24 Oct The Psychology of Color in Interior Design: Harnessing the Power of Hues to Shape Your Home’s Atmosphere

A few months back, the d2e team shared a blog post featuring their favorite color. In preparation for that post, the talk amongst us gravitated toward the “why”. Why do we love that color and what about it makes us feel a certain way? One of our in house design consultants, Avigail Cohen Sorek, has taken it a step further and explored the relationship between our emotions and color in this post.

Color

Color is one of those magical elements in design that can completely transform a space—not just in how it looks, but in how it makes you feel. It’s a powerful tool that shapes our emotions, influences behavior, and impacts our overall well-being. So, when choosing colors for your home, it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that truly supports the way you want to live and feel.

As an interior designer, understanding the psychology of color is essential to crafting spaces that are not only beautiful but also harmonious and aligned with your lifestyle.

Why Color Matters: The Emotional Impact

Have you ever walked into a room and felt instantly uplifted or maybe a bit on edge? That’s the power of color at work.

Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow are known for their ability to energize and stimulate. They can create a sense of warmth and comfort but can also evoke feelings of excitement or even aggression when used excessively. Take red, for example. It has been said that it increases heart rate and produces a sense of urgency. It certainly makes a bold statement. Think stop signs and fire trucks. They demand our attention, and that is by design. Used in the right balance, red makes an excellent choice for social spaces like living rooms or dining areas where you want to encourage lively conversation and interaction.

Photos (L) Paul Loftland (R) Molly Culver Photography

On the flip side, cool colors such as blues, greens, and purples are your go-to for creating calm and tranquility. These hues are perfect for bedrooms or bathrooms, where relaxation is essential. Think of a soft blue bedroom—how it invites you to unwind and forget the stresses of the day. According to Kendra Cherry, MSEd, “blue calls to mind feelings of calmness and relaxation”, making it a popular choice for spaces designed for rest and rejuvenation. In fact, the National Institute of Health actually did a study on interior color and psychological functioning in a residence hall, and the researchers did ascertain that the majority of the students do find a blue room to be the most restful.

Photos (Top and Bottom Left) by Rebecca McAlpin and (Bottom Right) Pottery Barn

Neutrals: The Unsung Heroes

Neutrals often get a bad rap for being “safe” or “boring,” but they’re anything but. These versatile shades serve as the perfect canvas, allowing you to infuse your personality through accessories or bolder accents. Neutrals provide a balanced backdrop that can either soothe or energize, depending on how they’re paired with other colors. We once read that Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, has said that neutrals are the chameleons of the color world because they adapt to the colors around them. This adaptability helps ground a space, giving bolder hues the opportunity to shine without overwhelming the senses.

Photos (L) Corey Gaffer (Middle) Upgrade Design Blog (R) Rebecca McAlpin

Trying to find the perfect neutral? You can learn more about our team’s favorite go-to neutrals in a recent blog post.

Personalizing Your Space with Color

Here’s where the fun really begins: making your home uniquely yours. What’s calming to one person might be stimulating to another. Finally, remember that you are the ultimate judge of what colors make you feel your best and most productive or peaceful.

For example, if you seek a peaceful retreat from the world, soft blues and greens could help you create that sanctuary. Conversely, if you find that you’re more productive in a vibrant, energizing environment, incorporating splashes of red or orange in your home office might be beneficial. Or if a vibrant yellow kitchen makes you smile every morning, go for it!

Photo Ambit Architecture

Final Thoughts: Color as Your Secret Design Weapon

Don’t underestimate the power of color in your home. It’s more than just a design choice—it’s a mood setter, a behavior influencer, and, ultimately, a way to make your space truly your own. Whether you’re looking to create a space that’s lively and energetic or calm and soothing, the right color palette can make all the difference.

If color is something that leaves you feeling stuck in your pursuit of a lovely interior, we can help! Simply fill out our Client Contact Form and we will get back to you.