“Paint color is an expression of your personality,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and author of Pantone: The Twentieth Century in Color.“We branch out occasionally, but most of us have a proclivity for certain types of shades.”
Are you trying to figure out what color to paint your space? You may not realize it, but there are many psychological studies which show one’s mood is highly influenced by the color selections you may make. There are psychological impacts not only specific colors (i.e. blue, green, red, yellow), but also with tones of colors (warm, cool).
To begin, there are general guidelines for what ‘feelings’ colors evoke, as shown in the chart below.
If you are considering red as a paint selection, be aware that it is an ‘energetic’ color that will be strong (dominating) and vibrant. You will not feel relaxed in a red room.
Better Homes & Gardens
Green is a natural, harmonious selection. If you want to feel renewed and refreshed, green tones are a good selection for your home.
Coastal Living
And while some may say beige is boring, those who like neutrals prefer a crisp, timeless look which is also very practical (no need to repaint in 2 years if you tire of a color).
When it comes to warm tones versus cool tones, a Real Simple article quoted Eiseman as saying, “People who use warm tones tend to be friendly and nurturing—they love having others over.” Warm tones are associated with colors such as red, yellow and orange.
In the same article, it is stated that those who prefer cool tones, associated with blues, greens and purples, are looking for an environment which is calm. Eiseman says, “people tend to associate pale to medium blues, lavenders, and greens with the sky, a body of water or wide-open field—elements we perceive as being tranquil and soothing.”
Which color appeals to you? If you don’t know there are a lot of fun, free color personality tests you can take online. Go exploring and let me know what you discover!