Title : HOW COLOR IN INTERIOR DESIGN AFFECTS PEOPLE’S MOOD
Table of Contents
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………3
1.0 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………4
2.0 Connection between Color and Mood…………………………………………………………4
3.0 Analysis of Specific Colors used in Interior Design…………………………………………..4
3.1 Bright Colors…………………………………………………………………………………..4
3.2 Lighting Effect…………………………………………………………………………………5
3.3 Analysis of Warm and Cool Colors……………………………………………………………5
4.0 Emotional Impact of Color on Culture, Personality…………………………………………..6
5.0 The Utilization of color in Interior Design……………………………………………………7
6.0 Limitations of the Effect of Color…………………………………………………………….7
7.0 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………….8
Abstract
This paper based on research and practical experience demonstrates that color is an essential part of interior design. This demands that each and every interior designer needs to reasonably use color in order to bring out a desirable mood for every season. In addition, the essay gives an account of instances to investigate different effects produced by different color such as brighter color, cold and warm color. It was found that colors on the red side of the chromatography spectrum include colors, for instance, red, yellow and orange commonly known to be associated with hostility, anger, warmth and comfort whereas colors on the blue side of the spectrum are often connected with calmness and this includes green, purple, and blue. Finally, this essay point to the reminder that color in interior design affects people’s mood therefore every point should be taken to analyze a color while associating it with a desirable mood. It further emphasizes the need for the establishment of the context in which a certain color is suitable because the interpretation of color is affected by how a person was socialized, personal judgment, and culture.
How Color in Interior Design Affects People’s Mood
- Introduction
Interior design is a subject of study widely known for its aesthetic value. Even though it also deals with the creation of building designs, color becomes an essential item in the completion of a building or any other construction work. This is because color provides the ultimate decoration that makes an object memorable, desirable not to mention quality and beauty that has long been associated with color (Bleicher, 2005). Artistically, psychologists proved that eyes are more attracted to colors especially the bright colors making it evident that decorations have an impact on people’s moods. Firstly, this paper illustrates the connection between color and mood and then outlines the different effects of color in interior design by using examples and empirical evidences. Finally, concludes with a discussion of the utilization and limitations of the impacts of color. It will attempt to demonstrate that color in interior design definitely affects people’s mood to some extent.
- Connection between Color and Mood
It is believe that there are millions of colors with each having a distinct wavelength which is important in influencing the human mood. So far, findings made on color psychology are majorly practical observations devoid of scientifically proven statistics. In spite of this realization, interior decorations and its impact on people’s mood has been a hotly contested topic in arts, design and marketing which have taken the center stage in the use of colors. Whitfield & Wiltshire, (2010) support that basing on research and expert opinion; several helpful discoveries have been made with concern to human moods, feelings, emotions and color. Consequently, theories regarding color psychology have shown a connection between interior decorations, mood, feeling and behavior among human beings.
- Analysis of Specific Colors Used in Interior Decorations
- Bright colors
Bright colors are commonly used in interior decoration. James (2007) noted that based on interior designs and room decorations, interior designers assumed that yellow color causes anxiety while blue creates a relaxed and calm mood. From the realization that decoration is a powerful tool for communicating feelings and emotions, interior designers have embraced the use of decorations to create psychological reactions. Whereas some colors have been associated change in mood, other colors have been known to increase metabolism, blood pressure and strain in the eyes. In answering the question on the effects of interior decorations on the human moods, interior designers have begun to appreciate the brighter color have the general effect of brightening the mood and that is one reason pink and purple have predominantly been used during parties while black is mainly used to represent a sad mood. Even though there is no scientific evidence to prove how certain colors included in decorative interior designs individually affect the environment and the mood, the conditions created in the human mind as a result of color use makes it worth appreciating the color which is the main ingredient for interior decorations affects both human and animal moods (James, 2007, pp. 45-67).
- Lighting effect
The color of lighting plays a vital role in affecting people’s mood greatly in their lives. Looking at lighting in general, some light colors have been associated with serenity, loyalty or a romantic mood. Bottomley & Doyle (2006) reiterate that when the dinner tables are set for a romantic date the dominant color associated with love is red. Therefore the human mood has unconsciously been made to believe that red decorations create the perfect mood for romance. In addition, taking a closer look at the Valentine’s Day celebrations, most couples in love believe that wearing red is a symbol of their engagement of a fulfilling relationship and partnership. With such a feeling the moods are bound to change and become jovial.
Entertainment venues have cashed in lots of monies owing to the fact that they set a celebration mood in the people. Looking at the lighting system in the clubs and hangout venues, it is noticeable that the interior decorations are varied from one spot to the other but there are certain things that stand out. The loudest of them being lighting. Dimly lit rooms with disco lights create a perfect mood for partying and entertainment. Evidently, people tend to be active in the dark (Whitfield & Wiltshire, 2010). The same principle applies in the night clubs where people’s faces are hidden behind the façade of poor lighting caused by the lighting effect.
3.3 Analysis of warm and cool colors
Colors on the blue side of the spectrum are often connected with calmness and this includes green, purple, and blue (Kemmer, 2006). They are known to cause moods relating to sadness or indifference (De Craen, Roos & Vries, 2006). In another instance, temperature of the color affects the mood in the sense that people in the warm hemispheres have a preference for interior decorations while those in the cold hemisphere prefer warm colors. This is factual because warm colors create the mood for warmth which is psychologically fulfilling. The color red has been associated with poor moods in examination performance among students because students exposed to red interior decorations before exams were identified with negative performance in their examinations.
Based on the theoretic and case analysis, it indicates that different colors contain strong influences on people’s spirit and mind in different ways. Therefore, choosing proper colors for a certain environment is important in establishing visual illusions of the emotions and moods. At the same time, specialists in the field of design may acknowledge the power of colors in changing the mood and attitude of individuals.
- Emotional Impact of color on culture, personality
However, the topic on interior design and their impact on people’s mood have been elusive because not much study has been done to ascertain the functionality of the colors. Maier and Andrew stated that so far there is very little documented empirical and theoretical work ascertaining claims that decorations influence psychological functioning thus determining mood (Elliot & Maier, 2007). This could be attributed to the realization that interior decorations and color preferences are personal and at times rooted in culture or our personality. Citing evidence is the use of white color which is adored by Western countries for representing innocence and purity whereas the same color symbolizes loss and mourning in the Eastern countries.
As people grow up, they constantly associate with some colors more than others and this makes them reserved when selecting colors for interior designs. Whereas some people remember decorations with nostalgia and past memories, cloth designers have often matched and paired some colors for special events and this creates the mood for the attendants to social gatherings. In the long run, the events are made memorable in the minds of the people simply because of the decorations that set in the mood for the big event. According to the director of the color association of the United States, Mr. Leslie Harrington, emphasizes that people interact differently with colors and decorations depending on their past experiences, personal encounter with the color and this is measured with our cultural believes as well as our social lives.
In order to further the belief that interior decorations have an impact on people’s moods at times depends on the personality. A specific example of this is that historical palaces have been famed for being coated with golden artifacts and paintings. Other households used gold to symbolize loyalty therefore its becomes rife that the golden decorations set the mood for superiority among the leaders while creating the sense of servitude in the other people who were made to believe that golden colors set the mood for respect or fear.
- The utilization of color in interior design
The utilization of color in organizing and improving interior design is a way of motivating the occupants in feeling pleasure while in the place. From week to week, people increasingly are made better use of them. This is because the use of color has been known to recreate places and make them attractive and appealing to the eyes (Shevell & Kingdom, 2008, p. 17). Consequently, the human brain gets used to some decorations and designs to the extent that it becomes hard for some kind of mood to be rekindled in the same setting yet a change of color is appreciated. When the human brain becomes adapted to a certain environment or setting, it becomes increasingly hard to change the mood which slowly reverts to normal or gloomy. It is said that successful architects have embraced the ideals of proper designing planning and construction of buildings basing on natural lighting, general landscape and the interior furnishing of a room are largely dependent on the requirements of the building (Dutton, 2003, p.26). Furthermore, in a statement made by Jeannie Mai, a television host for the Style Network, modern day ladies have embraced the use of decorative therapies that help them in curing mood disorders (O’Connor, 2011).
- Limitation of effects of color
With the widely utilization of color in interior design, more skeptical account has been emerged. Modern research has identified that color therapies used in mood treatment only last for a short period of time. This means that the color theory only provides a short lived effect on the human mood. The research findings are true but it seems that even though the effect of decorations on a person’s mood might be short lived, it is acknowledgeable that there is a connection between color choice and change in mood (The Seattle Times, 2008). In fact, the limitation of effects of color serves as a marginal important part so that there is no need to be considered it.
- Conclusion
To sum up, this essay has discussed the fact that color elicits people’s moods, physical feelings and emotions. Reflecting back on psychologists indicate that the human eye perceives colors differently which further influences the person’s mood and it is evident that there is a relationship between colors used in interior design and a person’s mood. As a result, color has proved to play a major role in interior design and it is evident that interior designs have profound effects on human moods but the effects are at times dependent on the situation, personal judgment and culture. Owing to these impacts, it therefore becomes necessary for designers to choose colors that may bring out the desired effect to the immediate occupants or dwellers of the place.
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