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The Healing Power of Colors in Interior Design

“Color in pictures is like enthusiasm in life”

Vincent Van Gogh

Color psychology delves into the fascinating ways hues shape our mental and emotional landscapes. Colors have the power to influence our feelings, perceptions, and overall well-being in profound ways. Cultures worldwide have harnessed the healing power of colors. The ancient Egyptians used colored minerals and crystals in their restorative rituals, while traditional Chinese medicine employs color therapy to balance energy.

As an interior designer, I’ve seen firsthand how the right colors can transform spaces, bringing harmony and healing into my own home and the homes of my clients and friends. 

Now, let’s explore how you can harness the magic of color to create your own sanctuary of healing and tranquility.

White vs Color

The Role of Colors in Interior Design

In interior design, colors do more than just enhance aesthetics—they shape our perception of space and environment. Natural light, artificial lighting, and the function of a room all play crucial roles in how colors are perceived. For example, a brightly lit room with warm colors can feel cozy and inviting, while the same room with cool colors might feel more spacious and calming as seen below in modern place lighting solutions

https://www.modern.place/warm-lighting-vs-cool-lighting/

Living Well

Sherwin-Williams
Living Well Collection

If you know or have worked with Jesus, then you know he loves Sherwin Williams! He was ecstatic when Sherwin-Williams introduced the “Living Well” collection in 2020, which focuses on colors that enhance well-being and create nurturing spaces. 

There are 11 color palettes that you can check out here and Renew is one of my favorites: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-collections/living-well

Healing Colors and Their Effects

Each color has unique properties that can evoke specific emotions and responses. Let’s explore ways colors heal and their effects through Paint, Lighting and finally Crystals.

1. Calming Blue: Serenity and Stress Relief

 Blue is known for its calming effects, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms and relaxation areas. One of my clients, Sarah, struggled with insomnia for years. After adding blue to her bedroom walls, she reported feeling more at ease and experiencing better sleep quality.

Paint: Blue walls in bedrooms or living spaces can create a serene atmosphere, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Light shades of blue are especially effective in creating a calm environment.

Lighting: Soft blue lighting or LED bulbs with a blue tint can help in creating a soothing ambiance, perfect for winding down in the evening or during meditation practices.

Calming Blue
Energizing Yellow

2. Energizing Yellow: Happiness and Positivity

Yellow is associated with energy and creativity. It’s perfect for kitchens and workspaces. My client, Cynthia, painted the wall behind her workspace in a warm yellow hue. She says it not only brightens her mornings but also makes her more creative and uplifted.

Paint: Yellow walls or accents in kitchens and dining areas can evoke feelings of happiness and positivity. This vibrant color stimulates mental activity and energy, making spaces feel more inviting and livelier.

Lighting: Warm yellow lighting can mimic natural sunlight, improving mood and energy levels. Yellow-tinted lamps or bulbs can be especially beneficial in areas that lack natural light.

3. Grounding Green: Balance and Renewal

Green symbolizes balance and harmony, reminiscent of nature. Incorporate various shades of greenery into your living room to create a serene atmosphere. Friends who visit will comment on how peaceful and refreshing the space feels. 

Paint: Green walls in living rooms, bathrooms, or home offices can promote a sense of balance and renewal. This color is associated with nature and can bring a refreshing, natural feel indoors. Here is a sample of Color: SW 006 – Cascade Green in a living room. 

 https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-family/green-paint-colors/sw0066-cascade-green

Wallpaper: Add a fabulous wallpaper like this one by Cre8ive on Amazon. 

https://www.amazon.com/shop/holguincollection/list/338UCRVMTWOWK?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_aipsfshop_aipsfholguincollection_GTP52DEDQY6R98K337P7

Grounding Green

4. Red: Invigorating Passion

Red can increase energy and passion but should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the senses. Pili, my friend and fengshui specialist, told us to add red in our bedroom sparingly. I used red accents—such as a candle and vase—to create a stimulating environment.

Paint: Red accent walls in dining rooms or living areas can stimulate energy, passion, and appetite. This bold color can add a sense of excitement and warmth to a space.

Lighting: Red lighting or bulbs can create an intimate and passionate atmosphere. This can be particularly effective in spaces designed for socializing or romantic settings.

5. Purple: Spirituality and Creativity

Purple is often linked to luxury and introspection. It is my favorite color!  I suggested deep purple accents for a client’s meditation room. She found it incredibly soothing, saying it helps her unwind and focus during her meditation sessions.

Paint: Purple walls in meditation rooms, bedrooms, or creative spaces can evoke feelings of spirituality and stimulate creativity. Lighter shades like lavender are especially calming, while deeper shades like eggplant can be more stimulating.

Lighting: Soft purple lighting can create a mystical and inspiring atmosphere. Purple-tinted lights are often used in spaces designed for creative activities or spiritual practices.

6. Neutral Colors: Stability and Versatility

 Neutral colors like beige, grey, and white provide a grounding effect and complement other colors beautifully. In a recent renovation project, I used a neutral palette as a base, adding greenery only for accents to create a balanced and cohesive look that could easily be adapted over time as you can see here: https://www.holguincollection.com/apogee/

Paint

6. Neutral Colors: Stability and Versatility

 Neutral colors like beige, grey, and white provide a grounding effect and complement other colors beautifully. In a recent renovation project, I used a neutral palette as a base, adding greenery only for accents to create a balanced and cohesive look that could easily be adapted over time as you can see here: https://www.holguincollection.com/apogee/

Paint: Neutral colors like beige, gray, and white on walls can create a sense of stability and versatility. These colors provide a calming backdrop that can be easily accented with other colors to evoke various emotions.

Lighting: Neutral lighting, such as soft white or warm white bulbs, can create a balanced and inviting atmosphere. These lights are versatile and can be used in any room to provide a calming and stable environment

Crystals healing colors and effects:

Blue crystals like blue lace agate and sodalite can be placed around the home to encourage peace and tranquility. These crystals are known for their calming properties and ability to soothe the mind.

Clear quartz and smoky quartz are neutral crystals that can amplify energy and promote clarity. These versatile stones can be placed anywhere in the home to enhance other colors and support overall well-being. 

 

Crystals healing colors and effects

Yellow crystals such as citrine and amber can be used to boost energy and mood. Placing these stones in areas where you need a mental uplift can help maintain a positive outlook.

Green crystals like jade and aventurine are known for their healing and balancing properties. These can be strategically placed around the home to foster a sense of harmony and renewal.

Red crystals like garnet and red jasper are known for their energizing and revitalizing properties. These can be placed in areas where an energy boost is needed, such as the home office or workout space.

Purple crystals such as amethyst and charoite are known for their spiritual and creative properties. These can be placed in areas dedicated to meditation, relaxation, or artistic pursuits

Tips for Choosing and Using Colors

When selecting colors, consider factors such as personal preferences, existing decor, natural light, and room size. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Assess the Space: Evaluate the room’s purpose, lighting, and existing elements.
2. Choose a Base Color: Select a neutral or calming base color that suits the room’s function.
3. Add Accents: Incorporate accent colors to highlight features and add depth.
4. Test Samples: Paint small sections to see how colors interact with light and other elements.
5. Balance and Adjust: Make adjustments as needed to ensure a harmonious and healing environment.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The healing power of colors in interior design is undeniable. By thoughtfully selecting and combining colors, you can create personalized spaces that promote well-being and harmony. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and see how they transform your home and your life.

I hope this blog inspires you to explore the healing potential of colors in your own space. Feel free to share your experiences and questions in the comments below. Let’s create environments that nurture and transform our lives!

NAMASTE