When it comes to decorating our home, we have all wondered at some point what color we should paint the different spaces and rooms. The sensation that each color gives off can influence our mood.
We spend many hours in our house, so deciding how we paint this is usually an important decision. Psychologists have been investigating for some time what effect different colors have on our minds and our behavior. Today I explain some conclusions in this regard.
What is color psychology
Color psychology is a field of study that aims to analyze how we perceive and behave when faced with different tones , and aims to understand the different emotional reactions that these provoke in us. While it is true that color perception is an individual and subjective process, there are some accepted principles.
Colors influence our emotions and mental state, and while some relax or calm us, others can make us feel energetic. Many companies are aware of this reality, and for decades, marketing professionals have tried to take advantage of this reality.
Applications of color psychology
Surely you have been able to experience it yourself, for example, that when you go to a clothing store the company has selected the colors strategically to increase sales. And many companies They design their logos and designs being aware of the emotions that their different colors produce Some scientific studies conclude that the color red stimulates hunger, so it should not be surprising that some companies, such as McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, KFC or Wendy’s, use it to represent their brand.
However, color psychology is not only present to make money , as it is an important part of art therapy. In this therapeutic practice, different colors are used to improve the well-being of the person, knowing the influence of different colors on our physical and mental state. While red appears to increase heart rate and adrenaline and cause people to feel more energetic and excited, white does the opposite.
How to paint your house according to color psychology
It is not at all strange to talk about the sensations that colors cause us. For example, In Western countries we all associate white or light blue with peace and tranquility Red, on the other hand, represents passion, love or danger.
When painting our house, almost unconsciously, we ask ourselves different questions: Should I paint the living room an elegant gray? Should the kitchen be green to give a spring and fresh feeling? Maybe it’s better to paint the room white because I like meditation and yoga? As you can see, we use color psychology almost without realizing it.
Warm colors and cold colors
It is common to talk about warm colors and cold colors. Warm colors are colors such as red, yellow, and orange, which elicit either positive (warmth) or negative (anger or hostility) reactions. In our house, as experts say, these colors favor coexistence with other individuals, as they bring joy and optimism. It is usually used in dining rooms and restaurants
When talking about cold colors, such as green or blue, we refer to tones that make us feel calm but also sad. These tones favor environments where greater attention and concentration are required, such as schools or the workplace.
How colors affect us and what is their symbolism
The symbolism of colors is an ambiguous field, which is not always accepted in the field of science. The reasons may be that it is a subjective territory and that depends on context and culture If you are thinking about painting your house, below you can find some meanings of colors and the reasons why you should use one color or another. These explanations are more or less accepted in the West.
Orange
Orange is a warm color that inspires enthusiasm and movement, although it is also related to success, optimism and creativity. It is an ideal color to paint a couple’s room, since is associated with brotherhood and unity (especially some derivatives such as salmon color). In work environments it is linked to teamwork.
Yellow
Yellow is ideal for painting a room, because it represents light. A not very intense yellow gives luminosity and space. Light shades of yellow They are better to apply at home because they are less tiring and irritating to the person who has the most intense yellows.
Red
The color red is associated with passion, strength, desire, virility, energy and danger Although red can be an extreme color, it is ideal for painting the living room. Now, since it is very stimulating, it is better to do it in moderation. For example, painting only part of the wall, a corner and combining it with other colors.
Pink
Pink represents the feminine, sweetness, delicacy, friendship and authentic love. Also can be used in a couple’s room because it is a relaxing and very romantic color.
White
The color white is associated with relaxation, purity, peace, innocence and cleanliness. When combined with blue it is ideal for the bathroom
Blue
As mentioned, blue is a color that fits perfectly with white. for its relaxing and tranquil feeling In addition, it represents the sky and water, so it gives freshness and calm to the home. At the same time, it transmits confidence and purity.
Grey
Gray is a color that is liked a lot or a little when used in the home. While some people associate it with sadness, seriousness, boredom and lack of color, It can be a color that, applied intelligently, gives elegance to the home
There are lighter and more intense grays, which combined with other colors can convey a very pleasant sensation. Gray goes with everything, especially white.
Green
Green is a color that reminds us of the ecological, the natural, life, hope and youth. According to experts, A room with this color (with soft intensity) causes relaxation and well-being A kitchen with white and green tones works very well.
Black
Black is a color that conveys elegance, formality and sobriety to the different spaces in the home. Not everyone dares to use this color to paint the walls of their house, but when used with intelligence and without abuse , can give a great touch to your house. It is recommended not to abuse this color. One wall in the bedroom or living room is enough to benefit from this tone.
Purple
In the world of marketing, purple is a color that is used in anti-aging products, since represents glamor and youth When painting the house, it is ideal for giving a youthful touch to the rooms of teenagers and even younger children.