Kind Color Series Part 3 – Psychology of Color

You probably already know that paint colors can be very expressive of who you are but did you know that colors can be used to evoke a certain feeling? This is especially true when using these colors to paint the interior of your home.  From relaxed and serene to bold and thought provoking. Color can help transform a space and entice the specific vibe you are going for. Today’s post will help give you a breakdown of the psychology behind each color and where they can be most powerful in your home.  Before we get into it though make sure you’ve ready Parts One and Two of our Kind Color Series. Alright, let’s do this!

Psychology of Red

Ah, red.  The color of passion and heat.  What better color to begin with?  Red is an incredibly bold color that will absolutely make a statement.  You often see red being used for front doors and accent walls but what message is that sending to neighbors and guests?  This attention grabber gives off the feeling of strength, warmth, energy, and excitement.

Play it safe: Try an accent wall or keep it in the earth tones

Go Bold: Try a space like a dining room

Psychology of Orange

We find that orange is one of those colors that you either absolutely love or absolutely hate.  There are very few people that land in the middle. Notoriously known as a ‘fun’ color you’ll want to be strategic about where you use this vibrant shade.

Play it safe: Earth tones or dark oranges will be safer. Great for offices

Go Bold: Paint your office or a playroom orange.

Psychology of Yellow

In our very humble opinion yellow is by far the happiest color.  Think about it; the sun, sunflowers, bumble bees, lemon drops. Yellow makes us reminisce of warm summer days and it doesn’t get much better than that. You should note that this color is very stimulating to the eye but it can easily be overpowering if there is too much or it’s too bright.

Play it Safe: Keep it mellow. Be mindful that this is often chosen as a unisex color for baby rooms but be aware, yellow can be too bright and hurt your little babies eyes.

Go Bold: If you want to work with a bright yellow, go for a small space and keep it balanced by pairing it with a crisp white to keep things fresh.

Psychology of Green

The second most popular “favorite” color in the world, green embodies nature and balance. Fun fact; green is the only color that hits the eye in such a way that it does not require adjustment making it one of the most restful colors. On a primitive level we are actually reassured by green as it is a sign of water and life.  This means if you’re looking to bring an organic breath to a space green may be right up your alley.

Play it Safe: Much like blue, green is an incredibly safe color due to it’s calming properties. If you are concerned with going to bright try a lighter shade of green that will be easy on the eyes.

Go Bold: Play around with jewel tones and interesting textures.  Green performs well when paired with furniture and decor that embraces nature.  Think wood, fabrics, and items with interesting textures.

Psychology of Blue

Blue takes the number one spot for the most popular favorite color but why do you think that is?  Blue actually causes a more emotional and mental reaction unlike colors such as passionate red which is more physical. Blue is known as an intellectual color and emits the feeling of trust and serenity.  

Play it Safe: Blue is a fairly safe color for most spaces however, if you’re concerned with going too blue we suggest you try a blue-grey to tone things down.

Go Bold: Again, blue is all around a fairly safe color so don’t be afraid to explore options.  A bold blue stimulates clear thought while a lighter blue will be more calming.

Psychology of Violet

Violet, or purple, definitely makes a statement but not quite in the same way as colors like orange, red, or yellow.  Originally a symbol of royalty this color gives off the feeling of luxury, quality, and depth. This color is wonderful for rooms where you wish to inspire deep thought, for example, a spa like bathroom.

Play it Safe: Lavenders are not only beautiful, they also create a thoughtful, calming environment.  Great for creating meditative spaces.

Go Bold: If you are drawn to rich jewel tones go for a deep purple to ground a space and create depth.

Psychology of Grey

Oddly enough, or maybe not so oddly, grey is the only color that is psychologically neutral.  This means it doesn’t really evoke a certain emotion however, be wary of overusing grey. Too much grey can evoke a lack of energy.

Play it Safe:  Is there a color safer than grey?

Go Bold: Pairing grey with a crisp white will make it really pop with a modern feel.

Psychology of Black

Rarely used as a core color for decorating, black is phenomenal for using in small doses.  Black is elegant, sleek, and sophisticated. That being said, many people are afraid of the dark so definitely be careful with this one, we find it works best on the exterior of the home.

Play it Safe: Black is great an exterior accent color. Think shutters, doors, etc.

Go Bold: Depending on the style of your home you may be able to use black, or charcoal as a trim or even a body color.  Consult with a paint professional before going this route.

Psychology of White

White is all about creating a clean, fresh, sterile look.  Too much of it and you’ll be giving off “don’t touch me” vibes.  With just the right balance though you can create a classic or modern look.  Honestly, it will be hard to go wrong with white.

Play it Safe: Use white as an accent color and you pretty much can do no wrong.

Go Bold: Create a synchronized space that’s light and airy with tons of white balanced with plants and different textures.

Psychology of Brown

Honestly, we find brown to be completely underrated.  Yes, it can absolutely be a serious or dull color but it also symbolizes earthiness, nature, and helps to ground a space.  Also, what color does everyone paint their walls when they’re trying to sell their home? That’s right, beige. Don’t be afraid to explore the different ranges of brown to see if it might bring support to your space.

Play it Safe: Beige is one of those incredibly safe colors.  Some people think it’s a little boring but with the right accessories it can create a seamless flow throughout your home.

Go Bold: Try something different and go for a rich, deep brown that will really ground a space.  This can be great in living rooms or bedrooms as it’s neutral and decor can be changed up frequently.

Phew, we made it! Hopefully now you understand more about the psychology of color and how choosing a paint color can play into the feeling of a room when you paint your houses rooms with it.  Who knew there was so much to understand about choosing paint colors?  Join us next time when we explore a little known tip for picking paint that’s sure to surprise you!