insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 07 - September 2015 | Page 83

INTERIORS

Colour Psychology
FOR THE HOME
When we’re born, one of the first things we see is colour. With eyes that cannot
focus on faces, people or things, all we have is the bright and beautiful world
around us, and it is wonderful. BY LISAMARIE LAMB
We are so lucky; however, sometimes, as we grow older, it seems that we
begin to take those colours for granted, without remembering the joy of
being a child immersed in them. Children just know that sunshine yellow
brings a light, bright happiness, and deep, dark blue soothes the soul. As
adults, we tend to forget these things; at least outwardly. Deep down we
know the difference colour can make. Just think of waking up to a perfect
blue sky compared to a dull grey one.

Dark Blue

Psychologists have been studying the effects of colour on people for years,
and have concluded that colour can change a person’s emotions, thoughts,
and even physical being. Experiments include giving patients different
coloured placebos – the patients responded different to each one, even
though they were really the same. Even the colour of food can make a
difference to how it tastes, which could be why children (and some adults)
shy away from green vegetables, but will happily eat baked beans, for
example.
When it comes to home décor, we need to think back to what colour
means, and how it makes us feel before deciding on a palette for the house.
Just because we like a colour doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to decorate
with it. And just because we don’t like a colour doesn’t mean that your
home wouldn’t benefit from a touch of it. Planning your home décor – from
paint to wallpaper to knick-knacks – using the psychology of colour is a
balance between beautiful things and beautiful feelings.

Dark blue, far from being oppressive and dingy, is actually a great colour
to use in a study or work area. It brings out your efficient side, allowing you
to concentrate for longer and get more done in a short period of time. A
dark blue statement wall in front of your desk, a dark blue wastepaper bin,
or perhaps dark blue curtains will all give you that edge.

Orange

Lilac

Lilac is such a pretty colour that even if it didn’t have some great psychological
benefits, it would be worth adding to your interior design scheme. The fact
that it does have some fabulous psychological attributes just makes it all
that much better. Lilac (or any kind of light purple colour) works on the
emotions, allowing you to step away from things that are troubling you and
gain a new perspective. Even a bouquet of lilac flowers on a table or
windowsill will give you that breathing space you are looking for. A lilacthemed bedroom will help you to sleep better too.

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