The charisma of colour – how to make a statement with the colours you choose

It’s been proven time and time again that colours can have a powerful effect on a person’s emotions. They are powerful communication mediums that are used by marketers, advertisers and interior designers alike. As such, when choosing colours for your home it is important to consider what sort of mood you want to create and whether or not your chosen colour scheme is going to suit its primary use. To help you pick a perfect colour palette, we’ve come up with this useful guide that offers fascinating insight into the ways in which colour can affect your home.

Space

As well as influencing your mood, colour can also play an important role in enhancing or reducing the perceived size of a room. When painting small, box style rooms, it is strongly advised to opt for light colours as they really open up a room and create a sense of space. Dark colours can do the opposite, creating a feeling of closeness and making the room seem even smaller than it actually is. If you have your heart set on using a dark colour in a small room, why not opt for a feature wall that shows off your shade without making the room feel too claustrophobic?

Mood

Psychological tests have proven that colour affects mood which means that when choosing your interior scheme, it’s important to think about how you want the room to make people feel. Traditionally, warm colours such as reds, oranges and yellows are associated with liveliness, comfort and warmth which means they are good for areas such as the living room and kitchen. Cool colours such as blues, purples and greens evoke feelings of calmness and tranquillity which makes them great for bathrooms. That said, it all depends on your personal taste. If you want to create a sense of passion and drama in your bedroom, dark red is a great colour. If you prefer something a little more relaxing, tone it down with creams and whites.

Interior design

At its very essence, colour is used in the home as an interior design technique and is one of the most important ways people can express themselves. If you’re trying to create a modern, minimalist feel, choosing shades of whites for everything from your walls to your furniture will help foster this look. If you want to bring a sense of elegance to your home, creams instil timeless class while monochrome palettes cultivate an ultra-sophisticated look. If you prefer an injection of colour, bright feature walls in vibrant shades are a great idea while those seeking a sense of drama can opt for deep blues, burgundies and even greys.

Of course, at the end of the day it’s all about personal preference and choosing a colour scheme that you feel most comfortable with!

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