By zedcoalam Modern man now knows that certain colors can affect his feelings, this is no rocket science. The psychology of color is very real and there is no doubt that there are colors which specifically elicit certain moods or emotions. Some can even go as far as evoking physical reactions. Because of the enormity of its impact, color must be chosen with care especially when used inside homes or commercial spaces.
Categorizing Warm and Cool Colors
There are mainly two groups of colors – warm and cool ones. Colors that are known to stimulate or excite are typified under warm hues – reds, orange, and yellows lead this type.
Cool colors, on the other hand, comprise of blues, purples, greens and pastels. They are categorized as cool since they have a calming or relaxing effect in humans.
When you generally look at it, warm colors work best in places where interaction and activity are elicited. The kitchen or the living room are the perfect rooms that must use warm colors. Cool colors are certainly most appreciated in relaxation rooms such as the bedroom or bathroom.
This does not mean that you cannot fuse these colors in order to achieve a relaxing atmosphere, for instance. Some get away with using warm colors even in their bathrooms while other use cool colors in their busy living rooms.
Color Based on Consumer Needs
If you categorize these colors further, you would soon observe that there seems to be six types –
Colors of Your Childhood: If you distinctly remember the soft greens and the muted blues that your childhood home has had; and if you now want to use them in your own home, then you are probably fixated over these past colors.
High-end Hues: These are the colors that have managed to get past the fad phases. Just look inside classic homes and you will find colors such as ebony, pure white, silvery grays, deep browns, rich purple, reddish tones, frosted silver and gold.
Nomadic Colors: These are the ethnic colors that often depict different cultures. Use misted yellow, deep purple, burnt orange, stone gray, brunette brown or vibrant blues if you want to be more ethnic in your choice of color.
Rustic: This type of color depicts the countryside, nature and greeneries. A home with a rustic theme should use a lot of soft greens, browns and shades of golden yellow.
Ornately Asian: When the term Asian is used, what culture do you often think of first? Most people immediately think of Chinese and Chinese traditions. If you want to infuse Asian colors into your home, then try to use a lot of cameo pink, violet with a dash of green or muted lime; and, of course, the traditional Chinese red.
Combos: These are any color combinations that actually work inside different rooms in a home. If you can use black and white tiles inside the kitchen, then you have successfully adapted to color combination. If you want to go further, you can use green and bronze, black and taupe, red and black, or if you are bold enough – gold and silver.
Answering the Big Question
So now that you know what you can do with your color palette, what should you do? Remember that colors represent who you really are so do not be afraid to use the hues that you find interesting. You should be able to connect and feel with the colors that you use on your walls, floors, furniture and accessories.
If you are not that confident in combining colors in your interiors, then ask for help from an expert interior designer.
Useful Reference Links
Interior Design & Color Schemes
10 Color Theory Basics Everyone Should Know
14 Most Popular Interior Design Styles Explained
Interior Design Minor
Basic Color Schemes
How to Become An Interior Designer
The Role Of Colors In Interior Design