Home Color Psychology

Home Color Psychology
One of the first things a prospective buyer notices when they come inside your home is color. You want the person to envision living there, not distracted by a bold or unsettling color. Knowing which colors to use in which rooms is also important as it can help make certain rooms appear bigger and other ones to feel cozy. This guide below is just a brief example of how the right color can make your house more appealing.

Blues: Shades of blue have a very calming effect on most people and it’s one of the most popular colors out there. Can conjure a range of emotions. Most popular favorite color choice. Associated with loyalty, soothing, calm and focused feelings. You’ll want to avoid dark shades of this color in small areas as it may feel overpowering. You’ll want to use lighter shades of blue in areas that feel open such as a living room or kitchen.

Greens: Shades of green work well in almost all rooms as it has a strong calming effect. Symbolizes growth, harmony, and freshness. The 2nd most popular choice for favorite color. Because of the relaxed nature that green provides, this would be a great color for a Bedroom or Family Room.

Yellows: Bright & Light! This color is best used in kitchens, dining rooms or bathrooms because of its opening effect which makes those rooms feel larger. Cheerful and happy. An attention grabber. Indicates honor and loyalty. While yellow is very bright and uplifting, it shouldn’t be used as a main theme. Babies cry more in yellow rooms and it can be known to make people feel tense and agitated.

Reds: Powerful and strong, reds are great for living rooms and entertaining spaces. Eye catching and vibrant. Can elicit feelings of energy, strength, excitement and aggression. They help keep people engaged and lively. It also creates a great first impression. It is however, considered too stimulating for bedrooms. It can make people feel anxious so you may want to consider using it sparingly.

Browns: Browns are a warm, inviting and neutral color. Shades of this color are great for rooms that you want to feel warm and cozy such as family rooms or dens. They have a very natural, calming and soothing effect. Not always considered a “go to” color choice.

Oranges: All shades of Oranges are very bold and should be used sparingly. It works best as an accent color rather than as a whole. Associated with joy and sunshine. Combination of energy and happiness. It could however, be used in a workout room as it gives off energy and is said to help with increased lung activity.

Black: Black is similar to orange in that you’ll want to use it sparingly and as an accent color. Represents power and mystery. Black can be associated with very negative feelings so you wouldn’t want a whole room or wall in black.

Purples: Darker Shades of purple are best used in small doses while lighter shades, can have the same calming effects as blue does. Combines liveliness and serenity. Symbolizes power, wealth and nobility.

Whites: Whites are a great color to use as they are considered neutral. Associated with light, goodness and innocence. The color of perfection. Pure white can be a bit overwhelming so try to stick to warmer, off white tones when possible.

Remember, that these tips above are just a general guide as color can be very subjective. Most people prefer to stick to more neutral tones, but if you want to add a little color, lighter shades are probably the way to go, as they aren’t as overwhelming.