Vineeta Singhania Sharma, an accomplished architect with over two and a half decades of experience, is driven by an innate curiosity and a passion for creative problem-solving. As the Founder Partner and Principal Architect of Confluence, an awardwinning multidisciplinary firm with a legacy spanning 25+ years, she seamlessly blends design excellence with a focus on streamlined systems and processes. In this article, Vineeta explores the profound impact of colours on interior projects, offering her unique insights into how hues shape spatial experiences and elevate design narratives.
Have you ever noticed how certain colours can evoke specific emotions or reactions? From calming blues to energetic reds, the choices of colour in our surroundings can profoundly affect our emotions and overall wellbeing. But how exactly do these hues shape our thoughts and actions?
Here’s how we can make an impact on your spaces by just recreating with colours and textures
Colour is a universal visual language that profoundly influences human behaviour, affecting moods and emotions. In interior design, colour psychology shapes a space’s atmosphere, mood, and perception. Each colour elicits specific emotions, influencing individuals in diverse ways. Understanding the psychological impact of colours empowers interior designers to craft spaces in alignment with each room’s intended ambience and function. Thoughtfully chosen colours can create a harmonious design that resonates with the occupants rather than just going with your owner’s choice, and you have the option of personalising the space with the colour theory in hand, which can either make a space feel overwhelming or understimulated based on individual preferences.
While adhering to aesthetics and selecting a colour scheme is crucial, practical considerations are equally important, especially in dealing with children or pets. Light colours can instill vitality and expansiveness, lifting one’s spirits upon entering a space. This effect can be achieved by including vibrant elements or an unconventional mural on the wall. Dark hues encourage a sense of cosiness, inviting individuals to savour the leisurely ambience. Balancing colours and incorporating natural light further influence moods subtly yet impactfully. The qualities of colours shift as saturation levels move from low to high, influenced by factors like natural light. Striking the appropriate balance is essential to achieving a harmonious blend of visual appeal and functionality in interior design.
Strategically incorporating colour in a room can highlight specific elements, directing attention to features like accent walls, artwork, or architectural details. A thoughtfully curated colour palette fosters a sense of equilibrium within a space, combining varied elements like furniture, flooring, and accessories. Furthermore, the choice of colours contributes to shaping the perceived functionality of a room; for instance, cool tones, like blues and greens, are commonly used in bedrooms for their calming influence. At the same time, warm hues like reds and oranges are apt for creating lively social spaces. Understanding these psychological nuances allows for intentional and effective colour choices in interior design.
The Unexpected Red Theory
There’s a recent trend going around, `The Unexpected Red Theory` in interior design, which revolves around the strategic and deliberate use of red to create focal points, evoke emotions, and add a dynamic, energetic element to a space.
The purposeful use of “red” in a predominantly neutral or muted colour palette creates a striking contrast, making the red elements stand out and command attention. Even small doses of red, whether through accessories like throw pillows, artwork, or a single piece of furniture, can significantly impact the overall feel of a room. Red has different cultural meanings, symbolising love, luck, and celebration in various societies. Too much red can be overwhelming, so designers often use it strategically as an accent or within a carefully curated colour scheme. It’s a bold choice that can transform the mood and character of space when employed with thoughtful consideration of the overall design goals.
Colour psychology wields a formidable influence in interiors, crafting atmospheres and dictating emotional narratives. It orchestrates a symphony of emotions—bold reds command attention, soothing blues create tranquillity, and greens instill a natural harmony. The strategic application of colour isn’t merely aesthetic; it’s a powerful tool that shapes the very essence of a space. By leveraging the psychological impact of colours, interiors become vibrant, expressive domains, leaving an indelible imprint on the emotions and experiences of those who inhabit them.
