Using colour psychology in your home may not be something you have considered before, but it can have great effects! Colour psychology refers to the impact that certain colours can have on our behaviour and mood by triggering emotions when we view these colours. By knowing the basics of colour psychology, you can start to mindfully include colours in your home that will have a positive effect on you and your mind.
If you are considering colour psychology, it’s because you want to see how it can help your mood! While there are some colours that have been shown to evoke negative emotions (such as orange, which is said to evoke stress), there are plenty that heighten the feelings of positive emotion. Some of these colours are:
Yellow
Despite not everybody liking the colour yellow, it is strongly linked to feelings of happiness and cheerfulness. If you aren’t the biggest fan of the colour, it can be used to add pops of bright colour without being overwhelming. It can be used in paintings, vases, pillows, or even fresh sunflowers to decorate your home! The use of yellow doesn’t have to be an incredibly bright version of the colour, either. You can easily choose a softer, paler shade of the colour and still experience the effects of colour psychology.
Light Blue
As a colour usually associated with the sky, light blue evokes feelings of calm and rejuvenation. Having it in your bedroom to promote calm before sleep, or in your home study to boost your productivity and clarity can be a great idea. A common way to include light blue into your home is through painting your walls a shade of the colour, but if this isn’t possible, you can also incorporate it in many other ways. You can create a safe and calm environment by adding light blue throws or pillows to your space or decor and linen to your bathroom! Another great way to include light blue is using it for your stationary in your office or workspace to keep you feeling focused and calm throughout the day.
Lavender
Like lavender’s herbal counterpart, lavender is a strong association with calm, relaxation, and retreat. You can also use lavender towels and decorations in your bathroom to create an oasis where you can unwind. Lavender is also wonderful to include in your bedroom. You can do this through pillows, throws, or even go all-out and invest in a lavender bedspread!
Light Green
Greens with a lighter apple hue are said to inspire people. As with yellow, this is not a colour that most people want to incorporate into their home decor. However, green can be a great addition in small doses or as a pop of colour and is a popular way to incorporate colour into your kitchen. In the morning, when we are preparing breakfast, we usually visit the kitchen first. Having green in this space can boost optimism and motivation and set us up for a remarkable day ahead!
So now we’ve told you what colours to include, how do you include them? Well, below are some of the best ways to start including colour into your home.
Linen
Your bedroom transforms when you buy a new duvet cover, and you have a whole new experience. This is one of the best ways to incorporate colour into your home decor and improve your mental wellbeing. A bedroom doesn’t just have to be a place you sleep in, it can also be an inviting, comfortable space that you enjoy! Having your colourful duvet cover as the first thing you see in the morning and last thing you see at night will set the tone for the day before you’ve even gotten out of bed.
Art
There are studies that suggest that art can have a profound impact on our mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that creating and viewing art reduces cortisol levels (our markers for stress). If you choose art you enjoy looking at around the house, it will create an inviting environment that you want to be a part of. Another great idea for your mental health is to select it in some positive colours previously mentioned. In addition, simply having images and photographs you like around can really help improve your mood, regardless of their colour! Besides the places you love, you might also include images of family members, friends, and loved ones.
