We all get in a mood sometimes. And sometimes what causes us to feel “grrr” or “ahhh” can partly depend on what color of the rainbow we happen to be looking at.
The color on the walls in your home that you’re surrounded by for hours on end probably have more of an effect on how you feel than you might think. So you’re going to want to put some serious thought into the color you paint them and the emotions you want to evoke.
To help, here’s a deep dive into the science and psychology of color, with insights from design experts on the ideal colors for your entire home, room by room.
The science of color
Color theory is the science of what feelings your brain connects with various colors.
For instance, our brains associate warm colors—think red, orange, and yellow—with feelings like passion, comfort, anger, and power, according to Neurofied, a brain and behavior consultancy firm.
And on the other side of the spectrum, cool colors (blue, green, and purple) have the opposite effect, creating a calming atmosphere that counteracts feelings of anxiety.
So whether you’re thinking about remodeling for a potential home sale or looking for a way to make your kitchen feel warmer, your bedroom more serene, or your home office more productive, read on.