We discussed in a previous post about how much color can influence our feelings and the environment around us. Why not use that to your advantage? Even the most die-hard of neutralists are probably using gold, black, or gray throughout their spaces… these are colors too! So whether your choice is bold or achromatic, take charge and make the right choice for your space.

Always go with your gut.

One’s personal experiences will influence the relationship they have with color. While our personalities are a result of both nature and nuture, so it is with color and the feeling it evokes in each of us. Should you have a special relationship with color that brings you joy, or even anger or sadness, these emotions will always trump what a color is meant to manifest in your space. So follow the guidelines below, but always take a minute to check your instincts.

Context is everything.

Bringing a pop or accent of color can be just what you need to embody the atmosphere you’re creating. Keep in mind that it is also strongly linked to symbolism. Color can bring different meaning depending on the space you’re in, as well as the object exhibiting the color. We’ll take a look at some of the mostly widely used colors, and their individual symbolism.

RED ~ excitement, energy

As seen in the above depictions, the fiery tones of this color can induce thoughts of passion and romance on one hand. This works especially well in a bedroom or in illustrations of flowers, hearts, or portraits. On the other hand, adding red through fireplaces or pointy and linear features can promote assertiveness and attention. Both cases are associated with the color’s inherent characteristics of excitement and energy.

If you are adding color to a space meant for sleep or relaxation, too much red could bring unwanted restlessness. Just a hint in the right place however – throw pillows or a wall hanging – could bring that extra passion back to the bedroom (granted that’s what you’re looking for!).

If you want to bring life or luxury into a neutral space, red accents are a great option. Another useful place for red would be a gym or office, with its ability to create an atmosphere of strength and success. This can help with those mundane tasks and weight reps too!

YELLOW ~ creativity, happiness

Here’s a color that speaks both loudly and subtly with an uplifting spirit. In a bright pop of fresh fruit or sunflowers, yellow can bring cheer to a stagnant space. When illustrated in a more subtle tone, and in images with landscapes, yellow’s characteristics of warmth and inspiration shine through. Whether you go bold or light, yellow can work in almost any space.

For some, just a pop of yellow brings a little cheer into an otherwise serious space. For others, it’s a way of life!

An obvious place for a cheerful yellow might be a kids playroom or bedroom. However, an office or kitchen where you spend a lot of time working (I mean more doing dishes, since cooking can be really fun!) are both spots that might benefit from a little pick me up. You might not be looking for the boldness of an all over cabinet reface like the one above, but your space should reflect you. If you are a bold, daring, and playful person, feel free to express that in your design!

GREEN ~ reassurance, renewal

Many people think of nature and the qualities of revitalization when they think of the color green. There is a strong symbolism there, especially when used with houseplants throughout a space. The psychology of how we react to nature’s energy is why green can have a calming and balanced effect. In addition, bringing plants into your environment will most literally revitalize your space, as plants clean the air around you and are growing, living objects.

In a more figurative sense, growth is also associated with money and wealth. Many cultures therefore use the color green as a symbol of luck and prosperity. Ways to accomplish this include decorating with a green front door, a bamboo plant, or the symbol of clovers or the stone Jade.

Bringing the color green through paint, plants, or a strategically placed accent item are all great ways to introduce a feeling of relaxation and renewal to any space.

BLUE ~ tranquility, reliability

Blues and greens have an association with nature, and bring the landscape of the outdoors in. If not extending a view of a beach or other water feature, blue complements the foliage and brings a serene or coastal vibe. This is especially the case with lighter hues, and imagery of trees, lakes, and other calming landscapes. While green is connected to plants and the land, and therefore associated with stability, blue on the other hand resembles the more fluid and flowing nature of the sky and sea. Water and air are vital life forces, and through their abundance provide us with a sense of support and security.

Time and again in research, blue is the world’s favorite color! The color blue, along with green, commonly has a theme in spas and other places meant to bring relaxation and tranquility. When we are in, on or under water, we go into a more relaxed and meditative state. This is why both colors are often used in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Fun fact: Sea bathing, dating back to the 17th century, was once thought to have curative or therapeutic value and was prescribed as a cure for many ills. In medieval times, visiting spas was practiced for the recognized beneficial effects of the waters. 

Not all uses of this color bring such a calm and tranquil emotion however. Very bright and bold blues lend a sense of confidence, reliability and order.

When decorating with blue, be careful not to go too dark without complementing with light or metallic elements. The color blue has a connection with passiveness and sadness, and neutrals, golds, and silvers combat those negative connotations.

Layer it up!

There are many other colors to consider when decorating. No matter what color you choose to make a statement (or subtle debut) in your space, layering with textures and mixed elements is key. For example, adding furs (faux is fine!), woods, and mirrors adds interest and more balance. A variety of shapes, heights, and weight to your pieces all have a balancing effect as well.

Go with a variety of colors, or focus on just one or two. Give it a try, and see what works for you!

CARPE DIEM CONNECTION~ 
What do you think your favorite color is, and why?
Do you think one, or more, of these colors reflects your personality?
If so, try injecting that color in your space. Is that color already
around your home, but not making a debut? 
Try removing other items from the space, narrowing down your color
palette in the room, and see if this makes a difference. 

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Jenni Ellsworth

Jenni Ellsworth is a professional mapping guru, and freelance writer in her spare time. When she’s not out soaking up nature or crafting with her husband and three girls, she’s crafting content about the hobbies she’s most passionate about – interior design, mindfulness, and wellness.

Jenni has a background in the arts and sciences, and has spent years exploring various forms of meditation, alternative medicines, and cultural symbolism. Jenni has been helping friends and neighbors to better align their living spaces with balance and harmony, and would love to help you too!

Learn more about Jenni on her full bio here, or connect with her via Facebook (jennifer.snow.58), Instagram (snowjs), or LinkedIn.

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