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Color Trends: The Psychology Behind Decorating Your Home

Tags: color in home, color in your home, interior design, new construction, new construction MI, psychology of color,

Colors have a powerful effect on the subconscious, and can set the tone for an entrance or entire home. Think about when you walk into a spa setting. Do you notice that, many times, the walls are painted in a soft color such as blue or green? There’s a reason for this.

Working in-hand with colors are decorative themes, meant to convey meanings and evoke specific emotions. Different pigments aid in accomplishing that overall look, and can define the entire personality of your space. Most homeowners would agree that even varying shades of a one color can offer limitless options when decorating a space. The colors you choose can enhance the accents of a living room, highlight a central piece in the kitchen, or fill an office space with the warmth of a storied past. It’s no surprise that choosing that perfect shade can be thrilling but overwhelming!

Here are some color categorized themes that may help you decide, room by room, the feel you’re going for.

Elegant and energizing

Darker colors, such as deep blues and rich purples, are associated with royalty. A navy blue is stimulating to the senses, while plums will add a luxurious and graceful tone to a room. Deep colors such as these are often used for accent walls or enhance the appeal of an industrial-styled home. Because of where they lie on the color spectrum, a room may adopt a smaller, more intimate feel, when used as the primary color. Use deep purples to create lavish entry ways, adding an exotic flair that guests won’t be able to ignore.

Uplifting and inviting

Lighter colors do more than brighten a room. Soft yellows, light blues, teals, and pastel pinks, can offer a soothing and positive feeling. Baby rooms, sunrooms, and hallways/entrances are often decorated with lighter, softer colors for this reason. A dark blue will not express the same serene feelings as a baby blue or soft teal might. Bathrooms also fit well with these colors if you’re looking to make your small bathroom feel a bit larger, or enhance the nautical characteristics of a beach house.

Cheerful and passionate

Red. Orange. Yellow. These are colors that pop, but they can be harsh if used incorrectly. A pastel yellow may be ideal for babies, yet a bright, passionate yellow could wow the kitchen or breakfast room. Applying vibrant colors is a delicate balance, but they can also make for great accent colors on the exterior of a home and help draw out a deeper emotion. Deeper yellows can be tricky, so you want to make sure your choice isn’t too bright or too muted.

Warm and cozy

Creams, browns, and subtle greens offer the serenity of a comforting atmosphere without going too dark on the color spectrum. Most rooms in a home can support these colors, and can cross into the neutral color scheme. Vibrant accents and large pieces that simply need a warm yet moderate supporting color for comfort fit perfectly with these tones. Consider yourself in the “safe zone” when working with the earthy color tone palette.

Neutral and inviting

Grays and whites are no longer lifeless colors, devoid of character. There are a wide variety of shades, making neutral colors ideal for common living areas — such as the living room, dining room, and office areas. Exterior base colors are often in this range as they hold their appeal through trend changes and landscaping modifications. Solid gray symbolizes strength and sophistication, so we see this color pair nicely with modern and contemporary design.

Many other aspects will contribute to the overall vibe of your home, such as furniture pieces, wall décor, and even the neighborhood environment. Exploring different color styles is a truly wonderful and creative process, filled with endless possibilities. Choosing which colors appeal to your heart is only the first step.