Colour psychology

Colours influence our mood to such an extent that in decoration we can talk about the psychology of colour or even chromotherapy. Hitting the nail on the head with the precise tonality is very important when it comes to applying one or the other, depending on the effect we want to provoke in each of the rooms.

One of the first lessons we must learn when we immerse ourselves in the world of colour is that colours greatly determine the way we perceive space. In other words, different shades can give us a feeling of spaciousness in a room or, on the contrary, make us feel as if we are being overwhelmed by the walls.

In this sense, we must bear in mind that cold colours tend to expand our visual field, so that in the case of applying them in a small room, they can help us to transmit a feeling of greater relief. Warm, darker colours, on the other hand, produce the opposite effect.

Colours also have an influence on the brightness of a room or in generating calm and restfulness, typical of cool tones, which, if abused, can end up creating an unwelcoming feeling. At the same time, warmer colours are ideal for rooms with little natural light, but beware, they also run the risk that we will become saturated. Here is a small colour guide:

• Yellow: has an energising effect, reminding us of sunlight and favouring the production of endorphins and, with it, happiness and pleasure. It can be an ideal colour for kitchens, giving us that extra energy that is so beneficial for our metabolism.

• Orange: it has many similarities with the previous one as it reminds us of the sun and warmth; however, as it is more intense, it can produce a certain fatigue, lowering energy levels and can be suitable for living rooms, corridors and in small doses or for children’s rooms.

• Red: it is a colour of strength, intense, which causes an exciting effect that does not leave you indifferent. Depending on the dimensions, it can be ideal for dining rooms and kitchens, helping to awaken the appetite.

• Blue: emulating the sky and the sea, it is the colour par excellence of reflection and relaxation. Together with green, it can be ideal for the bedroom, the office or a reading corner.

• Green: is the other colour of nature, of life and fertility. As with blue, it has a relaxing effect and adapts very well to almost all rooms – including the bathroom – with the exception, perhaps, of the kitchen.

• Violet: another colour from the cool scale that conveys spirituality and brings depth. However, it is important not to skate with it, as doing so can lead to a sad atmosphere.

• Neutral colours: white is not the only colour that can be included in this category, but also black and grey. They never go out of fashion and, each in its own class, are elegant and distinguished, adapting to different environments and styles.

When we talk about colours and chromotherapy, it is crucial to bear in mind that we are not only referring to the colour of the walls or the ceiling, but to any of the elements that make up a room, from the furniture, to the carpets, curtains, etc.

Knowing how to combine the different chromatic tones is not always easy, but in the hands of an expert, it can even save us from having to paint a house, mitigating the effects of its walls with these other elements. The range of colours and combinations is infinite, it is just a question of giving free rein to our imagination.