When you want to create a specific mood with home décor, colours can be categorized as "cool" or "warm". In general, the cooler colours are relaxing whilst the warmer colours are stimulating.
Cool Calm Colours
Cool colours range from purples, lilacs, blues and into some greens.
Blue for Bedroom Decor
For bedroom décor, soft blues are calming and promote a feeling of spaciousness and rest. The colour blue helps to release tension and also aids peaceful sleep. Adding a touch of turquoise gives a sense of freshness. For this reason, turquoise is also ideal for bathroom décor .
Pastels
Pastel shades of lavender, grey and green can be relaxing when used in small areas.
Warm Active Colours
Warm colours fall into the red, orange, yellow spectrum and tend to create a feeling of activity and stimulation.
Red for Accents
Bright red actually increases the blood pressure and feels exciting and stimulating. In the home, the colour red could be used for dramatic accents rather than in solid blocks of colour which may become oppressive.
Orange for Dining Room Decor
A happy colour, orange can be very pleasing when painted on the walls of the dining room or in a creative space where there might be arts and crafts. However, beware of being overwhelmed by too much of it. Look for the right shade, and ways to complement it; for example the earthy tones of terracotta and ochre look best with natural cream colours, accented with the complementary shades of blue.
Yellow for Kitchen Decor
The colour yellow is popular for home décor but should be used with care. Although it is cheerful, too much of it can be distracting and mentally over stimulating, especially the daffodil shade. Some yellow in the kitchen or in a study area would work well. Yellow is a good choice for painting entrance halls or corridors, creating a welcoming feeling, while a more golden yellow used as an accent colour or on a decorative object, adds richness to the room.
Although often chosen for a baby’s room, yellow can cause sleeplessness and over excitement. Pastel shades of lilac, pink or blue will create a calm environment for an infant. Yellow would be better painted on one wall of a playroom.
There are so many different shades of yellow that it needs to be seen in context. Although yellow is a warm colour some acidic shades can be very harsh, especially in artificial light. Try painting a large square of the colour and live with it for while before making a decision, if you are uncertain.
Safe Neutrals
The neutral colours are considered “safe” and whilst that is true, a room furnished this way can sometimes feel rather formal and stiff. Adding texture and coloured accents can make the room more appealing.
Despite the interior designer’s views, there are no rules about the use of colour. It is all about what feels right for the individual. Take into consideration the lighting, furniture and the primary use of the room and plan the mood you want to create.
Reference: Form, Sound and Colour Healing (Theo Gimbel. Daniel 1990)
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