Picking the perfect paint colors for your home can be a little like winning the lottery. Which is to say, between Pinterest trends and the rainbow of swatches at Sherwin-Williams, it’s really, really hard to do. If you’re looking to narrow it down, there’s another factor you might want to consider: science.
For guidance, we asked Sally Augustin—psychologist, principal at consulting firm Design with Science and expert in how environments influence people—to shed some light on the way different colors affect our moods, and how that translates to your abode.
Ahead, the psychologically beneficial shades you might want to put on your walls (and a few to avoid). Thanks, science!
This one’s tricky because it depends on the effect you want. Warmer, more saturated tones like red and orange stimulate appetite—but if you’re trying to curb your urge to raid the fridge, blue has the opposite effect. Either way, kitchens are one room where more saturated, vibrant hues are OK: An energetic vibe is usually welcome when you’re making breakfast.
Avoid: Greenish Yellow
Interestingly, yellow is the least favorite color overall worldwide, but often favored for kitchens. Once you add a hint of green, it reads as sickly (definitely not a feeling you want near food).
While white is associated with cleanliness and purity, it can also make a room feel stark. Pink, on the other hand, creates the most flattering environment for all skin tones, and can even make you feel slightly warmer when you step out of the shower. But you don’t have to go full-on Barbie to get the effect: A subtle rose quartz feels fresh and modern with the right fixtures.
Avoid: Neon
Bathrooms tend to be small, and nobody wants to be trapped in an enclosed space that’s visually assaulting them.
Since this is a multipurpose space—you’re just as likely to spend time reading as you are chatting with friends—you could make arguments for both saturated and muted colors. However, Augustin says to err on the side of relaxing tones, because social situations (hopefully) generate enough energy, and a vibrant room can be overkill. Something on the warm side, like a pale sienna, boosts the coziness factor. (Psst: Exposed brick also happens to fit this profile.)
Avoid: Anything Too Dark or Saturated
While some bold colors can add drama to a living room, too many deep tones can feel oppressive. The one time that’s a good thing? If you have a snug alcove or reading nook you want to make cocoon-like. There, a dark taupe or slate gray might be just the ticket.
Read the full article here.