Liven Up Your Home

& Garden with Color

Psychology

The

Psychological

Effects of Color

While different colors mean different things to various individuals, colors can also have a universal effect on people. For example, “cool” colors like shades of blue, purple, and green are described as calming for many, while “warm” reds and yellows can evoke emotions ranging from comfort to power or anger. Interior designers have long used colors to communicate moods and feelings in their work, and you too can add flair to your home or garden by understanding how different hues work in any space.

Orange

Orange is considered an energetic, vibrant color that breathes life into any space. It is commonly used to call attention (for example, road and traffic signs). In home décor, orange is used to inspire feelings of warmth and excitement, but can be overwhelming if used in large quantities such as painting a whole room orange. Orange makes for a great pop of color, especially in an outdoor space. Look for garden or patio furniture that features this bright hue for a space filled with vibrancy.

Red is powerful and dramatic, and calls to mind passionate emotions. Depending on the shade or usage, red can evoke warmth and excitement, or even feelings of intensity. For example, red is used in the English language with strong connotation, such as “red-handed,” “paint the town red,” or “seeing red.” Use care when adding red to your home or garden’s color palette, as too much can be overpowering. Try a simple flash of color, with red used in accent pieces or a few key pieces of furniture.

Red

Many call blue their favorite color, and this could have something to do with its calming properties. While generally described as peaceful or tranquil, blue can also bring to mind sadness or loneliness. Though blue is a favorite color, it is considered unappetizing and should not be used heavily in kitchen spaces or dining rooms. Try using subtle blue accents in areas of your home and garden where there is water. For example, blue tile in a bathroom décor scheme, or accentuate pools and ponds with blue patio furniture and accessories.

Blue

Purple Purple has long represented royalty and wealth. Since it does not often appear in nature, it can add an exotic flair when used in décor schemes. As it blends red’s powerful qualities with calming blue, purple often illustrates wisdom and astuteness. Purple is especially striking when incorporated into garden design.

Green Green is the ultimate symbol of nature. It can also represent peacefulness, health, or good luck, which is why movie and television studio “green rooms” are called this – many are traditionally painted green specifically to evoke calm before stage performances. Green is an excellent color for garden décor and outdoor furniture as well, especially when used as an accent. For example, pairing traditional wood patio furniture with forest green cushions.

Known for being cheery and warm, yellow is an instant-mood lifter. However, too much yellow can lead to eyestrain in certain instances, such as reading text on yellow paper or a yellow computer screen background. It’s an attention-getting color, so be sure to use yellow carefully when adding flair to your home. For example, soft yellow curtains or pastel yellow walls add a bright and welcoming appeal to many homes. Outdoors go as bright as you like with this sunny hue.

Yellow

White is often described as the perfect base color because it evokes feelings of purity, cleanliness, and spaciousness. While white walls with white furniture can appear cold, white is a great option in a vibrant green garden or homes near the deep blue ocean. Consider all-white furniture in an outdoor space surrounded by lush trees and bright flowers.

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