Have you ever walked into a room and had your stress levels instantly plummet? Or sat in a waiting room that just seemed to amp up your anxiety? You might think the lighting or the furniture is the culprit, but the truth is that it’s probably the color on the walls that is really making the difference.
Paint is more than just a protective coating or a pretty face – it’s a powerful tool that can actually affect how we feel and behave. Whether you’re a homeowner aiming to turn your house into a home or a business owner trying to get your employees working at their most efficient, getting a grip on color psychology is a must.
At Indiana Painting Company, we’ve spent over 25 years transforming spaces across Central Indiana and we know that the right shade can turn a house into a home and a drab office into a place where people want to go to work. At Indiana Painting Company we will show you just how your color choices can impact your daily life, and how to pick the perfect palette for your needs.
What is color psychology, anyway?
Colour psychology is the study of how different hues make us feel and behave. While your personal taste may play a part, some colors trigger the same emotional responses in almost everyone.
Generally, colors fall into one of two categories:
Warm colors: reds, oranges and yellows
These colors make us feel warm and fuzzy, but if you use them too aggressively they can also give us the old heebie-jeebies. In interior design, they’re often linked with energy and activity.
Cool colors: blues, greens and purples
These chill us out, calm us down and can even make us feel a bit down. They’re often used to create a soothing vibe.
How to pick colors for your home
Your home is your sanctuary, so the colors you choose should be the ones that create the atmosphere you want in each room. Here’s a quick rundown on how to apply color psychology to your living space.
Living Rooms and Social Spaces
Living rooms are where families hang out and guests come to be entertained, so the color scheme you choose should make them feel welcome and at ease. Warm neutrals like beige, taupe or soft grey create a really inviting atmosphere. If you want to get people chatting, consider lighter colors or soft yellows.
Bedrooms
BeSince bedrooms are all about rest, cool colors are the way to go. Soft blues, lavenders, and muted greens are scientifically proven to calm us down and help us sleep. Avoid bright reds or oranges like the plague, as these colors are guaranteed to keep you up all night.
Kitchens & Dining Areas
Kitchens are the heart of the home and bright, clean colors like whites and soft yellows can make them feel spotless and energizing. Here’s a fun fact: red is known to get the appetite going (which is why you see it in so many diners and fast-food logos).
Home Offices
With more and more of us working from home, home offices have become a really important space. To keep eye strain to a minimum and help us stay focused, green is a great choice. AIf you need to buckle down and concentrate for long periods, blue is the color of choice.
Making the most of commercial interiors for your business
For business owners, paint choices are a smart investment. The right color scheme can make or break how your customers perceive your brand and how well your team works.
Corporate Offices
Productivity is the name of the game in an office setting. Blue is a real brain-starter. It helps us focus and concentrate, but too much of it can give off a chilly vibe. Mixing it with some green (for balance) or yellow (for creativity) can create a really dynamic and effective workspace. Quick tip: using low-VOC paints means your employees won’t have to put up with nasty odors during or after the painting process.
Retail, Restaurants & Retail
In retail, colors can really influence the customer journey. Warm colors like orange and red can encourage people to make impulse buys. In restaurants, they stimulate our appetite and help get us in and out quickly. On the flip side, high-end boutiques often use black or deep neutrals to create an air of exclusivity.
Healthcare and Waiting Rooms
Anxiety is a big problem in medical settings, so healthcare facilities should use colors that calm people down. Soft greens and blues are usually the way to go. They’re restful on the eyes and help keep patients feeling more at ease.
Tips for picking the perfect paint
Before you commit to a color, consider these practical ideas to make sure the result matches your vision.
1. Think about your lighting
Lighting can change how a color looks. Natural daylight gives the truest picture, but incandescent bulbs bring out the warm tones and yellows. Fluorescent lighting often casts a harsh, blue tone, so always test your paint color in the room where it’s going to be, and see how it looks from morning to night.
2. Consider the room size
Color can actually change the way we perceive the size of a room. Lighter colors make small rooms feel bigger and more airy, while darker colors can make them feel more intimate, but be careful not to make a small space feel cramped.
3. Give it a test run before you commit
Never rely strictly on a small paint chip. It’s just not big enough to give you a true sense of the color. Get yourself a sample of the paint and paint a decent sized section on the wall. Live with it for a few days to see how it really feels and how it interacts with the rest of your furniture and decor.
Why take a chance on anyone else when you can trust Indiana Painting Company?
Choosing the right color is only half the battle. Proper application is where we come in. At Indiana Painting Company we’ve built a reputation on professionalism and putting our customers at ease.
Safety and Security
When you let contractors into your home or business, it’s only natural to want to know you can trust them. We put every single one of our staff through rigorous background checks and drug screenings before they ever set foot in your place. So you can relax knowing your home or office is in good hands.
Our Standard Operating Procedure
We don’t just bung a coat of paint on the wall and call it a day. Our team follows a tried and tested process:
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- Protection: We make sure to cover all your furniture and floors to prevent any damage.
- Prep work: We sort out any holes and sand the surfaces down to a finish that’s nothing short of perfect.
- Application: We only use the best paints; the ones that will stand up to heavy use.
- Clean Up: We leave your space better than we found it.
We’re Committed to Your Satisfaction
We’re proud of our work and we back it up with a 3 year warranty on all our interior painting jobs for residential clients. For our commercial clients we can offer customized warranties that include touch up services, so you know your business will always look its absolute best.
How Interior Paint Colors Influence Mood and Productivity
Whether you’re looking to boost productivity in the office or create a relaxing space in your bedroom you can rely on the psychology of color to help you achieve it. The right coat of paint can make more than just your room look great. It can actually change how you live your life.
Ready to give your space a makeover? Well you’re in good company! We’ve been serving the Indianapolis area for over 20 years now so you know we’re the painting team you want.
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