“Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.” ― Oscar Wilde
Most of us have heard at one time or another that colors can instantly set mood, convey an emotion, invoke a physiological reaction or inspire people to take action. The bold psychology of colors can be very important when it comes to selecting paint colors for the interior of a home, but many of us are not informed of the exact science behind the art of design and what colors represent.
Did you know that the associated moods of emerald green are positive, luxurious, jewel-like, and up-scale? Were you aware that teal is associated with positive, serene, cool, tasteful, sophisticated, and confident moods? Or that blue purples invoke contemplative, meditative, spiritual, soul-searching, intuitive, mysterious, and enchanting moods? Think about how useful and crucial this information is when choosing paint colors for specific rooms in your home. Understanding the power of colors is extremely valuable knowledge for any homeowner to embrace.
Why Color Matters
According to the Institute for Color Research, people make a subconscious judgment about an environment or product within 90 seconds of initial viewing. Between 62 percent and 90 percent of that assessment is based on color alone. What does this mean for you? It means brushing up on why color matters and being aware of how color affects mood is extremely beneficial as you pick paint colors for the interior of your home.
When Zillow Digs analyzed photos of 50,000 recently sold homes, they found those with rooms painted in certain colors tended to command higher selling prices than expected. Homes with creamy yellow or wheat-colored kitchens, light green or khaki bedrooms, dove or light gray living rooms, and mauve or lavender dining rooms sold for $1,100 to $1,300 more than properties decorated with less popular colors.
Choosing Color Schemes for Each Room
Color is light and light is energy. Scientists have found that actual physiological changes take place in human beings when they are exposed to certain colors. Colors can stimulate, excite, depress, tranquilize, increase appetite, and create a feeling of warmth or coolness. This is known as chromodynamics. For example, an executive for a paint company received complaints from workers in a blue office that the office was too cold. When the offices were painted a warm peach, the sweaters came off even though the temperature had not changed. Pretty amazing, huh?
Research has been done to help guide you through what paint colors you should use in each room. Color consultants say you should consider the primary function of the room first. Next, experts suggest you pick a predominant (key) color. The key color is the dominant color in a color scheme or composition. Color schemes are combinations of colors that create a pleasant and harmonious balance.The idea with color schemes is simply to give you the predominant colors with which you are building everything else. It is important to note that when a scheme is selected for a project, particularly painting, the artist can also use other colors to supplement the chosen combination.
Of course, it doesn't have to be that complicated. Use relaxing colors in relaxing rooms. In your bedroom and bathroom, cool paint colors can form a relaxing atmosphere.
Paint color matters, and as a homeowner, it is helpful to be educated on the topic. Color is a powerful design tool that can make the rooms in your home feel more calm, cheerful, comfortable, or dramatic. And, a fresh coat of paint is a fairly inexpensive way to refresh the look of your home. Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun with it.