The Best Paint Colors for Every Room, According to Science Deirdre Sullivan
Colors can convey a sense of style and set the tone for different moods in our homes. The right shades of paint can enhance your quality of life at home. To help you select the perfect hue we share the psychology behind favorite paint colors.
FOR BUSY SPACES: LIGHT PINK
There is plenty of proof that the color pink is soothing and serene. For instance, over the last 40 years, pink detention centers having been keeping inmates calm. We think the hue is perfect for any busy space where you need to be reminded to breathe and relax. Consider creating a fun feeling by mixing pink with pastel shades of mint or pale yellow.
FOR GENDER-NEUTRAL NURSERIES: BRIGHT GREEN
For a feeling of nature and balance, green works brilliantly. Because it has a calming effect, we think any green hue from zesty to earthy can work in most spaces in your home. We are especially fond of the idea of using a spring-like shade of green to create a gender-neutral nursery.
Not a morning person? Having your breakfast in a yellow kitchen can increase your enthusiasm and motivation.
FOR BEDROOMS: DEEP BLUE
While a few recent studies cited by Frontiers in Psychology have revealed that blue light increases alertness, blue walls provide a sense of serenity and protective feelings, which makes it ideal for a master bedroom, according to New York City architect John Mochelle. Look to mix bold shades of blue with lighter tones to balance the look, such as midnight blue with sky blue.
with sadness or frustration, lilac has an air of mystery, awakening creativity. It is an excellent color for sparking imagination in a hobby or craft room. Consider pairing it with a neutral shade such as gray or with pretty berry tones.
FOR DINING ROOMS: WARM WHITE
There are seemingly a never-ending number of white shades to choose from, so which one is best for your dining room? While it can all be based on preference, a warmer white will evoke a more welcoming and inviting tone in the room.
FOR HOME GYMS: BOLD RED
FOR HOME OFFICES: CITRUS ORANGE
Tara Polony, a Texas-based interior designer, shares if you are looking to make a bold, passionate statement, a shade of red can energize your space. In fact, according to a recent study by the Journal of Athletic Enhancement, the color can boost performance, which makes a red accent wall an excellent choice for home gyms.
“Orange is an invigorating color that lends a warm feeling to a room,” says New York City architect John Mochelle. Orange is also a motivational color making it equally suitable for home offices and entertainment areas.”
FOR CRAFT ROOMS: LAVENDER FOR KITCHENS: YELLOW
Butter yellow is an excellent color for eat-in kitchens. The hue boosts appetite while also enhancing one’s energy levels.
Think out of the box with an unexpected paint color like lilac, suggests Dee Schlotter, a color expert at PPG Paints. Unlike much darker shades of purple typically associated
Colors can definitely make a difference in the mood and change the effect of a room. While science may say these are the best color for each room, you’re welcome to paint a room whatever you’d like!
