The Psychology of Paint Colors

The Psychology Behind Oklahoma Paint Colors

Have you been daydreaming about how great your home could look with a new color palette? The change of seasons often is a strong motivator to freshen up home décor, and there is no better way to do that than with fresh paint on the walls and trim. However, before your painting contractor arrives to start the work, the important matter of color selection must be considered. At Kaleidoscope Paint, our interior painters want you to love the beautiful results that we create through our hard work. Because of this, we offer an initial color consultation to each of our clients in Edmond OK.

Understanding the Psychology of Paint Color

If you are like many other homeowners, you may initially think about choosing a paint color that will look great with your sofa, drapes and other décor. Unless you plan to invest in new pieces, this is understandably an important part of your decision-making process. However, you also need to know how your color selection will impact mood. From the energetic, happy feel of spring yellow to the deep, soothing feel of navy blue, the impact of color on mood can be substantial. Because each color has a different effect, a closer look at the psychology of color is in order before you select your palette.

Blue

A thorough review of colors should begin with the primary colors, which are blue, red and yellow. Blue has been proven to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, so you may not be surprised to learn that it has a calming effect. However, there are many beautiful shades that include everything from baby blue to midnight blue. Lighter and brighter shades can have a soothing yet upbeat feel, and darker shades may be more somber and sophisticated.

Red

On the other end of the spectrum, exposure to red can elevate blood pressure and heart rate. As a result, this color often evokes energy, passion and even aggression in some people. Notably, it can also stimulate the appetite. Because of its psychological effects, it is commonly used in kitchens. It may also be successfully incorporated into social areas of the home where you want energy levels to run high. This may include a game room or a living area.

Yellow

From baby yellow to canary, daffodil and other shades, the range of yellow tones is diverse. This color is often associated with growth, energy and happiness. Because even lighter shades can create a sense of alertness that may be associated with sunny days, this color is often used in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where you want to remain alert and upbeat.

Pink

Commonly, pink is viewed as an ideal color for a child’s bedroom, but the reality is that its versatility is robust. Regardless of whether you choose baby pink, dusty rose or something in between, you can appreciate the soothing impact that it has. In fact, it may be associated strongly with nurture, empathy and kindness.

Purple

For centuries, purple has been linked with richness and royalty. Darker shades, such as plum and violet, are sophisticated. They can evoke feelings of confidence as well as passion. If you choose to decorate one of your rooms with lilac, lavender or another lighter shade of purple, you can enjoy an elevated sense of creative energy combined with a richly relaxing feel.

Green

As one of the most dominant vegetation colors, green has a rejuvenating flair. In addition to being refreshing, it inspires peace and calmness. These effects combine together to reduce stress levels and to boost happiness. Lighter shades may have a more energetic feel, and darker shades can boost focus. With this in mind, a dark green color could be an ideal option for a study or a home office.

Orange

Orange is derived from yellow and red, which are vibrant, energy-boosting hues. With this in mind, it makes sense that orange would evoke warmth, happiness and energy. However, like red, it can be too stimulating when it is over-utilized. A lighter shade, such as peach, may be used over a large surface area to enjoy the full benefit of orange’s impact on mood. However, darker, deeper and brighter shades of orange are often used sparingly and in combination with other tones that balance out its power.

Schedule a Color Consultation As you prepare to make your final color selection, you may be focused on the established colors in your furnishings and built-in features. However, you could also feel torn between colors based on your personal preferences and the impact that the colors could have on mood. In many rooms, several colors combine to impact décor and ambiance, and this can magnify the complexity of your selection process. You understandably want to love the work that your interior painters do, so how can you select your paint colors with confidence? At Kaleidoscope Paint, we are the painting contractor in Edmond OK that will support you throughout your entire project. Because of this, we usually start new projects with an in-home paint color consultation. Contact our office today to request a consultation with one of our talented experts.