Pablo Picasso once said that ‘colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions’. Artists such as Picasso and interior designers have for centuries believed that colour can hugely affect moods, feelings, and emotions. Perhaps this is why the design and colour choice of a room can often leave us feeling a sense of calm, alive with a burst of energy or in other cases, more grounded by the room we find ourselves in.
‘When decorating, it is always important to consider the desired feel of the space that you are in,’ says Dulux Colour Expert, Palesa Ramaisa.
‘Think calming blues, grounding earth tones and energising yellows. The psychology of colour is such an important factor, not just within the marketing industry, but also within the world of design where it holds the power to impact a room more than any other factor.’
INTERIOR DESIGN COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY
As we continue to work from home, you may feel the need to spruce up your home office. Add a combination of neutral shades paired with subtle pastel colours to create a space that promotes concentration. Playing around with different paint techniques can also easily change a plain wall into something exciting.
For your little ones, look at adding more vibrate stimulating colours such as toned-down yellows paired with warm neutrals or rich orange tones which spark creativity, balance, freedom and allow them room for expression.
‘If your living room is on the large side, one of the simplest ways to create a more intimate feel is by breaking your room down into smaller zones. You could paint one of your walls a deep, vibrant colour or just a few shades darker than the rest of the room. You could also try a bright colour on the inside of bookshelves or the woodwork around windows. Creating those cosy zones within your lounge area will not only give the room a focal point but will help draw the eye in.’
If you’re afraid of making long term colour choices, a good way to test out the impact of colour on your mood or space is to start small. You can easily include a few statement pieces or finishing touches to help test out the space.
‘Bring the outside in with toning shades of green, combined with deep blue, for a bedroom that connects you back to nature. Finish the effect by adding a touch of Dulux Colour of the Year, Brave Ground. Here, painted shutters and coordinating cushions anchor the look, while a natural wicker chair completes the look.’
UP THE ANTE BY INCORPORATING COLOUR AND PAINT TECHNIQUES
Another way to impact the mood of a room is by incorporating different paint effects.
Are you looking for an alfresco feel in your dining area? ‘Paint a deep blue square against a pale blue wall, and frame with a band of Dulux Colour of the Year, Brave Ground to give a mock- window effect. Fresh and calming, this will bring an airy feel to any interior dining space and, mixed with lush greenery and natural materials, will make you feel as if you’re outside.’
Whatever mood you’re after, there’s always a colour that can help evoke a desired emotion. For more colour advice or information about the 2021 Colour of the Year, visit the Dulux social pages Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest or Instagram and follow the hashtag #CF21
