Color Power

Ever felt particularly good in a room of a certain shade? That’s not just about esthetics, colors have an impact on our minds. Color psychology shows that colors influence our affects, cognition and behaviors. “Colors transcend their physical nature and take on a psychological meaning,” explains Sandrine Gil, researcher in Psychology. There’s still a need of scientific research to gain a better understanding of color psychology. But you can be your own case study for a start.

Interior designers and well-being professionals could work hand in hand on the subject. Marketers constantly think about how consumers react to a certain shade. That’s not an easy task because we don’t all respond the same way to colors. It’s a personal thing. Sometimes it’s cultural. Plus your reaction depends on context and combination of hues.

As individuals it’s interesting to be aware that colors trigger feelings, they are powerful. Knowing this allows us to create our world, from our clothing to the inside of our homes. It’s fascinating to start noticing how you feel around specific colors and how you can play with them depending on your mood.

How does the color blue make you feel? Calm or cold?

Thinking about colors in your environment is a way to figure out how you want to feel, what do you need at this moment? The color company Pantone writes on its blog: “If ever there was a time when we needed to surround ourselves with colors that infuse feelings of positivity into our environment, it is now.”

For 2021 Pantone suggests a sunny and cheerful color palette, with hues that are the symbol of “the brighter future that lies ahead.”

The “Vivify” Pantone color palette for 2021. From PANTONEVIEW home + interiors 2021.