The Psychology of Interior Design – How Colors and Patterns Affect Relaxation

This is a guest post by Lauren Welch

When it comes to interior design, it’s important to understand how your surroundings affect your mood. Colors and patterns have an impact on your psyche, making you feel relaxed or anxious depending on the color scheme.

Interior designers often consider principles of design including balance, proportion, symmetry, and rhythm. They also incorporate elements of nature into their design.

Exploring the Science Behind Colors and Patterns

Color psychology is a study of how different hues, values, and saturations affect human emotions. It is also an area of study in art, marketing, and design. It was largely influenced by scientific breakthroughs from Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century, which led to the development of the first color wheel and later the theory of colors from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1810.

The most important aspect of this psychology is that it can affect how people feel about their surroundings. It can help create a sense of harmony and unity or can cause stress, depending on the context.

There is much research that has been conducted to examine the impact of color on the emotions of a person and how it affects the way that they interact with a space. This is why it is so important for interior designers to master this subject.

Why Designers Use Certain Colors in Different Spaces

When it comes to designing a functional and attractive home, color is a critical component of the overall experience. They elevate the space and give it that celebrity home feel we all like so much. Whether it’s your own residence or an office space, it’s important to choose colors wisely and implement them correctly to create an environment that is both functional and enjoyable. 

It’s no surprise then that designers are always on the lookout for the hottest color trends. It also helps that they have a good understanding of the psychology behind color choices. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that it’s not always a matter of what colors you choose, but what combinations and proportions you should use to get the desired result. 

The result is a home that functions as a well-rounded living space while at the same time making your guests feel welcome and entertained. Luckily, there are several ways to achieve this elusive goal.

The Effects of Colors on Emotions and Moods

Colors have a significant impact on human emotions and moods. They can guide our attention, create a memorable experience, and influence the way we perceive and act on information. 

While some of the psychological effects of colors are universal, others are influenced by culture and personal preferences. For example, blue is considered a calming color that represents honesty and loyalty, while purple is often associated with luxury.

Red, orange and yellow are warm colors that evoke feelings of happiness and energy. They can also stimulate our appetites and increase our heart rates.

Alternatively, cool colors like green and blue are soothing and calm. They can also inspire creativity and help reduce stress.

These colors are commonly used for corporate branding and marketing purposes, but they can also be incorporated into interior design to make spaces feel more welcoming.

Colors can also affect how people perform in various situations and how well they do on tests. For instance, students who waited in a red-painted room before taking an exam scored lower than those who were in a blue one.

Using Neutral Tones to Create Calming Spaces

Neutral colors are a great way to create calm spaces in your home. The lack of saturation in neutral tones makes them easy on the eyes and can help you relax during long periods of time.

Warm, earthy neutrals are a trending choice for those looking to design a relaxing space. These tones, such as soft gray, tan, and cream, are reminiscent of the colors found in nature.

To add depth to a neutral space, use unique textures and fabrics in different hues of the same color. This can help you avoid the sterile look that many neutral spaces tend to have, and instead make your space feel like a true sanctuary.

Use also natural woods and other materials. This will not only allow you to bring the outdoors in, but it will also provide a sense of grounding and relaxation.

Utilizing Bold Patterns for a Sense of Comfort

Introduce a bold pattern into a space by incorporating decorative accessories, such as area rugs, throw pillows and artwork. This can be a simple and affordable way to get started with the trend, especially for people who aren’t comfortable investing in other design options such as flooring and other room finishes.

Wallpaper is also an inexpensive and low-maintenance option to introduce a bold pattern into a room. It’s important to remember that wallpaper can easily be removed or replaced, which can make it a good choice for those who aren’t ready to commit to a full-scale pattern scheme.

When decorating with bold patterns, it’s important to choose complementary colors that are directly across from or next to the main color in the pattern. Overlapping too many colors in a room can be distracting and uncomfortable to view, so it’s best to keep them to a minimum.

Final Words

The psychology of interior design plays a critical role in creating an atmosphere that promotes relaxation and comfort. Through the careful consideration of color and pattern, we can create a space that promotes calmness and serenity. 

Whether it's through the soothing tones of blues and greens or the energizing presence of oranges and yellows, each color has a distinct ability to affect our mental disposition. With the right combination of colors and patterns, we can create a space that promotes relaxation and peace.