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At least intuitively, we have known for a while that colors affect our behavior. We typically try to plan our wardrobes and immerse ourselves in the color schemes that make us happy. But there appears to be a more solid connection between how we interpret color and behavior. Scientists and artists, alike, have been attempting to fully uncover this connection for hundreds of years. Back in the 1800’s, the German writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe published a book entitled Theory of Colors that took a philosophical attempt at this question. These days, psychologists are intent on understanding the connection between colors and the responses that they evoke in us, and these scientists' efforts have led to some surprising findings. With no more than a small amount of knowledge about psychology, you can open some valuable insight into your color preferences and help point you toward design decisions that boost your mood every day. Marketers are known for their powerful (and sometimes exploitative) use of color psychology. By now, most consumers are probably familiar with the explanation for frequent use of red and yellow in fast food restaurants: the color scheme has been linked to creating a sense of immediacy in consumers and stimulate the appetite. But advertisers go farther than this with more nuanced and stronger uses of color combination. A great post in Business Insider on design and branding provides several great case studies of these choices and how they can control the buyer mindset. An excellent is the iconic teal blue color of Tiffany’s. Tiffany’s cleverly uses a color which many people “associate with logic and communication. It’s also serene, like the ocean, and calming to look at.” Even the tone is just as important. “The wrong tone of blue,” says the article, can “appear cold, aloof and unapproachable.” When selecting the colors of your house, it's a good idea to take a more critical look at advertisements online or in reputable publications. Rather than jumping to conclusions about the meaning of one color, find the examples that suit your aesthetic sensibility: How do the spaces make you feel? What color combinations does the designer use? Never forget to note the tone and shade of the colors. Throughout time, colors have assumed symbolic meanings from culture to culture. These representations may affect our emotional interpretation of a specific color, but the relationships between emotion and color are more profound than a mere conscious association. As an example, purple has long stood for wealth and royalty; today, it gives a sense of affluence and greatness. However, almost as often purple is interpreted as a whimsical color, perhaps because of its societal with magic. Nevertheless, we often experience strong visceral responses to colors without ever considering their symbolic meaning. Since the cultural meaning of colors can impact us on a mental level, considering the symbolism of different colors can help you skillfully create the responses projected by the different rooms in your home. Plenty of color consultants recommend choosing colors based on the function that each room in your house serves. For instance, more inviting colors (yellow, orange, red) and earthy tones (brown, eggshell) have been proven to help conversing and cultivate a sense of warmth and connectivity. Because of this, colors like these can best serve your foyer or living area. Additionally you may think about surrounding your home office in green colors, since this color has been linked to stronger concentration. Regardless of which colors you choose, custom home design is a fulfilling way to inject some personality into your living space, and an easy way to bring a fresh taste into your living environment.
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interior design, home design, colors, psychology, decoration,
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