Colors surround us and affect us without us even recognizing what effects they can have. Different colors cause us to think or behave in different ways, and interior decorators can take advantage of the psychology of colors in order to elicit emotion from viewers. To start, lets cover the different effects certain colors have on human psychology.
Red is a color used in traffic lights and on stop signs because of the way that it grabs our attention. The color appears to be nearer than it is, which is how it is so attention-grabbing. The effects of red on humans are physical; the color increases our heart rate and can activate our fight-or-flight response. Red is stimulating and friendly, but can be perceived as aggressive and demanding. In decoration, red elicits strong emotions and power.
Blue, in contrast to red’s physical effects, has mental effects. The color is soothing and relaxes the mind. However, it can be perceived as cold and unfriendly. In decoration, blue is natural and soothing. Blue is fresh and vital and reminiscent of the natural air we breathe and water we drink.
Yellow is psychologically stimulating, and the right color will lift our moods and self-esteems. Too much yellow, or the wrong tone, can cause anxiety in humans. Yellow is associated with higher powers in decoration. It relates to intellectualism and innocent joy.
Green is relaxing and reassuring. Because green is a symbol of plenty of water and little threat of famine, green relaxes people on a primitive level. Green could also be seen as bland. In decoration, green represents life and newness. It can be a great conversation starter and is seen as whimsical and fun.
Violet can take awareness to spiritual levels. The color encourage deep meditation and introversion. Violet is also associated with royalty and indicates high quality; it also has associations with the cosmos. The wrong tone of violet can communicate cheapness. Purple in decoration still represents royalty and regality. It elicits thought and is interpreted as clairvoyant. It could also be symbolic of passion and sorrow.
Orange, a combination of red and yellow, is stimulating in both emotional and physical ways. Orange is a warm color that can elicit feelings of either comfort or deprivation. In the home, orange is warm and reminiscent of fall and sunsets; the end of life.
Black creates protective barriers and enshrouds the personality. It can be menacing and frightening. It can communicate clarity, sophistication, and excellence and can be seen as serious and regal. In decor, black can be frightening because of its nothingness or calming due to its chic appearance.
This is so interesting! I think it’s funny that each color has a few sides to the way it can be perceived, I wonder what accounts for those differences (maybe what mood we’re already in when we see the color?) This whole color psychology thing is a really useful concept that I think more people should definitely pay attention to.
Thanks for the background on all the colors, I’m sure it will prove usual information for future blogs! I hope that you’ll get to provide more information about interior decoration and how people use the effects of colors in business. That way I get to put my knowledge to the test!