Color is a powerful tool in shaping our emotions, moods and overall mental state, especially within our home environment. By understanding the neuroscience and psychology behind color perception and response, you can be better equipped to create spaces that not only look great, but also enhance your emotional well-being.
How do you select the right colors for your home that can positively impact your mood and well-being?
A recent industry discussion we attended — How Does Color Influence Us? — inspired us to explore this question, as well as other germane variables, such as how culture, past experiences, and familial influences further impact our reaction to colors.
Understanding how different colors influence mood will enable you to curate your home environment to enhance your overall well-being. Balancing colors thoughtfully can help you create spaces that feel inviting, or inspirational, or whatever emotion you desire within specific areas of your home.
Table of Contents
- How Does Color Influence Us?
- The Neuroscience Behind the Influence of Color
- The Psychological Impact of Color
- How Personal Experiences & Culture Influence Color
- Which Colors are the “Right” Colors for Your Home?
- Parting Advice
Also see:
How Does Color Influence Us?
Have you ever walked into a room and felt an overwhelming, inexplicable sense of emotion, based on the color palette or overall room décor?
Painting by Jennifer Rae Ochs featured in an intimate seating area
Either positive or negative, we always have a reaction to a room’s basic color influences, oftentimes these reactions are subtle and organic.
We recently attended a discussion — How Does Color Influence Us? — held at the Mimi London showroom in Los Angeles, as part of Pacific Design Center’s Fall Market 2024. The session’s expert, Gillian Rose, is a tenured designer and color strategist, whose work is focused on applying the science of color to interior and exterior design.
Gillian Rose interacting with attendees of her How Does Color Influence Us? session, which was moderated by Brian Pinkett, AIA, and Principal of Landry Design Group, and hosted by Mimi London and Aspire Magazine, as part of the 2024 Pacific Design Center Fall Market.
Image courtesy of Aspire Magazine. Photo by Varon Panganiban.
Rose explained that each color has a corresponding energy, as do individuals, and that different energies can stimulate our emotions and moods in either positive or negative ways.
The key to creating interiors and exteriors that blend well with our own personal energy is to choose colors that compliment, or enhance one’s personal vibrations.
Rose conducted a simple color experiment with the audience using two distinct posters containing photographic images of interior spaces.
One image consisted of warm colors, while the other consisted of softer, cool colors. The audience was then asked to raise their hands when prompted for which image was preferred. Virtually half of the attendees preferred the warm image, while the other half, preferred the cool image.
Gillian Rose taking a question from the audience at the 2024 PDC Fall Market
The warm image is located at the far left of the photo. The cool image is at the far right.
Image courtesy of Aspire Magazine. Photo by Varon Panganiban.
Unsurprised by the “50-50” results, Rose proceeded to explain in simple terms that some individuals need more active colors (e.g. more stimulation) to feel “balanced”, while other observers need less active colors (e.g. less stimulation) to feel “normal”.
The Neuroscience Behind the Influence of Color
We are consciously and unconsciously influenced by color, or vibrational energies, based on the fundamentals of neuroscience, as well as psychology.
Once color enters our visual cortex, neurotransmitters are released, which result in involuntary physiological reactions, that are also partially influenced by past experiences and cultural associations.
Similarly, we all have our own individual energies that interact with others and the surrounding environment. The key to creating a harmonious indoor and outdoor oasis is ensuring that the vibrational energies do not clash, but rather compliment or elevate one’s personal energy.
Thus, choosing a room’s color should not to be entered into lightly.
Many of us have preconceived reactions towards certain colors based on powerful influences beyond our control. Understanding the neuroscience behind color and emotional reactions, as well as nuanced cultural influences, is helpful when choosing colors for your home, garden, or even clothing.
Our experience of color begins with light entering our eyes. Light is critical for color perception — do you ever wonder why everything is shades of gray in the dark? — where specialized cells, called cones, in the retina convert light into signals.
These signals travel to the brain, particularly to the visual cortex, where color perception occurs. This process isn’t just about seeing — it influences our emotions, behaviors, and even physiological responses.
Neuroscientific research shows that colors can trigger the release of certain neurotransmitters. For instance:
Blue Light
Exposure to blue light can boost serotonin levels, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. A study from the University of Leeds found that environments bathed in blue light can lead to reduced feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
Red Light
Conversely, red light can elevate cortisol levels, a “stress” hormone. While it can enhance alertness and attention, the color red can also lead to feelings of agitation when observers experience too much exposure.
Rose sums up the neuroscience of color cogently:
“Our initial and greatest responses to color’s energy are physiological reflexes — they are involuntary. They trigger parts of our brain that instantly inform us, whether we are attracted to a color or repulsed by it. Which, of course, are all based on our individual temperaments. Much as our world tries to button down formulas of any kind, we are still, thankfully, very much individually human!”
The Psychological Impact of Color
Colors can also evoke specific emotional responses when used in certain ways within interior spaces.
- Warm Colors (Red, Orange, Yellow)
- Cool Colors (Blue, Green, Purple)
- Colors in Different Spaces of the Home
Warm Colors (Red, Orange, Yellow)
Red
Red can stimulate passion and energy, but can also induce stress. Research in Psychological Science highlights that red environments can heighten focus on detail. Red should be used sparingly in areas where you need concentration, like a home office or a study nook.
Orange
Associated with enthusiasm and creativity, orange can be a great choice for living spaces or playrooms. A study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that participants in orange rooms reported higher levels of optimism.
Yellow
Bright and cheerful, yellow can enhance mood and promote feelings of happiness. However, too much can be overwhelming, so consider using it as an accent color in kitchens or in dining areas.
A local eatery using yellow to help their patrons feel good while increasing their appetites
Cool Colors (Blue, Green, Purple)
Blue
Known for its calming properties, blue can lower heart rates and promote tranquility. A study by the University of British Columbia demonstrated that individuals in blue-painted rooms experienced reduced anxiety and a greater sense of peace. Consider using light or pastel blues in bedrooms for optimal relaxation.
Green
Symbolizing nature, green has restorative qualities. Research indicates that green spaces can reduce mental fatigue and enhance focus. Incorporating plants or green hues in your workspace can boost creativity and productivity.
Purple
Often associated with luxury and creativity, purple can inspire imagination. Softer shades like lavender can create a soothing atmosphere, making them ideal for meditative spaces.
Colors in Different Spaces of the Home
Let’s break down how to apply these color principles in specific areas of your home:
Living Room
Opt for warm tones like soft peach or coral to foster conversation and connection. These colors encourage social interaction and create a welcoming environment, especially when combined with a well-appointed coffee table.
Bedroom
Focus on soft blues and greens. Research from the Journal of Experimental Psychology indicates that these colors can help create a serene atmosphere, promoting better sleep quality. Consider adding textured fabrics in these colors for added comfort.
Kitchen
Bright yellows and oranges can stimulate appetite and energy. A study from Color Research and Application found that yellow kitchens can make meal preparation more enjoyable. Use these colors in accents or décor to avoid overwhelming the space.
Bathroom
Consider fresh and clean colors, such as shades of white, light gray, or pale blue or green, combined with accents of color from natural plants and stylish pottery.
Home Office
Add highlights of yellow or orange to inspire creativity, against cool and muted tones, such as blues, greens or soft browns.
A yellow globe plays a key role in a model home’s flex work space
How Personal Experiences & Culture Influence Color
Colors are also oftentimes associated with uniquely personal events, traumas, and other memorable experiences — as well as shared traditions — all of which can have positive, negative or mixed connotations.
Categories of “color response” that are effected by experiential and cultural influences include:
- Emotional Associations
- Coping Mechanisms
- Symbolism and Meaning
- Psychological Responses
- Art and Expression
- Healing Spaces
- Commercial Influences
Emotional Associations
Color Memories
Our brains often create strong associations between colors and specific memories or emotions. For someone who has experienced trauma in a particular environment, the dominant color of the space may evoke distress or anxiety.
Example: If someone experienced a traumatic event in a red room, the color red might later trigger feelings of fear or anger, even in a completely different context.
Coping Mechanisms
Color Preferences
After trauma, individuals may gravitate toward certain colors as a coping mechanism. For instance, someone who feels anxious might prefer calming colors like blue or green to create a sense of safety and tranquility in their surroundings.
Example: A person recovering from trauma might redecorate their space in soft, soothing colors to help create a more peaceful environment.
Symbolism and Meaning
Cultural Context
Colors often carry different meanings across cultures, which can influence how individuals relate to them based on their ancestral ties and upbringing. A color that symbolizes hope in one culture might evoke sadness in another.
Example: In some cultures, white represents purity and peaceful, new beginnings, which may be comforting for someone looking to move forward after trauma. In other cultures, white may evoke feelings of loss, such as in India, as white is the customary color for attendees of funeral rites.
Psychological Responses
Neurological Impact
Colors can affect neurotransmitter levels in the brain. For example, exposure to blue light can increase serotonin, promoting calmness. For someone with a history of anxiety or trauma, incorporating calming colors in their environment may help alleviate symptoms.
Example: Therapists may use color therapy techniques, suggesting clients surround themselves with specific colors to aid in their healing process.
Art and Expression
Color in Art Therapy
Art therapy often utilizes color as a form of expression. Traumatized individuals might choose certain colors to represent their feelings, allowing for exploration and discussion of their experiences.
Example: A person might use dark colors to express feelings of sadness or anger, while brighter colors might represent hope or healing.
Healing Spaces
Color Choices in Healing Environments
Hospitals and therapy centers often consider color psychology when designing spaces for healing. Soft, calming colors can help create an environment conducive to recovery.
Example: A therapist’s office may be painted in warm neutrals or blues to create a sense of safety and comfort for clients.
Commercial Influences
Annual Color Trends
In large consumer markets, like the United States, color trends are primarily driven by leading producers of pigment products, who have financial incentive to produce the preferred colors of their largest customers. In the case of the US, this would be the automotive industry.
Example: Be wary of annual color trends if they do not resonate with your personal tastes.
Our responses to color are deeply intertwined with our emotional and psychological experiences, particularly those shaped by trauma. Understanding these connections can empower individuals to make conscious choices about their environments, fostering healing and well-being by creating spaces that provide a personalized sense of comfort.
Which Colors are the “Right” Colors for Your Home?
Armed with a better understanding of color science and psychology, how do you choose the right colors for your interior or exterior environment?
Gillian Rose Colour offers a color consultation via an innovative Colour Play™ system, which unveils a client’s unique color persona and traits — “culminating in harmonious color schemes tailored to each individual”.
The aim of Rose’s process is to help her clients discover the colors that resonate with them, with the end goal of feeling inner peace.
A bedroom colorized by Gillian Rose to achieve a “Restorative” mood
She reminds her “color patients” that the process is not about finding their favorite colors, but rather, discovering the colors to which they are vibrationally drawn.
A few sample colors from the Gillian Rose Premier Colour Collection
Colour Play™ begins with eliciting psychological responses from a series of questions about one’s feelings and the intended use for the space under design.
Utilizing a 60-color palette of hand-painted color samples — explicitly “clear” colors that are absent of grays and blacks — Rose then presents specific colors to clients who are queried on their innate responses.
A dining area colorized by Gillian Rose to achieve a “Celebratory” mood
This iterative process will eventually reveal a custom color palette — typically between 6 and 12 colors — that are uniquely personal and meaningful to the client.
The result is a foundation of recommended colors, based on the client’s responses, which can be used for a wide-range of color decisions, such as walls, cabinetry, flooring and furnishings.
During the session, Purgula asked Rose for her thoughts on “color fatigue” — when one grows tired of a current color and needs an urgent change — to which she quipped:
“If you’re not controlling the colors around you, they are controlling you. Color fatigue could be the result of simply picking the wrong color”.
Colour Play™ can also be used for exterior design projects, to create a color palette for floral landscapes, garden artwork, exterior hardscapes, and outdoor furnishings.
Soothing cool colors in a low-maintenance, succulent sensory garden
Homeowners planning for a major remodel will often ask:
“When is the best time to review and choose color preferences?”
Rose recommends as early as possible during the planning stage, as color will influence virtually all subsequent design decisions. We concur, as knowing your color palette preferences up front will help your selection of appliance brands, models and styles, as well as material types and tones.
Parting Advice
While color guidelines are certainly helpful — with annual color trends consistently providing inspirational eye candy— the most important “rule” to adhere to is to choose colors that resonate with you personally.
A Jennifer Rae Ochs painting from her Atmospheric Collection perfectly complementing a small, stylish console
Everyone has different emotional responses to colors based on their unique experiences and preferences. Therefore, it’s wise to experiment with different hues and shades prior to undergoing any major renovation.
As a first step, you can conduct tests by using paint samples and digital tools to overlay new color schemes within images of your existing spaces. (Note: Rose reminds clients, however, that seeing a color on a digital screen is not equivalent to experiencing the “same” color, surrounded by it in person).
Even better than digital samples, you can introduce your preferred colors via smaller accents — e.g. cushions, art pieces, or wall décor — to experience how they impact your mood, be it on an initial, smaller scale.
Blue accents added to a gathering space with pillows, rug and art work
Remember, your home should reflect your unique style and feelings, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!
For added inspiration and guidance, we’ll leave you with this quote from Jennifer Rae Ochs, a contemporary fine artist, who also attended the color session:
“Color is more than a visual choice — it’s an invitation to feel, experience, and connect. When we choose colors for our spaces, we’re not only setting a tone, but also creating an environment that influences every moment spent there. Choosing colors thoughtfully allows us to shape how a space speaks to us and invites us in”.
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