Fifty Shades of... Hold Up, This Isn't That Kind of Blog!

Fifty Shades of... Hold Up, This Isn't That Kind of Blog!

Color Theory 101

So, if you're a girl and grew up in the 90's... at one point or another, you probably had a mood ring. Yep, that little round ring (probably from Claire's) had this crazy power to sense whether you were happy, sad, relaxed, nervous, etc. This situation is a bit like the chicken and the egg... which comes first? Are you sad and therefore the ring changes colors to reflect that?? Or does the ring show the color associated with being sad and therefore your emotions start to change because of it?
 

That brings me to today's topic... can color really impact your feelings? To put it simply. Yes.
 

For years, designers have been challenged with how to appropriately incorporate color in to their designs. Too much can be overwhelming, but too little has the potential to be bland. While there have been some studies on the psychology of color, a lot of the findings can be skewed by a persons personal background. Color associations start to develop at a young age and they just continue to expand as you get older. The majority of information that reaches your brain does so through your eyes, so we tend to be more comfortable when those colors are associated with something familiar.
 

Here are a few examples of how color can impact the overall mood and feeling in a room!
 

Photo Courtesy of: MuseInteriors

With the gorgeous fall weather that has been around Atlanta lately, this quintessential "sky blue" has been everywhere. For most people, this color evokes a calm and relaxed demeanor... think about the ocean, a waterfall... it slows down your metabolism and reduces stress. This is the perfect color palette for your Master Bedroom or a Sitting Room where you may go to wind down after a long day.

 

Another fact about "cool colors" (blues, greens, and light greys) is that they are "receding colors". They have a tendency to make a room feel larger and more open while the "warm colors" (red, yellows, and oranges) are considered "advancing colors". They can make a space feel more intimate and cozy. The accent wall in the picture below is a prime example of how the warmer color "advances" into the room. 

 

Photo Courtesy of Monarch-Renovations

Odds are, when you first looked at this picture, the orange accent wall jumped out at you first... am I right?!

 

Nerdy, I know, but I'm a sucker for color tricks and this one shows off advancing and receding colors perfectly! When the red dot is placed on the blue background, it looks almost like a ball bouncing off of a blue wall; however, when the blue dot is placed on the red background, it comes across like a hole in a red box. And there you have it Ladies and Gentlemen... Advancing and Receding Colors!

 

I know you're probably about to wander off to google some more color tricks, but you'll want to wait around for what's next. Have you ever wondered why so many restaurants incorporate red, oranges, and yellows into their logos?? These colors stimulate brain activity which can stir up feelings of hunger. Don't believe me... well, Mr. Ronald McDonald has made QUITE the living off of this theory!

 

Photo Courtesy of Giuliette Schouten Architects

I love this room. The colors are warm and inviting and let's be honest... when you're comfortable in your surroundings, who wouldn't be inclined to have seconds?! This room is also a great illustration of rustic and modern working together as one. If you want to learn more about that trend, check out one of my recent posts!

 

There is so much to say about the theory of color and I know I've only scratched the surface. I promise, there will be plenty more in the coming weeks.