This idea is also known as color psychology, and can be used to help you determine the perfect shade for any room in your home. Below we have gone into more detail about an array of colors, and which rooms they fit in best to help you find that perfect shade.
Red is an eye catching color that symbolizes power, passion, friendship, and joy. Even though it is often associated with warning signals, red can make a space feel cozy and warm depending on the shade you bring into your space. Red works great in living rooms, or other entertaining spaces in the home. Use accent furnishings, curtains, rugs, and other small decor pieces to subtly tie in light or darker shades, and use neutral toned walls and larger furnishings to balance its powerful qualities. Red also promotes high energy, so make sure to keep it away from relaxing areas of the home (bedroom, office, bathroom/spa).
Yellow’s brightness mimics that of the sun, so bring this energetic, happy color into small, ill lit spaces, or even a kitchen or dining area. Similar to red, yellow can be overwhelming and distasteful if used excessively, so use it sparingly as an accent color against other naturally derived colors like browns or dark greens. If bringing it into the dining room, use yellow tablecloths, table settings, or centerpieces on a versatile, natural toned dining set. Or, use it in pendant lights, small appliances, and kitchen accessories when introducing it into your kitchen space.
Blue is a calming, peaceful, and creatively inspiring color, which makes it perfect for a bedroom or office space. Lighter blues have the ability to positively influence sleep patterns, so use lighter tones on walls, or through bedding accessories, curtains, and wall decor pieces. Darker hues also promote tranquil and calming emotions, mimicking the qualities of the ocean. Darker shades like denim compliment other natural colors like dark greens, or dark stained furnishings. Blue can also help to promote mind clarity and inspire creative thinking, so bring it into an office or artistic space. When it comes to dining or kitchen areas, use blue sparingly because it has the ability to decrease appetite.
Green is a color most associated with nature, and has similar effects on the mind as the outdoors. It’s vibrant, fresh, harmonious qualities make it the perfect color for almost any space in the home. Shades of green are very versatile, with darker shades being the most widely used in paint colors. Dark green accent walls, paired with white and light stained furnishings brings the outdoors in, and promotes a fresh and calming atmosphere. Use fresh greenery that have the added benefit of purifying the air, and explore sites like Etsy for some unique nature themed wall decor to bring the nature inspired theme full circle.
Black comes in many shades, with lighter hues being the most often used in modern design trends. Concrete and silver can add to an industrial themed kitchen or bathroom through silver appliances, concrete flooring, or concrete counter tops. Add fresh greenery, reclaimed wood, and white walls for a farmhouse aesthetic. Use pure black for a mysterious, elegant, classically bold look in your office or living room. Darker shades can feel consuming, so make sure to balance with white, bright accent colors or even metals (chrome, brushed gold, rose gold, copper). Black can create a the perfect vintage inspired aesthetic, so don’t count it out as an option for your home.
Brown is an easy color to bring into several different rooms in your home. Brown’s warm, safe, and balanced attributes can be brought into a space through stained wood furnishings, or through lighter painted walls. Brown can become bland and stark if used excessively in a space, so be sure to tie in the vibrancy of greens, or lighter hues of other natural tones, to act as bold accents. Brown works great in a dining area, with stained dining furnishings or a display hutch to create a balanced and welcoming space to share a meal with loved ones.
Purples are often associated with floral, elegant, symbols of vitality, making it the perfect hue for an outdoor patio space. Tie in chairs with cushions in any purple shade, and build a garden full of lilac, lavender and other fresh purple toned florals. Find a reclaimed wood outdoor table set, and purple wind chimes to create a relaxing atmosphere to read a book or enjoy some iced tea on a warm summer day. Use lighter colored planters and other garden decor as well to create an inviting and elegant outdoor space for entertaining guests during the warm summer months. Be sure to invest in weatherproof furnishings to ensure they can withstand wear and tear from the natural elements.