SOURCE: Pamela Lynn Interiors
The psychology of colour is a fascinating but often overlooked aspect of interior design. Most of us are aware of the profound impact paint has aesthetically but it’s really much more complex and may be affecting you in ways you didn’t realize.
The colours we choose for our home impacts everything from stress levels to creativity. Here are some examples of how the psychology of colour can affect the mood of your home.
1/ Muted Greens = Additional Productivity
SOURCE: Better Homes & Gardens
We talk a lot about bright greens because they remind us of nature and calmness. It’s less common to have discussions around muted or olive greens. These hues provide a more calming and grounded effect and who doesn’t want more of that in their life?
One of the main psychological benefits of muted greens is that they can help us be more productive but without the overstimulation that’s associated with bolder colours. This makes olive green a perfect paint colour for office spaces. We can be energized enough to do really good work but we remain grounded and calm at the same time. If you’re looking for a work space that embraces focus and leaves us feeling like we’re in a productive cocoon without overwhelming your senses. Read more about timeless green paint colours in this post.
Pam’s Favourite Muted Green Paint Colours:
1/ Benjamin Moore Olive Branch 2143-30
2/ Benjamin Moore Hollingsworth Green HC-141
2/ Chocolate Brown for Comfort and Security
SOURCE: Thou Swell
What we’re trying to achieve when we paint our home is to create a feeling. If you’re interested in creating the “at home” feeling so many of us desire then you should be considering a warm chocolate brown paint colour.
From a psychological point of view, chocolate brown will help to foster a sense of comfort and security and will allow us to feel safety in the truest sense.
Pam’s Favourite Chocolate Brown Paint Colours:
1/ Benjamin Moore Mink 2112-20
2/ Benjamin Moore Tudor Brown HC-185
3/ Lavender for Serenity and Creativity
SOURCE: The Zhush
You’ve likely heard that purple typically represents a feeling of luxury and importance but lavender has its own uniquely distinct psychological benefits. The soft and subtle tones of lavender help to foster a feeling of inspiration while also soothing anxiety.
If you have a space in your home that requires you to be both grounded and creative, reach for lavender paint. This could be used in a home office, a craft space or even a kids bedroom. Regardless of where you use it, you’re going to feel at rest while feeling like you can express your inner artist.
Pam’s Favourite Lavender Paint Colours:
1/ Benjamin Moore Iced Lavender 1410
2/ Benjamin Moore Lavender Mist 2070-60
4/ Charcoal Gray for Depth and Introspection
SOURCE: The Lily Pad Cottage
While we’ve moved away from the heyday of gray paint we’re not eliminating it entirely. Soft gray has long been thought to evoke feelings of calmness but did you know that different shades of a colour create a different feeling? In this case, charcoal gray is known to create feelings of a deeper connection within ourselves.
This colour contains a unique balance of sophistication and depth of feelings and this makes it a perfect colour for a reading room or a space to meditate and relax. If you’re looking for ways to build a stronger sense of self, you may have some additional success just by introducing charcoal to your home.
Pam’s Favourite Charcoal Gray Paint Colours:
1/ Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168
2/ Benjamin Moore Vintage Pewter CSP-110
5/ Slate Blue for Calm Reflection
SOURCE: The Creativity Exchange
One of the most popular colour choices for ensuite bathrooms has to be a mid-toned, slate blue. This may be because you’re creating a spa-like feeling that will allow you to feel peaceful and at ease.
Soft, pale blue is often associated with feelings of calmness but these deeper blues help us to feel tranquil and introspective without the space feeling too sterile. This blue will help you to relax and it can help foster a sense of quiet, reflective calmness. That makes this colour particularly suited to bedrooms where we want an atmosphere conducive to rest.
Pam’s Favourite Slate Blue Paint Colours:
1/ Benjamin Moore Soft Chinchilla 2135-50
2/ Benjamin Moore Blue Porcelain 1645
6/ Gold for Inspiration and Confidence
SOURCE: Mylands
Gold-yellow and saffron help to create a space that feels warm and inspiring. Unlike other yellows, gold has an uplifting effect which makes it a perfect colour for spaces that require both energy and focus.
Gold helps to stimulate creativity so this can be a great colour for an office or study area. Give it a try and see if your innovation and self assurance rises.
Pam’s Favourite Gold Paint Colours:
1/ Benjamin Moore Golden Straw 2152-50
2/ Benjamin Moore Chestertown Buff HC-9
7/ Terracotta for Emotional Openness
SOURCE: Resene
When we use bright orange in our homes we’re creating a feeling of excitement which is sometimes too much and too stimulating. Instead, give terracotta a try because the earthy tones that help to mute this orange also provide us with a sense of openness without the overstimulation.
Since openness is the primary emotional response when using terracotta I would use this colour in dining rooms or the eating nook in your kitchen. This will help to create a feeling of togetherness which is a great choice for spaces designed where we socialize.
Pam’s Favourite Terracotta Paint Colours:
1/ Benjamin Moore Potter’s Clay CC-360
2/ Benjamin Moore Autumn Leaf 1131
8/ Midnight Blue for Emotional Security
SOURCE: Pamela Lynn Interiors
This deep, almost black colour allows us to tap into the subconscious mind. It creates a feeling of calmness along with infinite possibilities. We all love our light and mid-toned blues but this deep blue is the only shade known to create a feeling of vastness and this in turn can encourage mental exploration.
If you’re looking for a colour that will stimulate the imagination and encourage mental exploration then look no further than midnight blue.
Pam’s Favourite Midnight Blue Paint Colours:
1/ Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154
2/ Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20 (learn more about Gentleman’s Gray in this post)
9/ Burgundy for Confidence
SOURCE: Kin and Kasa
We saw a lot of burgundy being used during the 90’s and it’s slowly making its way into our homes again. This deep red has been associated with sophistication and passion but it’s primary psychological impact is confidence and couldn’t we all use a bit more of that?!
Burgundy can create a feeling of strength which makes it a great choice for areas of your home that require mental clarity and emotional resilience.
Pam’s Favourite Burgundy Paint Colours:
1/ Benjamin Moore Classic Burgundy HC-182
2/ Benjamin Moore Cranberry Cocktail 2083-20
10/ Black for Power
SOURCE: Pamela Lynn Interiors
A lot of us might be afraid to paint a room black for fear that it’ll feel cave-like. The psychology of colour tells us that black actually stands for power and control. If you need to be taken seriously and be seen as a person in a position of authority, black can work in your favour.
Black is also highly associated with luxury. If your work involves products or services that you want to be perceived as luxurious, give black a try.
Pam’s Favourite Black Paint Colours:
1/ Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10
2/ Benjamin Moore Black Beauty 2128-10
Whether we’re aware of it or not, all colours have a psychological impact on us and our surroundings. If you really want to feel like your best self at home, consider how the colours you use are affecting you.
If you need help selecting colours for your home, reach out to me. I’d love to discuss how I can help.
If you know your design style but you struggle with which paint to use, take a look at my Made-For-You paint palettes. They take the guesswork out and give you the confidence to get started.
