The Psychology of Colour | Interior Painting to Create the Right Mood

Specific colours evoke different psychological responses and can influence behaviour. This means that the colour you paint a room will affect how you feel and act in this space, making it an important decision.  

Whether decorating your home or planning a commercial renovation, understanding the psychology of colour can help you create an environment that promotes well-being and evokes specific emotions and actions.

Seeing blue does not make you feel blue. On the contrary, shades of blue and green are often associated with feelings of calm, tranquillity, and serenity. These colours – which remind us of forests, oceans and open skies –have a soothing effect on the mind and body. This makes them ideal choices for spaces where relaxation and peace are desired, like bedrooms, bathrooms, meditation rooms, or workspaces where stress must be counteracted. These colours can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of harmony. The freshness of green also makes it ideal for spaces where you want to promote growth and renewal, such as kitchens and home offices.

Earth-toned colours such as beige, taupe, and warm shades of brown can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. These hues evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, making them perfect for living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms. Earth tones are timeless and versatile, allowing you to pair them with various decor styles and accents. Additionally, they can help create a sense of stability and grounding in your living spaces.

Red and yellow are powerful, energising colours that stimulate creativity and enthusiasm. However, they should be used with caution in interior design as they can be overwhelming and aggressive if overused. Reds are associated with passion and intensity, making them suitable for accent walls in lively spaces where you want to create a focal point. Yellow, on the other hand, is a cheerful and optimistic colour that can add energy and get creative juices flowing in kitchens, offices, and playrooms. It can also create a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere in entryways and hallways. These colours also work well to aid performance in physical exercise rooms but should be avoided in restful areas such as bedrooms. 

Neutral colours such as white, grey, and black provide a clean and timeless backdrop for any indoor space. These shades are known for their versatility and ability to create a sense of balance and sophistication. White, in particular, can make a space feel open and airy. Use in rooms where you need to be able to free your mind. Grey and black can add a touch of elegance and formality. Neutrals are excellent choices for modern and minimalist interiors, and they can be paired with bold accent colours to add visual interest.

Purple is often associated with creativity, spirituality, and healing. It can have a calming and meditative effect on the mind, making it a suitable choice for bedrooms and meditation spaces and ideal in offices for professionals such as psychologists or creatives. Lighter shades of lavender and lilac promote relaxation, while deeper purples as accent colours can add a touch of luxury, sophistication and a sense of balance to a room.