With the power to transform any room into a vibrant space that speaks to our emotions, color is an essential part of the home. Not only is color important to design, but it also has a big impact on our moods and wellbeing. From warm yellow to cool blue, it can make you feel positive and bright, or relaxed and at ease. We love how the right combination of colors can elevate our spaces, making them feel more inviting and inspiring. Whether you seek to energize or soothe, we’ll explore how color and shade impact the mood of a room.
Warm Colors
Warm colors are known for their ability to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in any room of the home. Colors such as red, orange, and yellow can evoke feelings of warmth, energy, and passion. They are very well-suited for social spaces, such as a living room or dining room, where we gather with family and friends. A bold accent wall in warm red or a cozy throw blanket in a golden yellow can instantly add energy to a space, creating a welcoming environment. In the bedroom, warm colors can also be used to create a sense of comfort and intimacy, with rich burgundies or soft peach tones. When used in moderation, warm colors can enhance the mood of any room and create a sense of joy and vitality. Don’t overdo it, though, or you’ll end up feeling chaotic rather than uplifted.
Cool Colors
On the other hand, if you are looking to create a calm and serene atmosphere, then opt for cool colors such as blue, green, and purple. These colors evoke feelings of relaxation, which is why they are very popular in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and home offices. When used in combination with warm accent colors or natural materials such as wood or stone, the calming effect of cool colors is accentuated.
Neutral Colors
Neutrals have long been a staple of many homes as a foundational color. Timeless shades of beige, gray, and white provide a sense of balance without evoking strong emotions. In the living room, a neutral color palette can create a sense of sophistication and elegance, while in the bedroom, soft shades of beige or gray can promote restful sleep. In small spaces, neutral colors are a smart choice as they can open up the room and make it feel more expansive. We also love how versatile neutrals are and the freedom they provide when it comes to choosing furniture pieces, artwork, and decorative objects.
Shade Selection
If you’ve ever tried to pick a shade of white paint for your home, you know how difficult it can be as there are infinite choices. The shade of a paint color can be significant to the appearance of a room, so spend some time testing different ones in your home. Start by painting a small section of the wall with your chosen paint shade and observe how the color changes throughout the day. Natural light can make a big difference in how a color appears, with colors often appearing brighter and more vibrant in natural light.
Explore a World of Color at GDC
Need help deciding on the colors for your home? Our interior design team is happy to offer personalized consultations for your project. A big part of designing the home is choosing your colors, so this step requires a lot of careful consideration depending on how you want to use each room. The right color and shade can make a room feel inviting, relaxing, or energizing, while the wrong color can make it feel dark and dreary. Armed with the knowledge of color psychology, we’ll help you select colors and shades to create the perfect ambiance for your home.
Shop the Look
Chatswood Table Lamp
This lamp is dripping with personality, the irregular shape of the oceanic-hued glaze on the terracotta surface.
Regalia Deco Double Old Fashioned Set of 4
The Regalia Deco Double Old Fashioned encompasses the colors of the Regalia drinkware to lend a complementary, modern twist.
