COLOR AND EMOTION IN A SPACE
As designers you may think all we do is throw some paint on the wall because it looks nice and vibes with the rest of the materials in the space but it’s more intentional than that. We understand that the colors we choose to put in a space can have an effect on your psyche and emotions. There is a method to our madness. For example, lighter colors are more expansive and allow a room to feel bigger and brighter. While darker colors can make a space feel smaller and more intimate. Spaces like a kids playroom or a home office may want to have lighter, brighter colors as these colors spark creativity and happiness. Spaces like a bedroom may want to have warmer or darker colors to make you feel calm and more relaxed. Keep in mind that incorporating color into a space doesn’t just have to be with paint. Think about the color of your furniture, artwork and accessories. Color can be used in a number of different ways to evoke feeling. When you are choosing colors to use in your space ask yourself this question - How do I want to feel in the space?
RED
Red is one of the most intense colors. It raises the energy of a space and get’s your adrenaline pumping. The color red sparks conversation. If you want to create a space that brings people together and sparks a high amount of energy, like your living room or dining room red is the color to choose. The color red also stimulates the appetite. That is why most fast food chains use the color red in their logos, such as McDonalds, Carls Jr. and In-N-Out. We recommend keeping red out of the kitchen!
In a conversation with Shannon Aganza, of Moon Gathering, we discuss the importance of incorporating color into your home to balance your home and create good Feng Shui. The color red for example, symbolizes vibration and energy. When referring to the organs, red symbolizes the beating heart.
To learn more about Feng Shui in your home click here.
In our project Swirl Boutique we chose to use the color red as an accent color throughout the space. The different hues of reds and pinks throughout the space create an inviting environment for both customers and employees to interact.
Here are some of our favorite red paint colors:
YELLOW
Yellow centralizes a space. It sparks joy and happiness. We believe this color is great to use in small doses around the house like throw pillows, accessories or as an accent wall color. Along with happiness the color yellow promotes health, positivity, clarity, energy, optimism, enlightenment, intellect, honor and joy.
As it relates to the organs in the body yellow symbolizes the stomach. It’s most ideal to incorporate yellow into your dining room or kitchen.
Here are some of our favorite yellow paint colors:
BLUE
Like the ocean, the color blue is said to help calm the nerves and bring down blood pressure. It is considered a serene and relaxing color and great to use in a space like your bedroom or even a library space. Because of it’s traits this color is also great for doctors offices or a meditation room.
In The Mandala Home we covered the entire study in the color blue, even on the ceilings! We also used touches of blue as accents throughout the home, on the dining room chairs and the living room sofa. Overall a very serene space! In our project Modern Farmhouse we chose to accent the kitchen island in Newburyport Blue by Benjamin Moore! Adding a little pop of blue to the kitchen encouraged a sense of relaxation that the whole family could enjoy!
Here are some of our favorite blue paint colors:
GREEN
Green symbolizes family and is one of our favorite colors to use as both an accent color and an overall color in any room. Green combines both the happiness and joy of yellow and the calming qualities of blue. We believe every space needs a little pop of green. An easy example of this could be a plant or accessory. In our project Villa Coco you’ll see touches of green throughout the space, especially in the powder bathroom as an accent paint color! In our project Kaito Sushi we used Nitty Gritty by Portola Paint, a darker shade of green, throughout the space to create an intimate environment!
Here are some of our favorite green paint colors:
Choosing a paint color is not always easy, but we hope these tips for which colors evoke certain emotions could help you decide! We’d love to hear how you used paint in your home and what emotion it brings out in you!
Love, The Sisters