Mood Makers: Understanding the Psychology of Color in Your Home

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt your shoulders drop and your mind clear? Or conversely, walked into a space that made you feel energised and alert? This isn’t an accident it is the psychology of colour at work. The shades we choose for our walls and furniture have a profound impact on how we feel within our homes.

The Calm of Cool Tones

For spaces where relaxation is key, such as the bedroom or a quiet reading nook, cool tones are your best friends. Blues, greens, and soft lilacs are known to lower heart rates and reduce anxiety. A sage green wall paired with natural wood furniture creates a restorative, nature-inspired environment perfect for unwinding after a long day.

The Warmth of Social Spaces

In areas where you entertain, such as the dining room or kitchen, you might want to introduce warmer hues. Terracottas, warm beiges, and soft ochres stimulate conversation and appetite. You don’t have to paint the whole room red; subtle accents through cushions, rugs, or a statement armchair can inject enough warmth to make the space feel inviting and cosy.

Testing Your Palette

It is important to remember that light affects colour dramatically. A grey that looks sophisticated in a south-facing room might look cold in a north-facing one. Before committing, always live with samples on your wall for a few days to see how the colour shifts from morning sunlight to evening lamp light.