Psychology of Colour

Colour has always been important - from natural warnings in primitive times to mood enhancers in modern homes. Ever since man understood fiery red meant danger and those purple berries were poisonous, colour has been associated with moods and feelings.

Religious artists used colour as a form of shorthand - people looking at a stained glass window or a heraldic coat of arms would have instantly known blue equalled contemplative faith or green meant hope. Even saints were associated with different colours.

What Colour Are You?

The colours used to decorate rooms in a house can affect the occupants' moods. Find out why:

Red

Associated with: danger, passion, energy, warmth, adventure, optimism
Best for: dining rooms as it promotes sociable and lively feelings, and stimulates the appetite
Pitfalls: it can be overpowering and lead to headaches. Either vary the shade, paint one wall red, or use it for accessories only. Don't use red in a baby's room

Pink

Associated with: love
Best for: bedrooms as it can be peaceful and restful. A hot fuchsia can introduce passion
Pitfalls: can be appear to be very girlie and sickly sweet. To counteract this, introduce hints of dark charcoal or black

Orange

Associated with: stability, reassurance, warmth, and is thought to aid digestion
Best for: living and dining rooms
Pitfalls: might keep the occupant awake when used in a bedroom. It can make a room look smaller because it's an advancing colour, so make sure the room gets plenty of light

Green

Associated with: nature and energy, calming and restful, balance (halfway between red and blue) security, stability
Best for: bedrooms, living rooms
Pitfalls: too much green is thought to make people too complacency or too laid back. Inject some red or orange to counteract these feelings

Blue

Associated with: calming and soothing; promotes intellectual thought; believed to keep hunger at bay; loyalty, serenity, authority, protection, contemplative, prevents nightmares
Best for: bedrooms, bathrooms, studies
Pitfalls: can look cold and unwelcoming. Make sure it doesn't look too chilly by choosing a blue with a warm undertone

Yellow

Associated with: sunshine and energy, stimulates the intellect
Best for: kitchens, dining rooms or north-facing rooms
Pitfalls: not very restful for a bedroom. Yellow is thought to enhance feelings of emotional distress

Purple

Associated with: creativity, fertility, joy, but also magic, evil, death and sex
Best for: bedrooms
Pitfalls: can be overpowering

Brown

Associated with: security, stability and very practical
Best for: living rooms
Pitfalls: introduce a livelier colour for mental stimulation such as green or blue

Black

Associated with: death, eccentricity, drama. It's a non-colour that absorbs colour and reflects nothing back
Best for: using in moderation
Pitfalls: depressing - think of all those angst-ridden teenage bedrooms. Use it to temper the sweetness of other sugary colours such as pink, but don't use it as a base colour

What Colour Are You?

Click on a hue you love and learn what it says about your personality, mood, and more. For decorating happiness, choose the colours that suit you best.

BLACK:
You are a disciplined person who can easily take on the role of authority when working with others. As a natural leader, you attract followers with your strength and independence.

BLUE:
You love to relax and feel refreshed, so you'll do anything that pampers and soothes your spirit, whether it's spending an afternoon at the spa or going for a long bike ride. Your home is a spot of tranquility and peace; it is your haven.

YELLOW:
You have an expansive personality that is bubbly and warm. You make others feel cheerful with your presence. Communication is of utmost importance to you. You're energetic and spirited in all activities.

WHITE:
You are interested in the spiritual side of things. You seek knowledge to expand and energize your mind. You are tidy and hygienic, and cleanliness is a characteristic you appreciate in others.

RED:
You are competitive and like to feel powerful in your social and professional encounters. Learning stimulates you. In particular, dramatic artistic pursuits, such as theater and opera, interest you. You are passionate about life.

PURPLE:
You like to stay near the background and observe others in social situations, which can give you a mysterious air. You're intuitive, so you often know whether you like or dislike someone right off the bat. You like to be comforting and reassuring when someone is troubled. Spirituality interests you and you feel at home in religious places.

BROWN:
You are as down-to-earth as they come. In your relationships, you are the stabilizing force that keeps everything and everyone on track. You prize security, and you try to give it to others in the form of support and encouragement.

GREEN:
You prize emotional well being in yourself and others. Nurturing comes easily to you. Achieving balance and normality in your daily life is important, and you enjoy getting the kind of rest, both mental and physical, that makes you feel refreshed.

ORANGE:
You have a commanding presence; people know when you've walked into a room. You like to be active, and you love good food and conversation. You are cheerful, and you have a sympathetic heart and generous spirit for the less-fortunate, often volunteering time and money for charities.

PINK:
You are gentle and acquiescent. You favor good communication and try to encourage it in your relationships with others. You are affectionate and let people know how fond you are of them.