The Theory of Colour
Feeling restless or unmotivated during lockdown? Fear not, this introduction to colour theories will help brighten your mood and your home in no time
Look to the past and what do you see? Boldness in design, vividness in colour and a lot of unearthly shapes. But what has the new ‘normal’ home interior come to be? Greys and creams, marble and silver, rose gold and white wood. Our homes, whether we like it or not, have become colourless.
Our emotions are impacted by an array of things in our daily lives, from actions and discussions to sounds and observations. Among these mood-makers is the theory of colour. Many people don’t realise that colour can be identified as an emotive body, playing a vital role in emotions and perceptions of life. So, we invite you to a brighter world by introducing you to the best colours for your home and honoured minds.
In a Design Sheppard interview about all things colour psychology, Karen Haller, a colour expert and consultant, said, “grey is the only colour that doesn’t have any positive psychological properties.” She said before adding that although grey has calming properties, it also evokes a lack of confidence and a fear of exposure. Karen says that surrounding yourself with the colour grey over time can be energy-draining. “There are many other colours that support the emotions without draining them.” she finalised.
Think of it as getting dressed in the morning. When you’re feeling happy you may wear brighter colours, or if you’re calm you may sport some pastel tones. If you’ve awoken feeling confident, heck you might go for something you wouldn’t usually wear. This outfit carries you through the day and instils in you that first emotion.
Lucy St George, co-founder of Rockett St George, agreed by saying, “I always think that dressing a room is like putting an outfit together. The colours that you feel comfortable wearing are also the ones that you will naturally feel happy living with.”
I spoke to both co-founders of Rockett St George, Lucy and Jane, collectively to get an insight into the importance of enveloping your home with four walls of beaming colour. Not only do they have a booming business of unique interior pieces, they also have first-hand experience of researching the theory of colour while embarking on writing Extraordinary Interiors in Colour.
Within the book, Lucy and Jane explore the science and psychology of colour, as well as the ways in which colour can be found in nature. “We’ve travelled around the UK and beyond, discovering an amazing variety of beautiful homes everywhere from Marrakesh to Oslo, each home packed full of creativity when it comes to embracing different levels and types of colour.”
Feeling calm? Feeling blue?
Following Jane’s advice, when it comes to colours that make you feel calm, you can’t beat blue. Apparently darker blues in particular project a sense of sophistication and tranquillity, so there's no better colour to opt for when looking for a serene and calming tone to soothe your mood after a long day. She said, “think of an inky blue night sky enveloping you in a safe and calm atmosphere!”
According to Freshome, “Blue is said to bring down blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate. That’s why it’s considered calming, relaxing and serene, and is often recommended for bedrooms and bathrooms.” Be sure to follow the advice of many and opt for a blue that is otherwise pale, as it can make a room seem incredibly chilly.
Green green, should it be seen?
According to Jane, green is fabulously versatile for creating a calm and cosy interior as it is just as cool as its blue counterpart but gives a calm, fresh aura to a room. “Whether you prefer soft sage, rich emerald or deep forest green, this crowd-pleaser of colour can be adapted to suit just about any style of interior and will promote a feeling of calm, balance and connection with nature.”
Do you ever wonder why people tend to overload their kitchens and bathrooms with houseplants that spill green tones across the room? Because kitchens and bathrooms, as well as being places of relaxation, re-energising and thoughtfulness, are also the warmest spaces in our house - the green hues help reduce the angry heat with a light, balanced colour that surrounds us.
Red-y to get creative?
Although often approached with caution, Lucy says that red is a high-impact colour that is incredibly energising to those who surround themselves with it. “Traditionally, red has often been used for dining rooms as it energises and invigorates a space, inspiring lively conversation and fun,” says Lucy before adding that red is also a fantastic colour for creative spaces and rooms where you need to be productive.
“As a more subtle tint of rich reds, pink can also have a similar effect on your energy and sense of inspiration. Brighter pinks are flamboyant, expressive and therefore a perfect choice for creative spaces such as workshops - or anywhere in need of energy injection.” So, if you’re looking for a high-intensity mental work out then go for a bold colour, preferably the most intense red.
Sunny side up
In an article by The Art Career Project, they note encouragement, enthusiasm and fascination as just three of the colour yellow’s positive attributes and is the perfect colour to opt for if you’re looking for a tropical escape in the comfort of your own home thanks to its citrusy connotations and all-around positivity.
The colours hit their peak during the 60s. The first discotheque opened in L.A and night fever vibrated across the world. Escapism was at its highest as reflective colours were spearheaded by all-around love-groups the Beegees and the Beatles.
The nostalgia that surrounds the sunny colour is one of the main reasons people opt for hints of yellow and orange in their homes. So, if you need a more uplifting hint to your home, get the orange and yellow paint out and lather your walls in vibrancy.
