What’s in a colour?
Everyone you ask, from little kids to grown ups, has a favourite colour.
But what does that mean?
Colours can evoke very specific emotions in us, in ways that can sometimes be surprising.
That’s true of the wall colours in your home as well.
Here at Mati Design, we’re an interior designer in London Ontario.
One of the services we offer is residential painting, both on its own and as part of a broader interior decorating approach.
If you’re looking to paint your walls, it’s important to consider what these colours mean.
That’s why, in this article, we’ll be taking a look at colour psychology.
What Is Colour Psychology?
Colour psychology is the study of colours, and how they affect your feelings.
Now, historically, certain colours have certain meanings attached to them.
Whether or not you realize it, these colours can change the way you feel in a space.
That’s true as soon as you walk in the room.
Do you want a space to feel cozy?
Romantic?
Productive?
Creative?
There’s a colour for each of those, and plenty more.
These colours can even have a physiological effect on your body.
Let’s take a look at some different colours below.
We’ll explore the psychology behind each of them, and what might be the best choice.
What Do White Walls Mean?
White or off-white walls feel balanced, and neutral.
This can make a room look and feel… well, roomier.
That makes it perfect for painting a smaller space.
In particular, it’s great to go with a nice off-white.
That’s because pure white walls can sometimes feel cold, harsh, or clinical.
Off-white walls are also great because they won’t clash with any of the wall art you have.
This means you can design a space that feels more eclectic, without making it feel like it clashes.
What Do Gray Walls Mean?
Gray walls can help a space to feel more productive.
This makes it a great choice for if you have a home office.
But if your space is all gray, it can feel monotone, lifeless, and depressing.
That’s why it’s helpful to have an accent colour to brighten things up.
For example, you might consider a brighter accent wall, or a more colourful area rug.
What Do Red Walls Mean?
Red is a colour associated with passion.
That can mean romantic passion, so you might think painting your bedroom red would be a nice choice.
But red can also denote aggression, power, and alertness.
If you’re using red in a space, it can actually raise your heart rate.
Considering that you also need to sleep in your bedroom, that’s probably not the best choice.
Some hints of red can be nice, but not as a dominant colour.
That’s especially true in a smaller bedroom – it can feel overwhelming.
Instead, consider a red accent pillow or a lamp.
What Do Orange Walls Mean?
Orange is red’s kinder, more relaxed cousin.
It can make a space feel fresh, young, and friendly.
It’s a great option to choose if you want your space to feel lively, welcoming, and optimistic.
This makes it a great choice for residential kitchen painting, especially if you like to host dinner parties.
If you’re an artist with a home studio, orange might be a great choice for you as well.
This is because orange’s youthful energy can help inspire creativity.
Orange can also work well in a bathroom.
What Do Yellow Walls Mean?
Bright, sunny yellow – it’s probably no secret what this colour does to a space.
A darker space can be made to feel much brighter and happier with a splash of yellow.
So if you’re considering hiring a basement remodeling contractor, consider a coat of yellow paint to go with it.
Kitchens and bathrooms can also benefit from yellow walls, if you want them to feel like cheerful spaces.
Yellow is a great choice for a sunroom as well.
After all, sunrooms are supposed to be sunny.
But make sure to choose the right shade of yellow.
If it’s too bright, it can feel annoying.
And if it’s too dull, it can actually make you feel nauseated! f
What Do Green Walls Mean?
Why do people like going for nature walks?
The fresh air and exercise, sure.
But there’s more to it than that.
People are calling it forest bathing, and it can help with your mental health.
In fact, it can help reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and even ADHD.
Now, if you take a walk in the forest, what colour do you think you’ll see?
A bunch of them, of course, but the first one to come to mind is probably green.
So, if you’re an anxious person, a nice shade of green might help you feel calmer.
It’s like a nice hug from mother nature
What Do Blue Walls Mean?
Blue is also a calming and soothing colour, which is why it’s so popular in designing interiors.
In particular, you might choose a blue that resembles the open sky.
Doctors and other healthcare providers often choose shades of blue for their offices, since it can help their patients feel reassured.
What Do Black Walls Mean?
Black walls are a bold choice, to be sure.
They can make a space feel powerful and elegant, even sophisticated in a way.
But tread carefully — too much black can feel intense and frightening.
What Colour Should You Paint Your Walls?
In many cases, it might be best to go with a more neutral colour for your walls.
Coloured walls can often make a bold statement.
Sometimes, that’s what you want.
But bold colours take a lot more coordination.
Nothing clashes with an off-white, but a bold wall colour can make much of your décor feel out of place.
If you’re not sure what colours to choose, we’re here to help.
Here at Mati Design, we offer a wide variety of home decor and design services.
Whether you’re looking for a new coat of paint on the walls, a full home renovation, or anything in between, we’re here to help.
Book your consultation with Mati Design today.
