How to paint my house? Color psychology explains it to you

When decorating our home, we have all ever wondered what color we should paint the different spaces and rooms. The sensation that each color gives off can influence our mood.

We spend many hours in our house, so deciding how we paint this is usually an important decision. Psychologists have been investigating for a long time what effect different colors have on our mind and our behavior. Today I explain some conclusions in this regard.

What is the psychology of color

The psychology of color is a field of study that aims to analyze how we perceive and behave in the face of different tones, and tries to understand the different emotional reactions that these provoke in us. While it is true that color perception is an individual and subjective process, there are some accepted principles.

Colors influence our emotions and our state of mind, and while some relax or calm us, others can make us feel energetic. Many companies are aware of this reality, and for decades marketers have tried to take advantage of this reality.

• Related article: "Color psychology: meaning and curiosities of colors"

Applications of color psychology

Surely you have been able to experience it yourself, for example, that when you go to a clothing store the company has selected the colors strategically to increase sales. And it is that many companies they design their logos and designs being aware of the emotions that their different colors produce. Some scientific studies conclude that the color red stimulates hunger, so you should not wonder that some companies, such as McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, KFC or Wendy’s, use it to represent your brand.

However, color psychology is not only there to make money, as it is an important part of art therapy. In this therapeutic practice, the different colors are used to improve the well-being of the person, knowing the influence of the different colors on our physical and mental state. While red seems to increase heart rate and adrenaline and causes people to feel more energetic and excited, white does the opposite.

• You may be interested: "Gestalt theory: fundamental laws and principles"

How to paint your house according to color psychology

It is not unusual to talk about the sensations that colors cause us. For example, in western countries we all associate white or azure blue with peace and tranquility. Red, on the other hand, represents passion, love or danger.

When painting our house, almost unconsciously, we ask ourselves different questions: Should I paint the living room in an elegant gray? Does the kitchen need to be green to give a fresh, springy feel? Maybe it's better to paint the room white because I like meditation and yoga? As you can see, we use the psychology of color almost without realizing it.

Warm colors and cool colors

It is common to speak of warm colors and cold colors. Warm colors are colors like red, yellow, and orange, which elicit both positive (warmth) and negative (anger or hostility) reactions. In our home, as experts say, these colors favor coexistence with other individuals, as they provide joy and optimism. It is usually used in dining rooms and restaurants.

When talking about cold colors, such as green or blue, we refer to the tones that make us feel calm but also sad. These shades favor environments that require greater attention and concentration, such as schools or the workplace.

How colors affect us and what is their symbolism

The symbolism of colors is an ambiguous field, which is not always accepted in the field of science. The reasons may be that it is subjective territory and that depends on context and culture. If you are thinking of painting your house, below you can find some meanings of the colors and the reasons why you should use one color or another. These explanations are more or less accepted in the West.

Orange

Orange is a warm color that inspires enthusiasm and movement, although it is also related to success, optimism and creativity. It is an ideal color to paint a couple's room, since is associated with brotherhood and unity (especially some derivatives like salmon color). In the work environment it is linked to teamwork.

Yellow

Yellow is ideal for painting a room, because it represents light. A little intense yellow gives light and space. Light shades of yellow they are better to apply at home because they are less tiring and irritating to the person that the most intense yellows.

Red

The color red is associated with passion, strength, desire, virility, energy and danger. Although red can be an extreme color, it is ideal for painting the living room. Now, being very stimulating it is better to do it in moderation. For example, painting only part of the wall, some corner and combining it with other colors.

rose

Pink represents the feminine, sweetness, delicacy, friendship and authentic love. Also can be used in a couple's room, it is a relaxing and very romantic color.

White

The color white is associated with relaxation, purity, peace, innocence and cleanliness. When combined with blue it is ideal for the bathroom.

Blue

As mentioned, blue is a perfect match for white. for its relaxing and peaceful feeling. In addition, it represents the sky and the water, so it gives freshness and calm to the home. At the same time, it transmits confidence and purity.

Gray

Gray is a color that used in the home likes a lot or a little. While some people associate it with sadness, seriousness, boredom and the absence of color, it can be a color that, applied with intelligence, gives elegance to the home.

There are lighter and more intense grays, which combined with other colors can convey a very pleasant sensation. Gray goes with everything, especially white.

Green

Green is a color that is reminiscent of ecological, natural, life, hope and youth. According to experts, a room with this color (with soft intensity) causes relaxation and well-being. A kitchen with shades of white and green works very well.

Black

Black is a color that transmits elegance, formality and sobriety to the different spaces of the home. Not everyone dares to use this color to paint the walls of their home, but employee with intelligence and without abusing, it can give a cool touch to your house. It is recommended not to abuse this color. One wall in the bedroom or living room is enough to benefit from this shade.

Purple

In the marketing world, purple is a color that is used in anti-aging products, since represents glamor and youth. When it comes to painting the house, it is ideal to give a youthful touch to the room of teenagers and even the youngest children.