Using Colors in Interior Design

What mood do you want to set when you are redesigning your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, living room, office, or indoor porch area? 

Understanding the power of color and how color can affect the mood in an active, neutral, or passive way can determine what will work best for each room. Color can rock your decor

And... before you say: "how in the world am I going to get those colors into my home" 

Do not forget about your windows. Almost every room in your home has a window in it and that is the PERFECT place to add some much need pop to the room. Regardless of the size or number of your windows, opting for some custom designed curtains is a great way to add some SNAP, CRACKLE, and WAPOW to any room. While you are at it, adding some custom covers to existing furniture wouldn't hurt in most cases either. Now here is what colors promote.

Blue. The color blue is the quintessential hue to use to promote calmness and serenity for the bathroom or the bedroom.  Blue is considered a balancing color, pleasant, even therapeutic, as studies show that it can lower one’s blood pressure. However, it is wise to stay away from darker blues, as that may add to depression. So, adding “blue” to a room rather than the “blues” is a peaceful choice for a comfortable living space.

Green.  Although blue is a calm and serene color, green is considered the easiest color on the eyes. Like blue, green has a calming effect as it is a symbol of fertility and nature. Green is also great for the bedroom as it promotes restfulness. The color green equates with no-stress and relaxation. Perhaps that would explain why there is a “green room” in theatres or in television. You can create your own green room at home.

Neutral Colors. Black, brown, gray, and white are designer staples in decorating a room. Black is glamorous, serious, sophisticated, and pairs up well with other neutrals. Brown is considered a reliable and safe color. Gray is calm, elegant, modern, and popular. The color of sophistication, gray is an intellectual color used often in architecture. Gray is also the color of wisdom. White will make a room look larger and cleaner.  Neutral tones also contrast well with natural wood. If in doubt, start with neutrals and add color to liven a room.

Orange. Considered an energizing color, orange is a color that is great for workout rooms and offices. Because orange is a stimulating color, it is not recommended for bathrooms or bedrooms.

Pink. This is the ultimate color of affection and femininity. Pink, especially the lighter tones, is gentle, peaceful, yet warm. Pink is a great color for a bathroom.

            Purple.  The color purple is considered the hue of royalty, as purple is considered creative, elegant, majestic, and sophisticated. Purple also goes well with silver.  Lighter purples such as lavender are calming for the bedroom.

            Red. The color red is powerful, as it activates and stimulates emotions such as courage, love, passion, and rage. Red also stimulates the appetite, and would be good for the kitchen. Red is not advisable for bathrooms or bedrooms, as they stimulate aggression.

            Yellow.  The color of sunshine and the symbols of communication and spirituality, yellow is a positive power color. Yellow is also considered an energizing color, so it would be a great color for an office or porch.

            Choosing the right color will make a positive difference in creating the perfect living space for you. If you are ready to take you design to the next level you should consider enlisting the help of a design expert.