Color plays a powerful role in evoking certain moods and feelings in an individual. Ever looked at a yellow sunflower and immediately felt more cheered up? Or felt more energized at your spin class simply by wearing a brightly colored shirt? If so, then you know the power that color can have on you!
Colors play a very important role in our homes, not just in overall aesthetics, but the mood you want. How do you want each room to feel? What vibe do you want? Do you want it calming or uplifting? Energizing or peaceful? Let's have a look at a few colors to help us decide what works for us!
1. Calming blue
Credit: Vinicius "amnx" Amano
Blue is a very common color in interior design and for good reason. While colors of course affect each individual differently, blue is said to evoke feelings of calm and peace. Maybe it's because it reminds us of the sky on a beautiful day or the ocean? But within blue itself, different shades can also evoke different emotions. Light blue is considered to be more relaxing than dark blue, and too much dark blue can make a room feel cold and distant.
I think light blue, along with light gray or off-white, would make a beautiful combination for the bedroom. Perfect for getting a good night's rest! Because that color combination falls on the cooler end of the color spectrum, adding silver decorative accessories like a silver metal lamp with clear crystals or a shiny silver vase filled with white lilies would be stunning.
2. Energizing red
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The complete opposite of calming blue must be the energetic red! Bright and cheerful, red is best left for rooms where you want to make an instant visual impact. If you love to entertain at home, I think red would make a great color for rooms where your guests would normally hang out, like the living room or family room. It creates a party-like atmosphere and encourages conversation because red easily makes any room look fun.
If you think red is a bit too much as the room's main color, you can also consider red accessories. Red vases or red cushions would pop against a more neutral color background, and still give off that energetic vibe. You can also consider a darker shade of red, but the tone will definitely be moodier and more subdued than the classic red.
3. Light and airy white
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Ah yes, how can I possibly not mention the polarizing all-white room? It seems we either love it or hate it! I personally love white rooms because they look so light, airy, and calming. White is also great for smaller rooms because of its reflective qualities, which helps to make spaces feel larger.
To prevent an all-white room from looking too cold or sterile, green leafy plants and accessories made from natural materials like wicker or wood would add instant warmth. You want the room to be inviting, not boring! You can still add white accessories to an all-white room, but be sure to use contrasting textiles like faux fur rugs or cushions to make them stand out. You don't want them to blend in completely and disappear.
4. Cheerful yellow
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I've loved yellow for as long as I can remember. When I was about 5, my mom sewed me an entire set of matching yellow floral bedding. I looked like I was sleeping in a field somewhere, but I loved it! As I got older, I realized that my main reason for loving yellow is because it makes me happy.
I must admit, yellow is not for the faint of heart. It practically screams attention. But then again, I think the shade of yellow is very important. A bright yellow may be hard to work with, but I think a deeper marigold yellow sofa for example, is totally doable, and would look fabulous with teal and fuchsia cushions. Now, some people may perceive yellow as being aggressive or unsettling, so be sure to consider what works for you personally.
5. Earthy green
Credit: Devon Janse van Rensburg
Using the color green is an easy way to bring nature indoors. When combined with earthy tones like brown or gray, we're reminded of the feeling we get when we take a relaxing stroll through a forest or garden. It's like being outside, but within the comfort (and arm's reach access to Netflix!) of your home. Calming, relaxing, and unpretentious.
I personally prefer the rich, jewel tones of emerald green. To me, it feels more warm and inviting than, for instance, olive green, which has more of a yellowish-tone. I also think emerald green, or any other dark green shade, is a wonderful choice if you want the look of a moody room, but still want color to be a focal point.
6. Pretty lavender
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Ah, my second favorite color on this list! In addition to being visually appealing, the color lavender also encourages calmness and tranquility. And I think because of its strong association with the lavender flower, which has long been used to make relaxing bath products and essential oils, we naturally think of the color lavender as being relaxing as well.
I think lavender will make a wonderful color for the bathroom. Add some scented lavender candles and it's like creating your own spa oasis! Lavender is also an ideal color if you're trying to replicate a French country cottage vibe. Add a pitcher vase filled with freshly cut lavender flowers and voilà!
Happy project planning! There are just too many beautiful colors to choose from!
