The Power Of Color in Decorating

As you grew up you developed your own favourite color. Over the years you had a tendency to choose items specifically with that color in mind. The very same is true of interior designers and decorators all over the world - they all tend to have their own favourite colors too. Despite the fact that we all have our own favourites have you ever stopped to consider what impact different colors have on different rooms within your house? You most likely haven't and that puts you in the same grouping as 90% of DIY and professional decorators all over the world.

There are those who believe that color choice has no impact on how a room feels. This is a somewhat odd opinion as we rely on our sight most heavily for our basic perceptions of the world around us. Color plays more of a part in our lives than most people realize. We can even associate color with certain thoughts and feelings. For instance ask a person what emotion they associate with the color red and more often than not people will say anger. Then you need to take into account international takes on color. Red is a color associated with danger in most countries but in certain parts of the world red is considered a very lucky color.

So let's have a look at the different colors and what they can mean to your decorating efforts. Having a solid understanding of the impact of color is critical to the overall success of your room and how well it "feels" after your work is done.

White
Considered the color of purity for thousands of years it is also associated with sterile environments. This is why it's used so often in both hospitals and bathrooms. White can, however, be used in almost any room to "join" two other colors together so don't discount white from your color choices. Just be careful to not use too much white in any single room as it can make the room feel a bit cold and clinical.

Black
Used sparingly in any interior painting or design project black can have a very powerful effect. Avoid decorating any room entirely in black, however, as it can lead to depression after too much exposure. It's a common theme with teenagers to want to the decorate their room entirely in black but this is best avoided - especially during the more troublesome years.

Blue
This is an excellent color to use in almost any room as long as it's contrasted with another color. Using too much blue in any room can actually make the room feel quite "cold". If you work from home or study a lot at home then having a study/work area designed in blue is actually a good idea. Studies have show that people who work or study in blue rooms are more productive!

Brown
An obviously earthy color with tones that suggest comfort, warmth and even an element of luxury. Brown is often used in living rooms and studies because of the feeling comfort that it conveys. Even though this is a luxurious color it's best used sparingly as it can darken a room prematurely and make it feel somewhat enclosed and even dreary.

Gray
One of the more conversative colors gray can be used to give any room a clean and formal atmosphere. This could be useful in meeting rooms or perhaps as an element of a home office. Don't overdo it with gray - too much of it can make even the most vibrantly designed room somewhat boring.

Yellow
This color suggest warmth, richness and happiness and can have a truly magical effect on a room. Used in moderation yellow is wonderful. Painting a room entirely in yellow is not advisable as overuse of this color in a room can cause headaches and nausea.

Pink
This is a very "female" color and should only be used in rooms where a feminine touch is required. Using pink in every aspect of a room, from paintwork to furniture, can quickly make it look tacky and cheap.

Green
A fresh color to use in any almost any room in any home. Green works really well in bathrooms and also in childrens rooms because of the feeling of nature that it lends to those rooms. You could also consider using green in bedrooms as it's been known to have a very calming effect and might help you sleep better.

Orange
A very vibrant and "alive" color orange stimulates the mind and is ideal for any room that you would like to have an energetic feel to it.

Red
An extremely powerful color that suggests passion, strength and even possesses agressive overtones to it. Red is ideal for use in dining rooms and kitchens as it's been known to stimulate the appetite.

Hopefully the above article have given you a better understanding of just how important it is to use the right colors in your home decorating project. Using the right colors in the right places is the secret to your overall success.