Understanding interior colour choices

We chat to Phillip Obermeyer, an Interior Designer from Clinton Savage Interiors to learn more about the effects that paint colours can have in your home.

Understanding Colour Psychology

Colour psychology is the study of how different colours affect people’s moods, emotions, and behaviour. It’s widely accepted that colours have a direct impact on our emotional state, which is why it’s essential to choose the right paint colours for your home.

According to Obermeyer a room with bright colours and a light atmosphere can have a warm inviting feeling to it. Whereas spaces with cold or dark neutrals can have the opposite effect.

“Colour is not only linked to emotions but also has the ability to change the perspective of a room,” explains Obermeyer. ‘For example, warm colours such as reds and yellows can make a room seem smaller whereas a neutral colour like white or something lighter can make the space seem bigger or elongated,” he says.

All of that being said, single colours should not necessarily stand alone. “It is also very effective to group certain colours together,” says Obermeyer. “Usually, you have a focal colour and certain accents throughout to complement each other. This creates harmony and brings the space together.”

Here’s a rundown of some of the most common paint colours and their effects on mood:

BLUE:

Blue is known for its calming effect. It can help to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and promote feelings of relaxation.

GREEN:

Green is a colour that’s often associated with nature and growth. It can promote feelings of peace, harmony, and balance.

YELLOW:

Yellow is a bright, cheerful colour that’s often associated with happiness and optimism. It can help to promote feelings of joy and positivity.

ORANGE:

Orange is a warm, vibrant colour that’s often associated with creativity and enthusiasm. It can help to promote feelings of energy and inspiration.

RED:

Red is a bold, vibrant colour that’s often associated with passion and energy. It can help to stimulate the senses and promote feelings of excitement.

PURPLE:

Purple is a rich, regal colour that’s often associated with luxury and sophistication. It can help to promote feelings of creativity and inspiration.

GREY:

Grey is a neutral colour that’s often associated with stability and balance. It can help to promote feelings of calm and serenity.

BEIGE:

Beige is a warm, earthy colour that’s often associated with comfort and relaxation. It can help to promote feelings of security and stability.

What to consider when choosing a new paint palette for your home.

When it comes to choosing paint colours for your home, there are several factors to consider.

Consider the room’s purpose

Different rooms in your home may have different purposes, which should influence your colour choices. For example, you may want to choose calming colours for your bedroom to promote relaxation and sleep. “Personally, I think it is always good to start with a blank canvas in terms of colour and go from there,” says Obermeyer. “For an office, it is recommended to use neutral colours like greys, light blues and naturals. This creates a calm atmosphere in a working space.”

Consider the lighting

The amount and type of lighting in a room can also affect how paint colours appear. Natural light can make colours appear brighter, while artificial light can make them appear more muted.

Use colour swatches

It’s a good idea to get colour swatches and test them out in different lighting conditions before committing to a particular colour. This can help you get a better sense of how the colour will look in your space.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match

You don’t have to stick to one colour for an entire room. Consider using different shades and hues of the same colour or mixing complementary colours for a more dynamic look.

Selected by NICK GAERTNER