create a unified look for your whole house. We’ll work with you to find the perfect colours that reflect your style and create a truly South African ambience.
Think about 3D visualisation: If you’re still confused about which colour to choose, think about consulting a 3D visualisation specialist. Before you buy costly colours and paint the entire home, 3D renderings can help you see how the space will really look after various paint colours. This will give you a better idaea if you want to change any colour combination.
The importance of hiring an interior designer
Double volume Lounge (Source)
RVS Design Studio – A professional interior designer company in South Africa, can work with you to create a beautiful and useful space. How they can help you choose colours flawlessly?
knowledge of colour theory
A skilled interior designer is aware of colour theory and the relationships between various hues. They can give alternatives to colour schemes and assist in a proper combination that will work correctly in your home
Taking into account spatial dynamics
In addition to aesthetics, an interior designer will take your space’s dimensions and configuration into account when suggesting paint colours. Depending on the desired effect, they can assist you in strategically using colour to create a sense of spaciousness or intimacy.
Taking into consideration the components that are already there
They will take into account existing elements such as flooring, ceiling, artwork, and furniture when choosing paint colours. They give colour alternatives to harmonise with it. This guarantees a real design look that is cohesive and well-coordinated.
When selecting paint colours for homes, South African homeowners may find great value in collaborating with an interior design firm. A seasoned interior design firm has the know-how and experience to help customers choose colours while taking into consideration their tastes, way of life, and the distinctive features of their house. An interior designer can assist you in finding the ideal ratio of colour, style, and functionality to create a space that feels like home, whether you’re remodelling your entire house or just giving one room a makeover.
The final brushstroke: confidence in colour choice
Making decisions and choosing the perfect paint for your home can be enjoyable. By understanding the psychology of colour and following these tips, you can transform your space into a haven that celebrates your unique style and improves your general well-being. Contacting a good interior designer is a good decision to have fun. Don’t be scared to experiment with colour. Keep in mind that your house is a reflection of you, so choose your preferred colour to try new things that make you happy and content in your day-to-day existence. We will cast the design accordingly. Have fun with the décour!