Kind Color Series Part 3 – Psychology of Paint Colors

You probably already know that paint colors can be very expressive of who you are, but did you know that colors can be used to evoke a certain feeling? This is especially true when using these colors to paint the interior of your home. 

From relaxed and serene to bold and thought provoking. Color can help transform a space and entice the specific vibe you are going for. Today’s post will help give you a breakdown of the psychology behind each color and where it can be most powerful in your home.

Before we get into it, though, make sure you’re ready for Parts One and Two of our Kind Color Series. Alright, let’s do this!

Psychology of Red

Ah, red.  The color of passion and heat.  What better color to begin with? Red is an incredibly bold color that will make a statement.

You often see red being used for front doors and accent walls, but what message is that sending to neighbors and guests? This attention grabber gives off a feeling of strength, warmth, energy, and excitement.

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• Try an accent wall or keep it in earth tones

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• Try a space like a dining room

Psychology of Orange

We find that orange is one of those colors that you either absolutely love or hate.  There are very few people who land in the middle. Notoriously known as a ‘fun’ color, you’ll want to be strategic about where you use this vibrant shade.

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• Earth tones or dark oranges will be safer. Great for offices

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• Paint your office or a playroom orange.

Psychology of Yellow

In our very humble opinion, yellow is by far the happiest color.  Think about it: the sun, sunflowers, bumble bees, and lemon drops. Yellow makes us reminisce about warm summer days, and it doesn’t get much better than that.

You should note that this color is very stimulating to the eye, but it can easily be overpowering if it is too much or if it’s too bright.

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• Keep it mellow. Be mindful that this is often chosen as a unisex color for baby rooms, but be aware that yellow can be too bright and hurt your baby’s eyes.

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• If you want to work with a bright yellow, go for a small space and keep it balanced by pairing it with a crisp white to keep things fresh.

Psychology of Green

The second most popular “favorite” color in the world, green embodies nature and balance. Fun fact; green is the only color that hits the eye in such a way that it does not require adjustment making it one of the most restful colors.

On a primitive level, we are reassured by green, as it is a sign of water and life.  This means if you’re looking to bring an organic breath to a space, green may be right up your alley.

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• Much like blue, green is an incredibly safe color due to its calming properties. If you are concerned with going too bright, try a lighter shade of green that will be easy on the eyes.

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• Play around with jewel tones and interesting textures.  Green performs well when paired with furniture and decor that embraces nature.  Think wood, fabrics, and items with interesting textures.

Psychology of Blue

Blue takes the number one spot for the most popular favorite color, but why do you think that is? Blue causes a more emotional and mental reaction, unlike colors such as passionate red, which are more physical. Blue is known as an intellectual color and emits a feeling of trust and serenity.

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• Blue is a fairly safe color for most spaces however, if you’re concerned with going too blue we suggest you try a blue-grey to tone things down.

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• Again, blue is generally a fairly safe color, so don’t be afraid to explore options.  A bold blue stimulates clear thought, while a lighter blue will be more calming.

Psychology of Violet

Violet, or purple, definitely makes a statement, but not quite in the same way as colors like orange, red, or yellow. Originally a symbol of royalty, this color gives off a feeling of luxury, quality, and depth. This color is wonderful for rooms where you wish to inspire deep thought, for example, a spa-like bathroom.

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• Lavenders are not only beautiful; they also create a thoughtful, calming environment.  Great for creating meditative spaces.

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• If you are drawn to rich jewel tones, go for a deep purple to ground a space and create depth.

Psychology of Grey

Oddly enough, or maybe not so oddly, grey is the only color that is psychologically neutral. This means it doesn’t evoke a certain emotion; however, be wary of overusing grey. Too much grey can evoke a lack of energy.

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• Is there a color safer than grey?

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• Pairing grey with a crisp white will give it a modern feel.

Psychology of Black

Rarely used as a core color for decorating, black is phenomenal for use in small doses. Black is elegant, sleek, and sophisticated. That being said, many people are afraid of the dark, so definitely be careful with this one. We find it works best on the exterior of the home.

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• Black is a great exterior accent color. Think shutters, doors, etc.

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• Depending on the style of your home, you may be able to use black or charcoal as a trim or even a body color.  Consult with a paint professional before going this route.

Psychology of White

White is all about creating a clean, fresh, and sterile look. Too much of it, and you’ll be giving off “don’t touch me” vibes.  With just the right balance, though, you can create a classic or modern look.  Honestly, it will be hard to go wrong with white.

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• Use white as an accent color and you pretty much can do no wrong.

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• Create a synchronized space that’s light and airy, with tons of white balanced with plants and different textures.

Psychology of Brown

Honestly, we find brown to be completely underrated. Yes, it can be a serious or dull color, but it also symbolizes earthiness and nature and helps to ground a space. 

Also, what color does everyone paint their walls when they’re trying to sell their home? That’s right, beige. Don’t be afraid to explore the different ranges of brown to see if they might add support to your space.

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• Beige is one of those incredibly safe colors.  Some people think it’s a little boring, but with the right accessories, it can create a seamless flow throughout your home.

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• Try something different and go for a rich, deep brown that will ground a space. This can be great in living rooms or bedrooms, as it’s neutral and the decor can be changed frequently.

Phew, we made it! Hopefully, now you understand more about the psychology of color and how choosing a paint color can play into the feeling of a room when you paint your house rooms with it.

Who knew there was so much to understand about choosing paint colors?  Join Kind Home Solutions next time when we explore a little-known tip for picking paint that’s sure to surprise you! Contact us today to learn more.