Who wants to know more about color schemes? It turns out a lot of you do. And that’s why I’m here, to share information on what you want to know more about, right? So here goes.
I’ve already written about color scheme basics, and Katie recently posted about adding character with bold color. But of course there’s plenty more to learn than that—in fact, entire books have been written on the topic!
Today, I’m going to focus specifically on color and mood. But keep reading—soon I’m also going to post about the myriad places you can find inspiration for your color schemes. And later, I’ll explore risk-free ways you can easily change up your color scheme when the mood strikes.
But first, color and mood.
If you’ve ever walked into a sunny yellow room and instantly found yourself happier or energized, you’ve experienced the effect color can have on emotions. Likewise, if you’ve ever entered a bedroom decorated in pale blues or neutral tones and felt your tension melting away, you probably have an idea of the power color has over a space and its occupants.
As I’ve mentioned before, there are no hard-and-fast rules about which colors can be used in which rooms. It’s all a matter of preference. But, it turns out, certain hues lend themselves to certain rooms because they create different moods. For instance, a bold, energetic red hue has been known to stimulate the appetite, making it a great choice for dining room walls. But a subdued, rosy red may have a distinctly different effect, perfect for creating a romantic bedroom escape.
Think about how you want to feel in a given room, then look to colors that can help create that mood. For instance, when I moved into my house I knew I wanted my office to be a place that was cheerful and energizing, that promoted creativity and clear thinking. The perfect color choice? A sunny—but not too bright—yellow. It ended up being the perfect choice: I can log long hours in the office without getting tired or cranky or losing my motivation, and even on dreary days I feel upbeat.
The trick is choosing the right hue, or you may end up with a mood that’s overwhelming or that you didn’t bargain for. Don’t believe me? Check out this post on the joy and pain of yellow.
The color possibilities for creating the perfect mood are many. Green can be the color of growth, of youth, of rejuvenation. Or, depending on the hue, it can also be restful and soothing. Orange can be energetic and invigorating when it’s bright; but deeper tones can be simply warm and welcoming.
With so many different color personalities, how do you ever choose? The Paint Quality Institute provides a handy rundown on the psychology of color. Freshome has some great insights too. And at the HGTV website, color expert Sherry Payne reveals more info on color and mood.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with quizzes that help take the guesswork out of color selection. Try the color personality quiz at the Pratt & Lambert Paints site.
The color profile that was revealed after I took the quiz was pretty right on. The color result: “Sun-kissed,” which, the site states, is all about energy, friendliness, and ease. It’s a palette that’s welcoming and gracious and is usually accompanied by comfortable and casual furnishings that reflect a desire to entertain and spend more time at home with family and friends. Sounds about right! (Plus, one of the colors in the suggested palette is almost exactly the color on my living room wall. Cool!)
But enough about my color personality and choices. It’s time for you to explore your own. Leave a comment below to let me know what you learn about yourself along the way. And if you have any specific color palette questions you’d like answered, this is the place to ask!
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
Comments