Color Meanings—And Where To Use Them In Your Space
Did you know colors could evoke emotion? Today we reveal the psychology behind 5 colors and how to use them effectively in your space!
Have you ever wondered why your favorite color is your favorite color? Or why you feel drawn to certain rooms in your home?
Studies have revealed that particular colors can have a direct impact on how you feel.
When it comes to home décor, the more you understand color and how it relates to your emotions, the easier it becomes to use them effectively in your space.
Thinking about repainting a room? Consider these 5 colors and their meaning before you dive in:
Color Meaning #1: Orange – Creativity
(Credit: El-Do.com)
The color orange relates to adventure and social communication. It’s said to be one of the most uplifting and stimulating colors in the color wheel.
The psychology behind Orange:
- Radiates warmth and happiness
- Offers emotional strength during difficult times
- Ignites feelings of optimism and rejuvenation
- Represents spontaneity and creativity
- Encourages enthusiasm and adventure
Where to use Orange most effectively in your home:
Based on the psychology behind orange, we recommend using it in the office to !nspire creativity and enthusiasm while focusing on important projects.
Go bold with a bright orange accent wall and stark white furniture to create a stunning space you’ll look forward to working in.
!nspire tip: Trying to lose weight? Don’t paint your kitchen orange. Its rich color has been said to increase appetite! In fact, restaurants use orange frequently to encourage patrons to eat and drink more!
Color Meaning #2: Light Blue – Serenity
Blue, particularly light shades of blue, evokes feelings of tranquility and peace.
The psychology behind Light Blue:
- Reduces stress
- Creates a sense of calmness and relaxation
- !nspires a safe and non-threatening aura
- Represents familiarity and healing
Where to use Light Blue most effectively:
Because blue creates a sense of calmness and relaxation, it works beautifully in the bedroom as a way to encourage a restful night’s sleep.
Unwinding is easy when you’re surrounded by hues that represent clear skies and the tranquil waves of the ocean.
!nspire tip: If you’re not keen on painting your entire room light blue, invest in blue accent pieces instead. The Priscilla ottoman is the perfect choice. Not only does its color promote relaxation, it’s meant to help you put your feet up and relax after a long day.
Color Meaning #3: Green – Rejuvenation
The color green is connected strongly to nature and nature-!nspired elements, representing balance, harmony and growth.
The psychology behind Green:
- Promotes health and rejuvenation
- Renews and restores depleted energy
- !nspires a sense of well-being
- Revitalizes us when we’re physically, mentally or emotionally exhausted
Where to use Green most effectively:
Most of us can relate to waking up early for work, unable to process how we’ll ever be able to face the day.
The solution? Paint your bathroom green!
Using green in the bathroom is a foolproof way to !nspire energy after your morning shower as you get ready for work.
(Credit: My Home Best)
!nspire tip: The brighter the hue, the more energized you’ll feel. We love the idea of using punchy accent pieces like the Mallory Accent Table to make a cheerful statement! Plus, it creates the perfect spot to showcase a fresh vase of flowers to keep your bathroom smelling fragrant and beautiful.
Color Meaning #4: Pink – Emotion
(Credit: Style at Home)
The color pink is known for its sensitive and compassionate aura that creates a sense of lightness and cheerfulness wherever it’s displayed.
The psychology behind Pink:
- !nspires kindness, empathy and sensitivity
- Evokes thoughtfulness and caring qualities
- Represents nurture and a sense of giving
- Offers warmth, positivity and hope
Where to use Pink most effectively:
Whether your in-laws are visiting or you’re lending a helping hand to a family member in transition, the guest room is a place that needs to feel warm and welcoming.
Pink is the perfect color to make any guest feel nurtured and cared for, whether it’s for one night or a few months during a time of need.
!nspire tip: We don’t recommend going overboard with pink, otherwise your space will look more like a nursery; a few hints of this caring hue goes a long way.
Color Meaning #5: Yellow – Focus
Yellow is the color of the mind and intellect. Besides its cheeruful aura, it also !nspires feelings of focus and determination.
The psychology behind Yellow:
- Offers hope, happiness and fun
- Evokes mental clarity and promotes focus
- Promotes enthusiasm and known to boost mood
- Eases stress and restores energy
Where to use Yellow most effectively:
Can you think of a room in your house you love to avoid? We can—the laundry room!
We love the idea of infusing yellow into the laundry room to help make the chore of washing and drying a little less mundane.
Go bold with an accent wall or pepper hints of various yellow hues throughout the room to !nspire the focus and mental clarity you need to tackle your biggest laundry piles!
(Credit: Hooked on Houses)
!nspire tip: Who says you can’t use wallpaper in the laundry room? Take your décor scheme to the next level by choosing a yellow printed wallpaper you look forward to seeing on laundry day.
Planning on a room makeover now that you know the psychology behind your favorite colors? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
