When it comes to interior design, few choices matter more than colour. And if it’s the colour of a wall or an entire room that’s up for debate, the decision becomes even more important. After all, you don’t want to have to occupy a space whose colours are going to drive you up the wall.
Different colours bring to mind different associations and emotions. As such, it’s important to consider not only how the colour in question will look in the room you have in mind, but the purpose for which you’ll be using said room, and the state of mind you’d like to be in while you’re using it. Bedrooms are for relaxing in; Kitchens might require you to feel inspired; office spaces and home gyms might require an injection of energy.
Let’s run through a few of the more popular colours for interior decorators, and see just what effect they might have.
Yellow
If you’re decorating a kitchen or study, then yellow is a great choice. It’s sharp and invigorating in the same way as a dash of fresh lemon zest, and will reliably perk you up first thing in the morning.
Blue
Blue tends to put the mind at ease. It’s associated with clear skies and plain sailing, and thus it’s a great match for bedrooms and bathrooms. With that said, it can sometimes look a little on the cold side, so offset it with some warm-coloured furnishings.
Red
The colour of passion, as we all know, is red. But this isn’t always a good thing, as some sorts of passion will make it easier to become stressed and angry. Avoid red in rooms that you’ll spend your time unwinding in.
Green
Thanks to American dollar bills, we tend to associate green with wealth and flourishing. It’s a great de-stressor, and perfect for lounges and office spaces.
Purple
If you’re looking to represent luxury and opulence, then purple is probably the way to go. Since Roman times it’s been linked with power and position. It’s also perfect for creative spaces where you need a source of constant inspiration.
Black
Darker colours are (often unfairly) maligned for making a room feel smaller, as they tend to limit the amount of light being distributed. And there are no colours darker than black. Many people find blacks and greys depressing – but if you pair them with the right décor, it can be incredibly evocative.
White
White, on the other hand, tends to lend an illusion of space, which can be a great match for smaller spaces. It’s bright and breezy, but a bit sterile, and it shows up stains and imperfections in a way that might prove irritating.
Image credits: Unsplash
