If two people view the same color, they may perceive it in two very different ways based on many factors, including culture and background. For instance, white is a symbol of weddings and purity in most Western countries, but it may not have the same connotation in the East. Physiology can also impact how your eye detects colors, as people with some degree of altered vision or color blindness won’t see shades the same way as someone with perfect vision.
Psychology plays a part in color perception, too. If you associate a color with a past experience, it may evoke different emotions and memories. For example, if you were comforted by a favorite blue blanket throughout your childhood, you’re likely to be drawn to blue as an adult.
When decorating or designing for a particular mood, decide whether you want to incorporate cool colors, warm colors, or a mix of both. Cool colors, including shades of blue, green, white, and gray, can have a calm, comforting effect. On the other hand, red, orange, yellow, black, brown, and other warm colors can induce feelings of excitement, security, and warmth.
Think about the mood you want to set when decorating a living space. Whether it’s a simple accent piece, a coat of paint on the walls, or artwork over your mantel, color is the main ingredient in the recipe for effective design.
