Hi, I am Alex, owner of Interior Design and Build company Dauley Design. Colour is always a hot topic with clients and choosing the right colours for your home is crucial.
Colour is one of the most influential elements in the design of your home. It has the ability to inspire, excite, soothe, heal and even agitate. Greens are both calming and restful, ever popular Blue can decrease anxiety whilst Red is energising and exciting. Therefore, the importance of picking out just the right colour shouldn’t be underestimated. Think about how you wish the room to make you feel before making any decisions.
Red
Red has the ability to energise the body and excite the mind, increasing heart and breathing rates. However, some research suggests that too much exposure to red encourages aggressive behaviour and an inability to focus. The bottom line: Red is great as an accent colour but might not be the best wall colour if you are trying to create a sense of calm.
Orange
Largely underused, orange is perhaps one of the most misunderstood colours. This warm, friendly and youthful colour is a feel-good shade and the colour of companionship, intelligence, laughter and appetite.
Yellow
Most of us associate yellow with feelings of happiness and cheerfulness. Studies also pair this bright and cheery colour with motivation; softer yellows can aid concentration, while brighter ones can increase memory. Beware of using too much bright yellow, though. In large doses it may create feelings of agitation and even anger.
Green
This calming, natural colour has a soothing impact. Green is the colour of nature, it creates feelings of calm, restfulness and peace. There’s no need to keep this anxiety-reducing colour to a minimum.
Blue
Having the opposite effect of red, blue decreases feelings of anxiety and aggression and lowers blood pressure and heart rates. Blue is the world’s favourite colour and it’s popularity can be due to the vast options of shades and hues of blue. From Navy and Indigo to Pale Pastel and Sky blue, it is truly a versatile choice.
Purple
Often associated with royalty, purple is ambitious and self-assured. It’s also the colour of passion, creativity, wisdom and spirituality. This deep and emotive colour is great for inspiring sensitivity and compassion.
Pink
Although it’s historically associated with feminine spaces, pink has had a resurgence in popularity and is the Interior colour of choice at the moment dismissing any gender stereotypes. Pink has a calming feel that can be warm and inviting. Some shades of pink are even being considered as neutral such is their global appeal.
Neutrals
Neutral, warm colours inspire happiness, relaxation and comfort in most people. They allow you maximum flexibility when building a scheme in your home. These easy colours act as a platform for brighter and more daring shades to be added for interest.
White, Cool Colours.
These colours are reflective and can therefore make spaces feel light, airy and more open. These colours can convey serenity, purity and cleanliness however white walls are not for the maintenance averse as marks, scrapes and bumps will all show up and need regular touch ups. Try layering in shades of cream for some softness and contrast.
Black.
This, the darkest of all colours, can add drama and sophistication to an Interior. It provides an anchor to ground the most colourful of spaces. It is rarely used as a main wall colour but is popular on furniture and accessories.