BLOGS

Understanding Color—Painter Tips (Part 3)

In our final installment, we will consider the way color can be used to affect our emotions and perspective.

Emotion

We can feel the energy of colors and they most definitely have a huge impact on emotions. Think about the colors we use for different situations and why. Why is a stop sign red but many exit signs green? Also, consider how color is used in writing. One might be described as having the blues, or be so angry they see red. Are you green with envy or tickled pink? Or how about seeing the silver lining in a bad situation?

Color has an impact on our lives every day, and the more you understand it the more fun you can have using it to color your space.

Take for example the color red. This can be a very stimulating color, full of energy. Because of these characteristics, it is a great color for restaurant walls as it energizes and can stimulate the appetite!

Compare this with a more calming color like blue. This color has been seen to slow respiration and heart rate as well as lower blood pressure. It can be a good choice for the bedroom if you are looking to create a sense of calm serenity.

Contrast

Think of lining up all the colors in a room from light to dark. If the lightest and darkest colors in a room are quite different, you will likely have a more dramatic feel. If they are closer together then your space will seem more united and natural.

Using a dark color for horizontal planes can make the environment feel stable. Keeping the lighter colors for use on the walls and the ceiling will open up the room. Want a dark color on the ceiling? If you have tall ceilings, this can make the space seem cozier. Less contrast between the walls and ceiling can make the ceiling seem taller.

Light vs Dark

Light colors make things seem closer but darker colors “push” things away. So even though dark colors can make an area smaller visually, energetically, they can create a more spacious feel by “pushing the walls away”. With these thoughts in mind, consider using lights and darks to alter the depths/heights of your room.

White

Wondering why white isn’t on the color wheel? White is the absence of color, so it does not increase the energy of other colors in the space. This can make It feel like it is fighting with the other elements in your space. Consider choosing whites with a touch of color in them to compliment your palette and make sure your colors “get along”. Choosing a pure white for the ceiling will make it feel like it is encroaching on you but a white that has some color from your pallet will allow the colors in your space to mesh well.

We hope these tips help you in your design process. If you would like assistance with a painting project, please contact My Painter today!

By My Painter 7-14-2021