Design: Living with colours.
Colours in interiors; why you feel the way you do.
Colour psychology is sometimes based on our life experiences.
These can either be positive or negative.
It is also important to note that some people are suffering from colour blindness, so try not to get mad or confused if a person isn't seeing colours as you see them. Also Culturally, the interpretation of colours may be different, you'd be surprised how other cultures perceived colours.
Style Tip- Lighter coloured walls make a space seem a little larger, while darker coloured walls make it seem a little bit smaller.
Style Tip- if you want to eat more, serve your food in a Red or Orange bowl, and if you want to eat less, serve it in a Blue bowl.
Fun/ quirky colours- we love them but just don't know what they are called.
These are your go-to colours when your favourite colours are either too bright or too dull for use. It is like the perfect shades. And they have fun names too; Amaranth(red-pink) vermillion(orange-red) Gamboge(mustard yellow ) Caledon(pale green) Glaucous (powdery blue) Mountbatten pink (purple-pink)
I can go on and on about these beautiful colours and it'll be worth it.
Sensual colours- want to bring passion to a space, then this is your answer.
Romantic Pink, Berry, Black, Purple(eggplant) etc are colours that can help ignite passion, both in bed and out of it.
Soft & Safe colours- these are pale hues of their bright and loud counterparts. these colours are called pastels and are known to have a calming ability, so it is best used in spaces where you would like to meditate, think clearly or do yoga. These colours are also great for health care settings, schools, children's nurseries, or elderly spaces.
These colours make spaces feel light, airy and even romantic.
Style Tip- may appear a tad bit too romantic, soft and feminine.
If you truly want your space to feel rich and collected, then you should incorporate these colours.
Classic colours- White, Beige, Grey, Greige, Brown in all shades and tints, also called neutrals.
Colour psychology is sometimes based on our life experiences.
These can either be positive or negative.
It is also important to note that some people are suffering from colour blindness, so try not to get mad or confused if a person isn't seeing colours as you see them. Also Culturally, the interpretation of colours may be different, you'd be surprised how other cultures perceived colours.
Style Tip: Yellow is energising, it's not a good idea for the bedroom, it feels like keeping the light on.
Pale Pink is known to keep you calm.
Never paint your bedroom Red, not great for a good night's sleep.
Analogue colour or monochrome colour palette is usually the best option.
Pale Pink is known to keep you calm.
Never paint your bedroom Red, not great for a good night's sleep.
Analogue colour or monochrome colour palette is usually the best option.
Moody colours- Dark blue, Purples, Grey, Black, and Dark Green, can be considered moody colours.
Most times these colours often bring a feeling of gloom or dullness, but at the same time, they can be calming. they can be used in dens, libraries, or bedrooms, but should be avoided in the living rooms, kitchens, and children's rooms.
Most times these colours often bring a feeling of gloom or dullness, but at the same time, they can be calming. they can be used in dens, libraries, or bedrooms, but should be avoided in the living rooms, kitchens, and children's rooms.
Energetic colours- Bright Orange, and Bright Red, can stimulate bursts of energy, and keep the brain alert.
These colours may help us to feel some sort of happiness, but at the same time, can be irritating to the eyes, too much use may cause migraine and discomfort.
Avoid using these in the bedrooms and living rooms as it can be quite uncomfortable, and makes sleeping difficult.
nonetheless, if you would like to get something productive done, feel optimistic, and energised then add them to spaces such as Artwork, Furniture or Murals in; Gyms, Dining, or Kitchens. It is also great to use them in children's play zones, most especially in schools, parks or hospitals.
These colours are used to bring our attention to something also, For example, traffic lights, warning signs, emergency signs.
These colours may help us to feel some sort of happiness, but at the same time, can be irritating to the eyes, too much use may cause migraine and discomfort.
Avoid using these in the bedrooms and living rooms as it can be quite uncomfortable, and makes sleeping difficult.
nonetheless, if you would like to get something productive done, feel optimistic, and energised then add them to spaces such as Artwork, Furniture or Murals in; Gyms, Dining, or Kitchens. It is also great to use them in children's play zones, most especially in schools, parks or hospitals.
These colours are used to bring our attention to something also, For example, traffic lights, warning signs, emergency signs.
Style Tip- if you want to eat more, serve your food in a Red or Orange bowl, and if you want to eat less, serve it in a Blue bowl.
Fun/ quirky colours- we love them but just don't know what they are called.
These are your go-to colours when your favourite colours are either too bright or too dull for use. It is like the perfect shades. And they have fun names too; Amaranth(red-pink) vermillion(orange-red) Gamboge(mustard yellow ) Caledon(pale green) Glaucous (powdery blue) Mountbatten pink (purple-pink)
I can go on and on about these beautiful colours and it'll be worth it.
Sensual colours- want to bring passion to a space, then this is your answer.
Romantic Pink, Berry, Black, Purple(eggplant) etc are colours that can help ignite passion, both in bed and out of it.
Soft & Safe colours- these are pale hues of their bright and loud counterparts. these colours are called pastels and are known to have a calming ability, so it is best used in spaces where you would like to meditate, think clearly or do yoga. These colours are also great for health care settings, schools, children's nurseries, or elderly spaces.
These colours make spaces feel light, airy and even romantic.
Style Tip- may appear a tad bit too romantic, soft and feminine.
Sophisticated colours- these colours usually scream "I am classy".
Using them in space helps to give it a luxurious look and feel.
Navy blue, Milk chocolate, Black, Emerald green and White!
Using them in space helps to give it a luxurious look and feel.
Navy blue, Milk chocolate, Black, Emerald green and White!
Style Tip- Always find a way to incorporate your favourite colours into space, no matter how little.
Classic colours- White, Beige, Grey, Greige, Brown in all shades and tints, also called neutrals.
when in doubt, use these colours, and add other bright hues as accent colours.
However, no matter how many colour trends come and go, these colours will always remain.
However, no matter how many colour trends come and go, these colours will always remain.
Style Tip- Never be terrified to add colours to your space. Colours make things beautiful, everything about nature is colourful, so we should thrive to mimic that(minimally).
If you are confused about picking the right colours for your space, you can talk to an interior stylist, colour consultant or designer to guide you. Just make sure it's something you love and will help improve the well-being of those who will be occupying the space.
If you are confused about picking the right colours for your space, you can talk to an interior stylist, colour consultant or designer to guide you. Just make sure it's something you love and will help improve the well-being of those who will be occupying the space.
Article by;
Gbemisola Akinwale
Interior stylist & Design + Lifestyle writer
