We’ve all had the experience of walking into a room and saying, “Ahh,” as if it’s the most restful place to be. And then there are those times when, upon entering an abode, we comment, “Wow!” Maybe it’s the underlying feeling of energy in the room.

But what makes us have these strong, spontaneous reactions to our surroundings? 

Your reactions and psychological responses could be due largely in part to the colors used in the décor and design of the space. Although all psychological experts don’t agree, many believe there is such a thing as color psychology. 

Historically, different cultures have regarded color as having the power to affect your mood, feelings, health, and even your behavior.

So, if you want to change the mood you experience in your home, consider the following information. It might help you achieve the ambiance you’re seeking in your cherished spaces.

1. Blue. If blue is your favorite color, you might not be too surprised to read that this particular color will aid healing and help manage pain. Blue can also promote feelings of tranquility.
2. Green. Because green brings thoughts of the outdoors and the wonders of nature, it’s believed to bring about feelings of serenity, restfulness, and perhaps even joy. Some find that the color green decreases stress and increases feelings of relaxation.
3. Orange. Orange is said to promote healthy lungs and produce energy and vitality in people. Closely related to red, orange is considered a warm color that brings excitement. You know it’s true—when you walk into a room that’s painted orange, it definitely grabs your attention.
4. Yellow. The color of the sun produces feelings of warmth and brightness. Like orange, yellow cannot be ignored. It’s even been referred to as the most “visible” hue in the color spectrum. If you want to “cheer up” your kitchen, yellow might be the right choice for you.
5. Red.Full of drama and mystery, a room painted red is evocative of emotions such as comfort, intensity, warmth, and even love.
6. Black. Although you may not consider black a true color, it’s an important hue. The color black is formed due to a complete lack of light. In terms of your feelings, black can induce a gamut of strong emotions. You might experience sensuality, mourning, or sadness when you’re exposed to black.

• In film, you’ll notice that black is often used to represent a deep, dark, ominous character.
• Ultimately, black is not only a conflict in terms but brings about conflicting feelings for many as well.

7. White. The antithesis to black, white evokes feelings of innocence. It’s customary to have a lot of white in hospitals as the color has come to indicate sterility and cleanliness. Although white walls are often viewed as boring by some, the color is often used to trick the eye when walking into a room.

• Want a room to appear bigger? Put some white paint on the walls. If you want a dark space to appear lighter, white is your solution. Using white as a trim color in a room will make your wall color “pop.”
• Your feelings in a white room will run the gamut from feeling bright to being overwhelmed by the overload of light and space around you.
• It may be bland on its own, but white can enhance the appearance of deeper colors and hues used with it. So, how you feel when you see white depends on how much white is used and the way the other colors in the room are presented.

Colors are powerful in that they do affect how you feel. To lift your mood, bring about feelings of tranquility, or induce excitement, use these basics of color psychology to decorate your home. Encourage the mood and feelings you strive for just by skillfully selecting wall and accessory colors!

Image features a print of my painting "Missing Paris"