The Psychology of COLOR

It’s important to consider the use of each room when planning your paint colors. Ask yourself what kind of mood you want to create in each space. For instance, restful colors in a bedroom may not work as well in an energetic area like a kitchen.

Warm paint colors such as reds, yellows, and oranges, can make a large room feel smaller and more inviting. These are also good choices for active rooms, such as kitchens, dining rooms, and children’s rooms. Warm paint colors are usually brighter and work well in rooms that lack natural light. If you have a large room, try painting it in a darker color with warm undertones to make it appear cozier.

Cool colors like blues, violets, and greens appear to retreat and absorb light, creating a feeling of spaciousness that makes rooms seem larger.

Light-colored flooring, walls, and ceilings will visually enlarge a small space. Cool colors work well in restful areas, like bedrooms and bathrooms.

The type of lighting a room has will also help you determine which “temperature” of paint colors to choose. North-facing rooms should be painted in cheerful warm colors to offset the pale light, while the bright light in south-facing, sunny rooms can be tempered by cool or neutral paint colors.

When choosing colors for your home, try to select color combinations that harmonize well with each other and flow from room to room. For example, if you can see your dining room from the kitchen, be sure to paint each room in varying shades of the same color or in coordinating colors for a cohesive look.

Painting a room all in the same color – including the ceiling and trim – makes a space feel intentional. But if you’re not ready for that kind of commitment, try adding colorful items that can easily be moved or removed as desired. Toss a bright pink throw atop a neutral sofa. Add wallpaper or paint an accent wall in the same color as other textiles in the room. Or select black or patterned furniture and décor to mix with existing lighter-toned pieces. By keeping the color portable, you can decide how much color you want – and you can easily change your mind about where you want it.

Color is one of the most powerful and effective tools for changing the appearance of any room. Paint, wallpaper – or even a throw pillow – are easy ways to refresh your home and make it feel modern, fresh, and inviting.

Painting a room all in the same color – including the ceiling and trim – makes a space feel intentional.