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Posts Tagged ‘color psychology’

Moody Colors: Energizing, Playful, and Soothing Hues

Wednesday, September 27th, 2017

Fine Furniture Design Living Room Accent Table 1160-961: A lovely focal piece

Designers – whether in the world of fashion or interior design – know that colors bring life to creations. They do not only do this, these hues can also affect human emotions. Colors can inevitably influence people’s feelings, even their perceptions.

Colors can make people interested or disinterested; they also have the power to captivate or cause boredom, and they can also motivate. Interestingly, adults perceive colors not only physically but also psychologically.

Colors could also be linked by humans to certain experiences. There are certain colors that remind people of their childhood or hues that they associate with a pleasant or even a traumatic experience. The more pleasant hues are the ones that people tend to gravitate to.

While color choice tends to be subjective, there are certain hues that work a certain way. Relaxation is often brought about by lighter colors while darker ones could either make you feel more active or homey.

Energizing Hues

If you want to be woken up, stimulated, or to feel more energetic, then you should look for bright hues. Of course, you must remember the chief function of the room where you are going to use the colors at.

Color appropriateness is vital to room functions. For instance, if you want a room to sustain stimulating activities (e.g. a family room), then go for heavy and more attractive hues such as green, red, pink and yellow tones.

These colors help promote excitement and even happiness. Ophthalmology theories suggest that red can even stimulate the eye nerves. A psychological factor about the color red is that it can also be attributed to violence and blood. This is why you would feel like you’re in a fight or flight mode when you’re in a red room.

Playful Hues

There are also colors that do not excite as much but would also not induce sleep. These playful hues go beyond the common blue or pink. Don’t just settle for pastels when you are expectant. Go for more playful tints such as seafoam green or robin’s egg blue.

There are also more sophisticated shades of beige that could excite the senses. Consider also how you will effectively use black or white or even a combination of the two.

As for your baby’s nursery or toddler room, know that babies are able to perceive colors from the fourth month onwards. Moreover, they are also able to perceive contrast in colors. This means that they will, somehow, be able to appreciate the colors that you put inside their rooms and how each hue interacts with its neighboring colors.

Maitland-Smith Accessories Set Of Three Satina Finished Cast Brass Ducklings, Yellow Mother Of Pearl Inlaid Accents 1054-264

Soothing Hues

Lastly, there are the calming colors. These are those hues that make you relax and think of tranquility and peace. Green is an amazing choice for relaxation. Remember that the color spectrum has two separate ends. The short wavelength is where blue resides while on the other end is red. Right in the middle of this spectrum is the color green.

In between the two extreme sides is where the human eye relaxes the most. So go ahead and choose green in different shades. Choose green for your bedroom, even for the bathroom and the reading areas.

Must-have Paint Tools

For your home’s color makeover, make sure that you have the right set of tools. Here’s a concise list –

  • Masking tape is great for when you paint chevrons or stripes
  • Paint thinner to clean up spills especially from oil-based paints
  • Plastic spreader for putty application
  • Sandpaper and paint scraper to prep your walls before the makeover
  • Brush and stirrer
  • Flat white paint for tinting other colors
  • Corner paint brush
  • Satin enamel gives a smooth look even minus the paint primer
  • Rags to clean up spills and other mess.

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Your Living Room Says a Lot About You

Thursday, April 27th, 2017

Hooker Furniture Living Room Chester 3-Piece Stationary Sectional

Just like when you’re looking at fashion, the style that you choose for your home also says a lot about who you are. Of course, we don’t want to any conclusion just yet or quickly judge a book by its cover but it is not difficult to see who a person really is just looking at a room in his or her home.

Most houses describe their homeowners because they want the houses to say something about them. If you want your home to be traditional, comfortable and homey, then anything classic should be your choice.

You are leaning towards a contemporary style, on the other hand, if you love anything that’s linear and non-complex.

So, let’s define who you are by just one part of your home – the living room.

Your Living Room and You

Anyone who would walk into your living room should be able to know you a bit. The living room shouldn’t be merely a pretty room. There are various elements that comprise the experience within this room. These all have effects on how you feel or even how you relate to your surroundings.

Scientifically speaking, there are five ways that humans experience an environment. First, through your sense of touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell. Another way is through time. The third way is through memory, imagination or reasoning.

The fourth type is through emotions whether pleasant and unpleasant. Lastly, experiences become unique because of anticipation or expectations.

The living room should be filled with balanced colors, patterns, lighting and the best spatial arrangement that you can come up with. Candles and flowers can also make an appealing difference. Add texture to further please the senses. If you want your visitors to feel comfortable in your living room, then you should also feel that way when you are in that area.

It is also crucial to decide whether you will go for contemporary or traditional elements. If the environment you create is filled with classic pieces, then you may have a lot of stories to tell. Having a lot of wicker, rattan, bamboo or willow pieces may say that you love things that are natural. You could also be an advocate of environmentalism.

Another consideration for your living room is the amount of space that you can work on. Be sure to create a sense of fluidity from this area to other rooms of your home. Every space is created differently but when you’re considering space, think of movement patterns, even the distance of furniture pieces from each other.

If you want people to feel energized when they are in your living room then you should be ready to embrace warmer colors. These warm hues are great for people who use their living room as an activity or recreation center.

For those who want to use the living room as a more relaxing zone, then you need to pick cooler colors. Color psychology says a lot about the feelings or emotions that humans feel toward a particular color. The warmer ones such as red evokes increased activity while the cooler hues tend to relax the senses.

Having an organized living room could mean that you want things to be where they should be. This means that there are ample storage units to hold more stuff. The paintings, framed photographs and other works of art should be placed in a symmetrical or asymmetrical form.

All in all, it is crucial that you consider these elements for your living room’s total package. These will help you describe the room for a more enhanced experience. And with more people understanding who you really are, what a wonderful feeling everyone would feel as they step into your living room.

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Scarlet Fever: Lovin’ Red Interiors

Friday, November 18th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Living Room Kerley Recliner

Hooker Furniture Living Room Kerley Recliner

Red is a color that easily mixes with any other hue in a color scheme. But do you know how to use it effectively to the point of not going overboard? Here are some ways that you can add an exciting amount of red in your home –

Know What Red Signifies

Red is no less than passion’s color. If you’re passionate about this color, you just have to learn how to use it so that you don’t go easily from cheerful to aggressive. Keep this simple advice when using red in a room.

Positive words attached to red and its different shades are speed, assertiveness, energy, excitement, stimulation, courage, and spontaneity.

Too much means too much when it comes to this color so be careful in using too much.

Know Varieties of Red

There are many variations of red but some of the most used are maroon, crimson, burgundy and scarlet. Maroon is the dark bluish shade that denotes controlled actions. This is softer than burgundy but not nearly as dramatic as the real red.

Crimson, on the other hand, has a tint of blue in it. This signifies a will to succeed and sensuality.

Burgundy is the dark purplish type of red. It is less energetic than the real red but it is still sophisticated and has a determined look to it.

Lastly, scarlet is red with a bit of orange. It is the latter that gives the red a richer and brighter feel. Scarlet is indicative of enthusiasm and a certain level of defiance.

Red as Accent

Many designers use red as an accent color in their projects. These accents can be anything from pillows to candles.

Accents of red can draw the attention towards the place where they’re most concentrated. The whole point of using red in your home is to have it entice, even intrigue guests. Less red is actually more effective than using a lot.

When you don’t know which shade of red to use, then look back to your decorating style as well as the architectural details in your home. The use of red should be carefully planned.

Find Your Style with Red

When you want to create a contemporary look, be sure to incorporate neutral elements but with bold colors, here and there. A bright red door in a neutral home is a bold statement anyway you look at it. Bright red could also be used on an area rug, pillows or throw pillows.

Achieving a modern look with red means using basic hues to classic dark hues such as brown or burgundy undertones; it would also be wise to inject a piece of art that has a dash of red on it.

Traditional look is achieved when you steer clear from primary reds. Use black or burgundy tones instead. Use Oriental rugs infused with darker shades of red. Country reds, on the other hand, make use of softer and chalkier kinds of red. Those that come with purplish or pinkish hues would be perfect. A barn red door will look perfect outside a home that’s accessorized with country red fabrics and décor.

Red as a Design Stimulant

Red inevitably raises the energy level in any room. This is one of the most intense if not the most intense color. It affects the adrenaline like no other color. This is a great choice for rooms where you want to stir excitement and where people need to feel more productive. This is a wonderful color choice for dining rooms, kitchens and the living room (if you intend this last room to be a room full of activity).

So, are you ready to use red in your home?

 

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Blue Accents That Don’t Disappoint

Thursday, July 21st, 2016

The 1140CR Ryder Chair 1586-10446A-BLK3 Skyline Bookcase duo makes blue so enviable.

The 1140CR Ryder Chair 1586-10446A-BLK3 Skyline Bookcase duo makes blue so enviable.

Living rooms, sunrooms, family rooms, and sitting rooms all have one thing in common – they are all supposed to be relaxing. And no color can promise a heightened state of calmness more than blue. Different companies have come up with different shades of blue from indigo to sky blue.

Blue is also cited, generally, as the favorite color when it comes to achieving serenity, calm, stability, authority or conservatism. Now is it a wonder why blue is the color of policemen’s uniforms? This is also the color that represents honesty, wisdom and loyalty. A few blue tones are also perceived to be cold which can evoke feelings of aloofness or sadness.

What Color Experts Say

But what do these professionals know about blue? What do they, together with psychologists, know about blue and how it should be used in homes?

The ancient Chinese and Egyptians studied and practiced chromo therapy. This means they believe that colors have healing properties. This is also referred to, these days, as colorology or light therapy. This is not practiced in traditional medicine but more of an alternative form of health treatment.

In the book, The Principles of Color Therapy, it has been written that blue ray is no less than one of the greatest antiseptics throughout the world. This is known to soothe pain and illnesses.

Buddhists also recommend blue lapis lazuli in bringing inner peace. Blue has a calming power that is not easy to explain. Particular shades of sky blue are known to be most calming.

Earlier Europeans also believed in the protective power of this color. These people painted their doors, staircases, cupolas and fences with blue to ward off evil.

If you want to have a more relaxing bedroom and bathroom, then be sure to use light blue in  those rooms. Just make sure to use some rustic elements with the blue in your bedroom so that the theme won’t come out as too unfeeling.

Blue pops beautifully in this 1586-75200B-BRN-75410F-BRN1-room

Blue pops beautifully in this 1586-75200B-BRN-75410F-BRN1-room

Appetite Suppresser

It has also been scientifically proven that blue can suppress the appetite. This may have come from the fact that rotten food tend to have a bluish tinge, hence, seeing blue while eating can actually make your weight loss program a lot more effective.

Blue may be the best choice for people who want to trim down but it’s not the best option for foodies.

Blue Means Productivity

Blue is an oft-used color in offices because researches show that people have a tendency to become more productive inside blue rooms. A study by the University of Colombia in the year 2009 showed that the color blue even ups the test scores of children who were took their IQ tests in blue rooms.

This makes blue the most popular choice for home libraries, study rooms, and home offices.

Feng Shui Goin’ Blue

The Feng Shui principles point at blue as a water element. Since this is so, it should be situated in the east if you want to be healthy and if you want your relationships to remain strong. Placing blues on the southeast part of your home spells abundance and wealth.

If you want to experience all these in your home, then have some water elements in those locations.

Blue-Gray to the Rescue

Dark blue is also a good color inside the bedroom because it evokes serenity and calm. A blue-gray mural is a good way to adding a contemporary flair into your home. This same color can be added to the spa-like bathroom. Use it as a backdrop then add a colorful area rug and a laminate tub.

Cabinetry painted in this color would render it perfect for the farmhouse look. A transitional bedroom would also do well to make use of this color.

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The Color Red in Interior Design: Dramatic and Passionate

Wednesday, February 10th, 2016

 

Uttermost Living Room Dice, Accent Table 24168 is red, bold, and everything that’s exciting.

Uttermost Living Room Dice, Accent Table 24168 is red, bold, and everything that’s exciting.

Red is a color associated with bravery, life, and strangely, even death. The deeper shades of red such as scarlet are also linked to aggression, power and sex. Color psychology is a new branch of science that shows how colors influence people’s moods and actions, even the way they perceive things. It is said that wearing red can even alter your hormonal balance and physiology. This is why red is widely used in interior design.

Dramatic Red

Red in interior design brings energy, passion and drama. When used as an accent wall, ceiling, floor or on furnishings, it evokes strong emotions among spectators. Remember that colors and feelings are closely linked when designing or decorating a room.

The meaning of color can greatly improve interior design. Find out what the historical meaning of red is then use this information to create powerful statements in your home.

Red is an attractive and powerful color. This hue stirs humans to action, whether these are the hot shades, the dark ones, or the bright hues.

Red in modern interior design can be used in paint, wallpapers, furniture, and accessories. Invigorate your senses and stir your spirit by making red the star color of your home.

Interior design hues can make or break the way a room looks. Red ceiling, accent walls, or home furnishings will create a more active environment. Use red subtly or powerfully – it’s really up to you.

Canadel Dining Room Buffet BUF3063M2.

Canadel Dining Room Buffet BUF3063M2.

How to Use Red in Interior Design

Making a room feel more intimate is easy when you have the color red to use. Feature this color on one wall so you can visually rework a narrow room. Different shades and patterns of red can harmonize to perk up any room. The small dining room will feel like a romantic destination if you use effectively use the color red.

Red linoleum can also be used on the floor. This is most exciting when used inside the kitchen which is the heart of any home and the room that is often bustling with a lot of activity. Painting the inside of a china cabinet or cupboard with red will instantly add energy into a room. The dining room will look more elegant with scarlet lacquered walls and espresso trim.

See the Canadel Buffet that is featured on this page. It is both a storage space and a lovely decor.  This single piece effectively combines function and design. It can store and showcase your most beautiful glassware, dishes, flatware and serving dishes.

Red will never bore you. Red chairs look inviting inside a living room, just add red drapery and allow the light to bring in some playful colors. The soft, red glow will make people want to bond together.

Red also offers versatility as you combine it with other exciting colors. Earthy red when used with wooden tones will instantly make a room appear cozy. Adding red to soft gray and a dash of magenta will make a room appear more feminine.

Orient Express Furniture Living Room Butler Storage Ottoman - Red Leather 6450.RED-005. This piece is an ottoman slash storage unit. ‘Lovely isn’t it?

Orient Express Furniture Living Room Butler Storage Ottoman – Red Leather 6450.RED-005. This piece is an ottoman slash storage unit. ‘Lovely isn’t it?

Depending on textures, the deeper shades of red can absorb light while the brighter hues make the light bounce off the walls. Adding red to purple or brown will offer a feeling of warmth even more than stark red with dashes of pink.

Reds with orange tinge can also energize the senses while purple and red hues will make the space appear quieter and more intimate.

Red Exteriors – Why Not?

Red is also a vibrant color that you can add to your home’s exteriors. Front doors painted red are believed to be the most welcoming. The porch floor will look more inviting with red paint or red tiles; none can be more striking.

Outdoor plants will also look great when planted in red containers. Red is a great and natural complement for greeneries.

Embrace red indoors and outdoors; rest assured that your home will surely stand out from the rest.

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Your Yellow Home: Living Bright and Light

Monday, January 18th, 2016

 

This neutral-colored bed from the Bergman Bedroom Collection of Jonathan Louis is perfect with yellow curtains, that yellow sofa at the foot of the bed, and yellow-striped bolster, and other yellow accessories.

This neutral-colored bed from the Bergman Bedroom Collection of Jonathan Louis is perfect with yellow curtains, that yellow chair at the foot of the bed, and yellow-striped bolster, and other yellow accessories.

 

The color yellow is a wonderful hue. It is intense, it is bright, and it can even evoke the strongest emotions. Yellow is an attention-grabbing color yet it can also become abrasive should you make the mistake of overusing it. This color can appear bright and warm but in the wrong hands, it can also be visually tiresome.

Yellow can cause eye fatigue because of the high amount of light which it can reflect. The use of this color as a wallpaper on computer monitors can cause eye strain, even vision loss for some. Though this is the case, it can also be used (in moderation) to grab people’s attention. This is why yellow is used mostly in most roadside advertisements.

Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Oratino Burnt Yellow Lamp 26476 at McCreerys Home Furnishings. This fascinating lamp comes with a crackled ceramic. You will love the burnt yellow glaze as well as the rust bronze detail.

Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Oratino Burnt Yellow Lamp 26476 at McCreerys Home Furnishings. This fascinating lamp comes with a crackled ceramic. You will love the burnt yellow glaze as well as the rust bronze detail.

The Sunny Color

Using yellow in interior design means you are ready to stage warm and happy feelings inside your home.

Color therapy makes use of this color to evoke feelings of happiness in people. In interior design, it creates coziness and feelings of warmth. This is quite a popular color for wall paints.

Splashes of yellow can be used inside your home through golden carpet hues, warm room furniture, and yellow lighting fixtures. Accessories in yellow can also make a rather dull room appear more exciting.

Yellow is a highly recommended color for decorating rooms. This is the color that can brighten up any dark, gloomy room. Painting the walls light yellow, creamy yellow or any yellowish tint on wallpapers is great for small and dark rooms.

Mix decorative items of yellow and colors that match this lovely hue. If you have used yellow as paint or wallpaper, then find a neutral color for your ceiling and floor. This should balance the looks of your interiors while also creating a pleasant atmosphere.

Yellow can be so many things – it can be juicy, subtle, even dimmed. The living room walls can be painted with this juicy shade. If used as a tint, it can be mixed with brown, cream or brick red. Speaking of duos, what could be considered as the marital pair for yellow is the color green. This is a combination that is typically used in kitchens and children’s bedrooms. Bright accessories can be a fusion of two colors: red, coral, blue, orange or turquoise.

If you want to use yellow inside classical interiors, then have it combined with white. This is a great mixture for dining rooms, offices and living rooms. These two colors can make any room look larger, clean and bright. If you used the color combination as a backdrop, then be sure to use moss-colored, terracotta, or burgundy accessories. Wooden oak furniture will also look great inside such interiors.

If, on the other hand, you decide to use yellow and white furniture and accessories, then be sure to have a more exciting ceiling to floor colors such as lilac, green, or shades of blue.

It is also safe to experiment with yellow and chocolate. You will never go wrong with this combination as it offers a warm contrast to the usual sunny feelings that yellow evokes. Mix the same color with red and you will instantly bring life into a room.

Purple is also a great combination for bright yellow. Children’s rooms often come with pastel green with purple accessories. This is never irritating to the eye.

All in all, yellow can be used in different shades and can be easily combined with many different colors. Just learn to put balance these awesome colors by knowing their limits. Just remember this – too much of anything can always annoy.

Yellow lemons – in this case oranges - can add a unique tinge of yellow on your dining table. This wooden masterpiece is from FFDM's Sunset Collection available at McCreerys Home Furnishings.

Yellow lemons – in this case oranges – can add a unique tinge of yellow on your dining table. This wooden masterpiece is from FFDM’s Sunset Collection available at McCreerys Home Furnishings.

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