HOW TO USE COLOR TO CHANGE THE FEEL OF ANY ROOM
From color psychology to optical illusions, it’s clear that color can contribute to strong feelings and effects. Whether you’re aiming to redecorate or prep your home for an upcoming sale, let’s take a deep dive into color and how paint can seemingly change a room’s size or influence your mood.
MAKE A ROOM FEEL BIGGER
A small powder room is light and airy in—what else? Powder blue. Image via DigsDigs.
Have a powder room or small bedroom that feels claustrophobic? Paint the walls a light, cool color and the ceiling white, eggshell, or light blue. Light colors tend to “recede” or make a room feel more open, and a light-colored ceiling will make it appears as though it’s melting away into the sky.
MAKE A ROOM FEEL COZIER
A large bedroom with adjoining study cozies up in warm browns and grays. Via Architecture Art Designs.
Conversely, warm, dark colors like chocolate brown or navy will make a large space feel more intimate and cozy. Add a complementary hue to the ceiling with a statement light fixture to amp up the coziness even more.
DE-STRESS A SPACE
Soft sage makes for a relaxing living space. Orange adds pops of positivity. Via Home Designing.
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Green represents peace, balance, and harmony. In marketing, it often denotes health and restfulness.
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Blue provides calm and tranquility. There’s a reason why so many brands use shades of blue: it communicates reliability, responsibility, and trustworthiness.
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Pink is the color of hope and offers feelings of compassion and love.
ENERGIZE A SPACE
Buttery yellow is the foundation for a supremely fun living space. Via Better Homes and Gardens.
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Red is an energizing color, but be careful with the exact shade you pick, as it can also create stress or communicate aggression.
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Orange offers a sense of positivity, fun, and freedom.
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Yellow brings joy, happiness, and optimism, and is the color of friendship.
CRAFT A CREATIVE SPACE
Berry walls infuse this office with creative vibes. Via HGTV.
Many color psychology resources list purple as a creative color, as it combines the stability of blue and the energy of red in one regal, mysterious, and magical package.
Want more decor ideas and tips? Check out our blog for topics like fun DIY Halloween decor and gardening tips. Need help selling a home in Madison, Wisconsin? Our experts are on-call and ready to help you find your dream home! Contact us today.