The Psychological Impact Of Color
by Catherine Foust McGivern - AboutDecorating@usa.net
Description: Learn how you can work with the psychological impact of color.
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The following beliefs are generalizations. They may differ from culture to
culture and from person to person. Yet, based on color studies, they
represent the feelings most people associate with different hues. I have
added in parenthesis, the rooms in which these colors are often applied.
1. Orange promotes feelings of excitement. It makes one feel vibrant,
improves appetite, and enhances social interaction. (Kitchen, dining room.)
2. Green makes one feel cool, fresh and elegant. It also represents nature,
and therefore, promotes balance, harmony, peace, hope and stability.
(Bedroom, sunroom)
3. Mauve and pink are colors that symbolize romance. (Bedrooms)
4. Pinks, peaches, blues and greens can make a bedroom feel restful.
5. Sitting next to a lamp with a blue light bulb, for a half-hour before
bed, may help stimulate sleep.
6. Red can raise ones blood pressure.
7. Blue, if it is warmed from its pure form, can reduce stress and relieve
tension. (Bedroom, bath)
8. Purple can comfort and relieve strain. (Any room)
9. Yellow makes one feel cheerful. (In light shades, any room)
10. Black, white and gray are thought of as stark, restful or clean.
(Kitchens, bathrooms)
11. Environments in which pure hues of contrasting colors (those opposite
each other on the color wheel) are thought to be more stimulating, for
example purple with yellow, orange with blue, etc. The liveliness of this
affect, which might be suitable for a child’s room or playroom, can be
softened by using hues that are not as dense or saturated, such as lavender
and yellow.
12. Colors, used together, that are in the same family (i.e.:
monochromatic, light blue and dark blue) or next to each other on the color
wheel (i.e.: green and yellow), feel calm and relaxing.
13. All colors can have a positive or negative affect. The affect depends
on the individual, the extent of color use, and the purity or saturation of
the hue. Here are some terms that describe pluses and minuses. Red, used in
a large space can be (positive) welcoming, nurturing, energizing,
invigorating, or it can feel (negative) aggressiveness. Red in a small
space, can be (positive) cozy, intimate, or (negative) claustrophobic.
14. Color selection should take room orientation into consideration. For
example, a blue wall in a room with a southern exposure might feel
relaxing, whereas, the same color in a room with northern exposure may feel
depressing.
15. Color selection should be based on the predominant task that takes
place in the room.
16. Every color can have a warm or color tone to it. Generally, warm hues
should be used in spaces where there is activity, and cool colors should be
reserved for restful spaces.
17. Wearing, and surrounding yourself, with your favorite colors, lifts
your spirits.
18. Hospitals and spas use light, cool colors, because they have a calming
affect. These facilities enliven neutral backgrounds by adding splashes of
color.
19. Because of its wavelength and density, yellow is thought to help
arthritis suffers, and green, cancer patients.
Catherine Foust McGivern, IIDA, is the Founder and Interior Design
Principal of Design Portfolio, Inc. http://www.AboutDecorating.net
