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Paint Color Moods
Most people give little
thought to the way room colors influence their mood, but
designers know better. For years, anecdotal evidence
suggested that different color palettes could evoke
different emotions, effectively programming our minds each
time we enter a space. Recently a number of scientific
studies have borne out such claims, providing an essential
links between our experience of color and the feelings
that make architecture sag or soar. If you have been
looking for good advice on the different paint color moods
and what they can do for your home, you may be heartened
by the depth of knowledge that currently exists.
The most basic distinction is usually made between
so-called “warm” and “cool” color palettes. The warms –
red, orange and yellow – are usually associated with
feelings of intimacy, comfort and creativity. Because the
colors are most often associated with fire, it only stands
to reason that they would suggest energy and ferment. On
the flip side are the cool colors – green, blue and purple
– which are usually associated with calmness, serenity and
open space. Designers tend to use such colors in rooms
where stress levels tend to run a bit hot, for instance,
or where excessive sunlight may irritate.
But of course each color comes with its own particular
qualities as well. Going through the rainbow, we begin
with red, the most passionate of hues. Because the color
is associated most closely with desire, it may be employed
in bedrooms, restaurants, boutiques and casinos to good
effect. Studies have shown that many people feel increased
energy when they enter a red room, and such energy can be
channeled effectively and amplified using carpeting and
other accent colors in the mix. Crimson is considered a
bit more stayed, while paler orange – and pink – suggest
romance.
Orange is widely considered the hue of creativity –
witness the proliferating number of tech brands that use
orange in their design. A number of schools employ orange
to stimulate original thought, and parents are
increasingly coating the walls of their children’s rooms
in the same color. Although orange may be associated with
passion as well, it is generally considered a more
welcoming color that brings such powerful interests into
the collective sphere. As such, orange family rooms,
boardrooms and play areas are often orange, melon or
salmon to encourage lively discussion. Add a touch of pink
and you can expect greater intimacy as well.
Yellow is without question the most stimulating paint
color. Because it imparts a sunny cast, yellow is often
employed in preschools, kitchens and bathrooms. Yellow is
a playful color, and blending it with others can accent
any space with competing emotions – fun with calm when
mixed with green, or relaxed levity as you fade it into
white. Although many homeowners are afraid to use such a
bold color, the final effect can be utterly charming,
especially in older homes. Consider accenting with simple
black and white for a whimsical touch, or with paler blues
for a refined, Craftsman feel.
Green is the second sibling when it comes to cooler hues,
but its remains vital and popular nonetheless. Often
considered the most calming hue, green is put to
widespread use in hospitals, offices and countless
educational institutions. Because the color can be mixed
to such varying effect, green never imparts just one
emotion. Blue-green, for instance, is widely associated
with restfulness, while yellow-green adds a lighter touch
of refinement. Saturated greens in any hue tend to invite
interaction, and darker hues add a stately and masculine
touch to any space.
Finally, blue is the most common color of all for mood
painting. Often considered the precise counterpoint to
red, blue tends to suppress desire, quell passion and
invite serene reflection. For this reason it is often
employed in children’s rooms and studies for a touch of
sanctuary. You won’t find blue in many restaurants for
precisely this reason, but libraries and offices may want
to consider its palliative effects.
Whatever you choose, it may be wise to create a simple
mockup of your room using basic photo editing tools if you
want a better sense of what to expect. With a little
planning and a fine eye for other decorating concepts, you
should come away with a space that provides exactly the
effect you want. |
