The Psychology Behind Colours

Ever wondered why fast food outlets mostly adopt a red and yellow colour scheme in their branding?

Or why medical practices usually have blue walls? Colours affect our mood and behaviour in more ways than we can possibly imagine. Marketers have been capitalising on the theory behind colour psychology to make us feel a range of emotions, usually designed to split us with our cash. However, we can also harness the power of colour to create a desired mood or feeling in our apartments. So, when it comes to choosing the hue of your new painting, or the feature piece of furniture, or even the bunch of flowers on the table in the hallway, follow your instincts, and our helpful guide. Firstly, there are four psychological primary colours:

• Red for the Body
• Blue for the Mind
• Yellow for our Emotions
• Green for the essential balance of the three

Red – Physical

Full of strength and energy, red is a powerful colour. Its physical effect can stimulate an increased pulse rate, activating our “fight or flight” instinct. The colour red usually appears closer than it actually is, instantly grasping our attention as it is the most visible. While it can trigger a romantic and loving response, too much red can be demanding, aggressive, intense and defying. And as for the question above about fast food outlets, it also makes us feel hungry.

Apartment Tip: The placement of a red couch in a white room will balance out the stimulating red energy with the purity of white walls. The red couch will be an eye-catching feature piece in the room, inspiring us to be bold and take action. The red couch will bring energy to the room and prompt the release of adrenalin.

Blue – Intellectual

Serene and mentally calming, blue is the colour of intelligence and logic. A deeper blue colour stimulates clear thought and reflection, while a softer blue calms the mind and aids in concentration. Essentially, this colour of the mind, affects us mentally. However, too much blue can be perceived as cold, unemotional and aloof.

Apartment Tip: A blue chair at your desk will stimulate a clear mind before getting to work. Not only will it look fabulous in your study, but its vibrancy will aid self-expression. Also, why not paint a feature wall in your bedroom blue? It will help set a calm state-of-mind for the day ahead.

Yellow - Emotional

Optimistic and cheerful, yellow lifts our self-esteem, boosts our confidence, and encourages optimism. However, too much yellow can cause our self-esteem to plummet, raising our anxiety levels and emotional fragility, potentially leading to depression and irrationality.

Apartment Tip: Sunflowers on your bedside table will encourage an optimistic and happy mood before embarking on another busy day. It will uplift your spirits, encouraging a sense of confidence and optimism before stepping out.

Green - Balance & Growth

Green is the colour of reassurance as it is full of refreshment and restoration. Its rejuvenating nature revitalises us when we are physically or emotionally exhausted, but green may also indicate stagnation or be perceived as too bland. It’s also the colour of possessiveness, encouraging us to want to own things, to collect and to possess.

Apartment Tip: Painting a green feature wall in your bedroom will promote a better nights sleep, as green balances our mental, emotional and physical energies. Also try decorating each room with indoor plants.