Using Colour Psychology to Create Mood in Living Spaces

Choosing Colors for Your Living Room

Have you ever walked into a living room and instantly felt energized or soothed? Believe it or not, the colours you surround yourself with can have a profound impact on your mood and well-being. In this blog post, we'll delve into the fascinating world of colour psychology and explore how you can use colour to create the perfect mood in your living spaces. 

Colours will match rooms and spaces together, like the kitchen and living room if done right or when done wrong separate and disjoin them, the goal being to create a space that is yours. Making you, your family and your friends, feel right at home.

Making spaces bigger or smaller through colour

Did you know that colour can also influence how we perceive the size of a space? Lighter colours like white, cream, and pale blue can make a room feel more open and airy, while darker colours like black, navy, and deep green can create a more intimate setting. So, if you have a small living space, consider opting for a light colour palette to create the illusion of square meterage in a smaller space, or darker one for larger spaces. 

There are basically endless colours to choose from and for the purpose of this blog we will look at the 2 most important ones that will have the biggest impact when designing your living room, white and black, we recommend adding small amounts of personalised colour.

Light

Dark

Light

Denoting feelings of purity, cleanliness and innocence subconciously, white is by far the most versatile colour to use in interior design. Minimalism experienced a renaissance in the past decade, making clean white furniture, walls, and fixtures more popular than ever. While many people view white as refreshing and modern, some feel that it’s too sterile and cold. 

To avoid this issue, integrate pops of colour throughout your home to create dimension and warmth. We recommend to use one pop of colour in various shades or choose complementary colours like reds or blues for accent pieces and walls. This is not only limited to strictly white, any off-white shades, or very light variants will do the trick.

Dark

A good rule of thumb, when in doubt go with black. This is true for everything from cars to clothing, accessories and interior designs no different. Although it’s often associated with darkness in pop culture, in colour psychology, black subconsciously signifies power, mystery, depth, and drama. The neutral aspect of black gives it the versatility to work in any space while offering stability and sleekness. Black is a great option for furniture, hardware, accents, and even wall colours when executed correctly. 

Too much black can be overpowering and shrink a space, so use it to draw the eye to carefully selected, standout pieces like an elegant sofa or unique coffee/bar station. If you’re set on creating a broody, dramatic space, opt for an area that receives natural light and offsets the darkness with white or other lighter-colored accents. A timeless colour that isn’t subject this season's trends, black is always a safe go-to option.

The All-Over Colour Approach

One popular approach to using colour in a living room is to embrace a monochromatic palette. This involves using various shades of the same colour throughout the space. For example, a room painted entirely in shades of blue can create a calming and serene atmosphere. While this technique can be visually striking, it can also be overwhelming if not executed correctly. In this case you can have too much of a good thing. It can be tempting to do it yourself but recommend using a designer, they deal with this every day. It's essential to consider the natural light in the room and choose a colour that complements your personal style and preferences.

The Strategic Placement of Colour

Another approach is to use colour strategically, incorporating it into specific elements of the room. For example, this can involve painting an accent wall, using colourful throw pillows or blankets, or incorporating colourful artwork, unique furniture pieces or accessories. While this technique less itself to that minimal look, however it does draw the eye’s attention to whatever is placed there. If not executed correctly can make a space look unfinished or incomplete.  By using colour sparingly, you can create a sense of balance and visual interest without overwhelming the space.

When choosing colors for your living room, it's important to consider your lifestyle and personal preferences. If you entertain frequently, you might want to opt for a color palette that is both inviting and easy to maintain. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, you might choose colors that evoke feelings of peace and tranquility. By understanding the power of colour and experimenting with different approaches, you can create a living room that is both stylish and functional.

At Inside Living, we provide a 10-year warranty for our kitchens and imported living rooms. This provides our clients with peace of mind for a much longer period, knowing the investment for their kitchen and living room renovation is protected.

So, let’s reimagine your kitchen and living features to suit and reflect your unique lifestyle needs! Visit our showrooms and get started on your design journey.