Different colors, and even different shades and hues of the same color, can invoke certain emotions and reactions. When decorating a home, knowing how most people react to each color can help in the decision-making process.
Red
Red is the color of passion. It can stimulate the senses and increase energy levels while raising blood pressure and heart rates. Red can also invoke feelings of anger or aggression. This is especially true in bold shades of red, such as crimson.
Red draws attention, so even a small amount will capture the senses.
Orange
Orange is a happy color and can lower depression while raising energy and excitement. It is equated with fun, good times and enthusiasm.
Yellow
Yellow is also uplifting and cheerful. Equated with sunshine and smiley faces, it is a happy, joyful color.
Yellow stimulates the brain and can enhance creativity. It is not, however, soothing. It is the harshest color to the eye, and, as a result, may make people, especially babies, irritable or cranky.
Green
Green is a calming, relaxing color. As opposed to yellow, it is the most soothing to the eye, and it may soothe tempers and emotions as well.
Green is associated with life, growth and nature. Certain shades of green can also be arousing. Some shades of green, however, can have the opposite effect. Shades of olive green can be viewed as sickening and depressing, equated with nausea.
Blue
Blue is equated with serenity. Its soothing, calming properties can slow heart rates and relax the body. Royal blue can be equated with loyalty and authority, as it is the color of police officer uniforms and those of other positions of authority as well.
Different shades of blue, however, can have drastically different consequences. In dark shades, blue can be dreary and depressing, and certain shades of light blue can take on a cold, unfriendly air.
Purple
Purple is associated with royalty. It is luxurious and sophisticated, equated with wealth and prosperity. It is a rich color that also enhances creativity. Too much purple can be gaudy and artificial, however, so use sparingly.
As with blues and greens, light or pale shades of purple can be soothing.
Brown
A neutral color, brown is the color of stability. It is the color of earth, and it is equated with security.
Black
Black can have many different interpretations. In the United States, it is equated with death and mourning, and it is also a color used to represent evil. It is a mysterious color, yet it can be associated with power, knowledge and wisdom.
Black can be overwhelming in large quantities, and it can invoke feelings of silence and isolation.
White
White, in contrast, is the color of purity, peace and comfort. It can be uplifting and freeing, while being equated with cleanliness and safety. It is the color of openness and airiness, the opposite of clutter.
Dark Vs. Light
Deep, dark colors can be rich and elegant, while light colors can be airy and uplifting. Darker colors will make a room appear smaller, enhancing the feeling of intimacy, while light colors make a room appear larger and more open.
As suggested above, certain colors can take on different properties when their shade changes. Pay attention to the subtleties of each color to ensure the intended effect is achieved.
Mixing different colors can also alter the effect each has on the overall picture. Balancing bold colors with neutral colors, such as shades of gray or brown, can also subdue the main color and its effects.
Color is a personal experience, and the colors used should be pleasing to the ones who will be experiencing them the most. Knowing how others react, however, can ensure comfortable guests and a positive atmosphere for all.
Sources:
Vanessa Kelman - Vanessa E. Kelman writes out of East Hartford, Conn. She can be found online at www.VanessaKelman.com.
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