I N T E R I O R S

By Anita Oakey

Making colour psyc

Anyone that has an interest in
colour and design is naturally
fascinated by the area of colour
psychology.
However, for the most part, claims
about how colour can affect the
quality of life can bring out the
sceptic in us.
If you are one of these people
think about these simple questions:
• Would you paint a three year old’s
bedroom black?
• Would you decorate your office
boardroom “Barbie” pink?
• Could you relax in a room that was
decorated entirely in primary red, with
red curtains and furniture?
Red has been shown to stimulate the • red ochre
These are extreme examples but they appetite and conversation. So much so that • venetian red
illustrate the point that colours are sometimes we suggest using it for dining • brick red
important to us, and if you approach room walls (if you’re on a diet, maybe you
colour psychology with an open mind could try blue instead?). That’s the type of red colour where you get
you will be amazed at the effect colour all the warmth, comfort and energy, but
has to the point where it can seem almost Red is the hottest colour of the spectrum with none of the exaggerated pulse.
magical. and can make anywhere seem warm and
cosy, so is ideal for people who suffer Green
from the cold. It’s not a good choice where Green is the colour of nature and
calmness and clear thinking are required, represents balance and harmony. It is a
as its energetic frequency is not conductive very healing, soothing colour which can be
to areas where rest is needed, so it’s not used to create a relaxing area in any part
a good choice for bedrooms or relaxation of the home.
areas.
If you suffer from auto-immune problems,
As with other colours, the psychological asthma or bronchitis, green can aid
effects of the colour red depend very much relief. It also helps to treat hyperactivity in
on its intensity. So while vibrant, saturated children, and restores a calm environment.
hues of red have been shown to raise Some shades of green can cause nausea,
Happy Day Blue people’s heart rate and blood pressure, so it’s not the best choice for dining areas.
Table Lamp with you might feel quite comfortable with One way to use the colour green in interior
a sense of fun to muted, warm, earthy shades of red around
make you smile...
design is to combine different hues of it,
you, for example: or combine the colour green with other
available at
Aoki Interiors for colours.
€24.99
Sage, grey, pink and magenta go well
together (think English country cottage
garden). Or, you could combine greens
with neutrals and blues for a ‘coastal’ look.
You could also try mixing a tiny bit of
the complementary colour, red, into your
Red green paint. That mutes it slightly and adds
Red is the most powerful colour of the complexity and depth.
colour wheel. Red is the colour of fire and
passion, and it represents our desires and Alternatively, you could tint it with white or
cravings in all areas. Red can be seen as light grey, or discolour it with some yellow
a stressful colour and has been shown to or blue - these are all ways to utilize the
increase heart rate and blood pressure, so psychological effects of the colour green
Prestigious Fabrics available at Aoki Interiors.
use it with caution. while avoiding the decorating pitfalls.
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 INTERIORS

chology work for you

Lighting influences any colour in interior Yellow Blue
design - colours change their ‘personality’ Yellow is generally seen as a light, The positive characteristics of blue are
under different lights. So it’s really important optimistic colour, and has a unique ability that has exceptional healing powers, and
that you test any green paint you want to to raise the spirits and inject vitality into its calm restful nature can act as a potent
use thoroughly in every possible daylight any area, as it is the colour of sunshine sedative, making it a good colour for
situation and under artificial lighting. and happiness, and there are very few anyone with sleeping difficulties.
people who do not like this colour and the
effect it creates. Blue is an ideal colour for bedrooms or
restrooms of any kind, also in any area
Although yellow is strongly connected where you want to calm people under
with creative energy, overuse of yellow stress. Blue’s ability to encourage clear
can suggest a disturbed mind. Van Gough thought makes it well suited to kids study
was famous for his love of yellow, but then areas in the home.
again, he did cut off his own ear.
Yellow creates a warm, welcoming first On the negative side, blue is like the sea,
impression so is a good choice in entrance and can be calm and peaceful one minute,
halls. yet rocky and turbulent the next making
blue prone to moodiness and not a very
It’s a favourite for kitchens, as it set the sociable colour.
mood for the rest of the day and helps
Prestigious Fabrics available at Aoki Interiors. creativity and conversation and it’s a good It should be avoided by anyone that suffers
choice for children’s bedrooms to stimulate from depression or sadness and avoided
their creativity. by anyone that is troubled by the cold.
Purple It is not a good colour for playrooms or an
Purple is the colour of true greatness, and A pale, atmospheric tint of yellow on walls area that you want to create a motivating
is associated with inspired leadership. or ceiling can add ‘sunshine’ to a room, atmosphere.
Purple is a positive inspirational colour while saturated, intense yellows might
and is a good choice for creative people make you feel cranky after a while. The following snippet of advice is
particularly those that require solitude for Because opinions about this colour are something I’ve never tried myself - please
inspiration, such as musical composers, so divided, I suggest you don’t worry too take it with a seriously large pinch of salt -
poets, painters and sculptures. much about how the colour yellow affects the psychological effects of the colour blue
others - unless you share a home with can help you restrain your appetite and
Although it requires careful handling in them, of course. lose weight.
interiors, purple is a striking colour. As
it connects the mind, body and spirit it’s Your personal response to all things yellow So you might consider painting your
a good colour for meditation areas or will help you get the most out of this colour. kitchen and/or dining room blue (and
relaxation rooms. You may not necessarily want it on a wall eating from blue plates).  If you’re going to
in your home, but there are other ways of try this, please let me know if it works!
The psychological effects of the colour utilizing the psychological effects of the
purple will depend very much on how colour yellow. For example, yellow makes
‘warm’ or ‘cool’ the hue is: for great “highlights”.
• Bluish purples can be serene and calm-
ing and have a ‘mysterious’ depth. You could use smaller doses of
• Reddish purples demand more atten- it in accessories, flowers,
tion and can dominate a room (and are or pictures to brighten
always in danger of looking garish or up darker areas
cheap). and make them
‘smile at Neo wallpaper available at Aoki Interiors at
you’. €50 per 10m2 roll

Aoki Interiors,
Carrick Bus. Park,
Carrick-on-Suir,
Co Tipperary.
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T: 051 614054 / (0)87 827 4049
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