Living a better and more efficient life begins at home, which is why the psychology of interior design is so vitally important to creating a happy home.

Whether you’re a professional or a do-it-yourselfer, residential interior design is a multifaceted field that often involves various stages of renovating, remodeling, and decorating homes–which, believe it or not, incorporates a fair amount of psychological know-how. All the way from space planning to wall colors to how your home is organized, every little detail has the ability to create an impact – both subliminally and explicitly.

Space Planning for Efficiency and Functionality

The goal of space planning is to create a harmonious flow within a space, and when things feel out of whack, then everything from productivity to basic comfort can take a hit. This integral part of interior design might involve floorplans or blueprints when doing things like knocking down walls or building additions. And for decorating purposes, space planning would refer to where you place your furnishings within the home and how those “force” its residents to move throughout and utilize the area.  

Just because you don’t own your home or have the dough to remodel doesn’t mean you can’t improve the current situation. Making small steps to increase efficiency, and thereby creating a happier home, can go a long way. Take the opportunity to experiment by rearranging what you already have, or by eliminating a few pieces if the area is feeling claustrophobic. Leave some space around all sides of your furniture – in other words, don’t push your sofa against the wall. And if you’re kitchen is too small, invest in a small island on wheels that also has some storage built in – this could become your entire coffee brewing station in a tiny space.

Set the Mood with Color

We experience color at every turn, so whether you love it, hate it, or fall somewhere in between, it is definitely here to stay. This inescapable facet of interior design and decorating can be uplifting, stimulating, relaxing, maddening, inspiring, and more. And when it comes to including color in the home, the hues you choose can have a direct impact on your mood. Although no two people see color exactly the same (Was that dress really white and gold, or was it blue and black?), there is legitimacy to how certain colors have the ability to alter our outlooks and perceptions.

According to experts at Dream Home Decorating, just as a neutral interior color palette may appear calming and stylish to some, others may find it such a drag that only a cheerful and energizing yellow splashed on the walls could get them through the day. The site also gives great explanations on how darker colors can make a large room seem more intimate, how lighter colors can make a small space feel larger, and how warm and cool undertones can also make a difference. So, if you’re feeling blue, then maybe it’s time for an interior color overhaul – it may do your mental state a lot of good.

Cleanliness for a Clear Mind

If a tidy space equals a clear mind, then why aren’t we taking more steps to improve our surroundings? One key to a happy home is by creating a simple routine to keep things clean, even if it’s as small as making your bed every morning, quickly clearing off the coffee table, or emptying the bathroom garbage every Wednesday and Sunday so you’re not faced with seeing it full to the brim throughout the week. Commit to spending just ten minutes a day cleaning up and you may find that all of these little things can make a huge difference.

And don’t forget the importance of organizing. It can set the stage for keeping things clean on a regular basis. For example, if your shoes don’t have a home, then how do you expect them to stay off of the living room floor and out of the way? Invest in tools like a sturdy shoe rack for your closet or entryway, a bathroom organizer that hangs on the back of the door, or extra closet shelving. Ensuring that everything has a place in your home can be life changing

With so much time spent at home, improving how you feel when there is vital to your mental health, especially if you’re a sensitive person to begin with. And thanks to a greater understanding of how to lift your spirit and improve your mood, these tips should put you on the path to creating a happy home. What are some steps you’ve taken to improve your mood at home? Share your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of  Front Door via Shutterstock

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Color evokes emotion, and emotion inspires color. If you enter a room with black-painted walls, do you imagine your mood being markedly different had you entered the same room, but with bright blue walls? Meanwhile, do you find that your mood affects what color clothing you wear on any given day? These are simple illustrations of how the mood reflects color, and vice versa.

Color relates to the mind, body and emotions. Learn what the following 11 basic colors stand for and express to the world and to yourself, so you can use color psychology to your advantage.

1. Red

Red has the longest wavelength and is an emblem of physical courage, strength, warmth, energy, survival, stimulation, masculinity and excitement. It also expresses defiance, aggression, visual impact and strain.

Red is strong, basic and attention grabbing. These qualities make it ideal for traffic lights and other alarming notices. Physically, it stimulates the heart rate and gives the sensation of time moving faster than it actually is. Red can be perceived as either lively and friendly or demanding and aggressive.

2. Blue

Blue stands for intelligence, communication, trust, efficiency, serenity, duty, logic, coolness, reflection and calm. Its negative attributes include coldness, aloofness, lack of emotion and unfriendliness.

Blue generally has a very soothing effect. Imagine looking up at a blue sky and think about the associated emotions – clear thought, lighter mind, calmness and serenity. No wonder blue is the planet’s favorite color!

3. Yellow

Defined by optimism, confidence, self-esteem, extroversion, emotional strength, friendliness and creativity, yellow is also a sign of irrationality, fear, emotional weakness, depression, anxiety and even suicide.

Yellow offers an emotionally stimulating effect and is the strongest color in the realm of color psychology. Yellow can lift the spirits and lighten the mood, but too much of it, or the wrong tone of it, can have an entirely opposite effect, delving you deeper into fear and anxiety.

4. Green

Positive aspects of the color green mimic nature’s – harmony, balance, refreshment, universal love, rest, restoration, reassurance, environmental awareness, equilibrium and peace. Negative effects of green include boredom, stagnation and blandness.

Green is for the most part a symbol of balance and peace, which many of us can use in this technology-ridden world. A walk outdoors among green foliage can change your disposition in a positive way.

5. Violet

Violet encompasses spiritual awareness, containment, vision, luxury, authenticity, truth and quality. It can also evoke introversion, decadence, suppression and inferiority.

Violet can take you to a higher level of spirituality and thought. It is also a sign of quality and luxury. Violet has the shortest wavelength of all other colors, so if it is paired with a negative object or person, the color can communicate a negative emotion faster than any other color.

6. Orange

Orange signifies physical comfort, food, warmth, security, sensuality, passion, abundance and fun. Similarly, it can evoke deprivation, frustration, frivolity and immaturity.

Orange is created by combining the colors red and yellow. Orange thus takes on the sensory experiences that are both physical and emotional, such as food, warmth and shelter. Meanwhile, its purpose can backfire and cause feelings of deprivation, frivolity and childishness.

7. Pink

Pink is a feminine color that holds many of the qualities commonly associated with women, such as tranquility, care, warmth, love, sexuality and survival of the species. In this same vein, it can refer to inhibition, emotional claustrophobia, emasculation and physical weakness.

Pink is a lighter tint of red, but has soothing effects, as opposed to red’s stimulating ones.

8. Grey

Grey can indicate psychological neutrality or, on a more negative note, lack of confidence, dampness, depression, hibernation and lack of energy.

Grey is very neutral and thus is the most unexciting in the field of color psychological. However, it can veer to the negative side if not presented properly. It can take away the positive forces of other colors and indicate a fear of exposure and weakness.

9. Black

Black is timeless and for good reason. It signifies sophistication, glamor, security, emotional safety, efficiency and substance. On the other hand, it can also evoke oppression, coldness, menace and heaviness.

Black is a result of all the colors having been fully absorbed. It is protective, definitive, decisive and clear. At the same time, it can come across as too bold for comfort.

10. White

If black is a total absorption, white is a total reflection. White stands for hygiene, sterility, clarity, purity, cleanness, simplicity, sophistication and efficiency. On that same note, it can also give off a sterile, cold, defensive, unfriendly and elite vibe.

White gives a heightened sense of space and can be difficult to look at for too long. It is clean and pure but can also feel too sterile and cold.

11. Brown

Brown indicates seriousness, warmth, nature, earthiness, reliability and support as well as humorlessness, heaviness and a lack of sophistication.

Brown is black’s softer cousin. It is a dependable color, as it reminds us of the earth.

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The post Color Psychology: Evoking Emotion and Physicality with Basic Colors appeared first on EcoSalon.

When I found a little something called Colorstrology, my heart skipped at least three beats. Just as your day of birth lends you an astrological sign, it also lends a specific color that offers insight into your personality. After perusing Colorstrology, I am utterly infatuated.

Here is an excerpt with insight from Michele Bernhardt (the creator of the Colorstrology site):

“The colors that we see all around us are a reflection of the sun’s light in all its glory. It is magic made visible. There is nothing more miraculous, unexpected or wondrous than seeing a rainbow appear in the sky. You are part of that rainbow of light and just as being born on a particular day under a particular Sun sign offers insights into your personality and nature, there is also a personal color that corresponds to the real you. It is a color that reflects the very essence of your specific birth date. There is a world of possibilities contained in each day of birth.”

Click over to Colorstrology and start your obsession. After the scintillation site introduction, click on your birth month and learn a little bit about your personality. Then click on your specific birthday (by clicking on the calendar near the top of the site) and explore the depths of your character.

My color is sunflower (Pantone 16-1054), which I see gracefully lounging on the ceiling in the perfect photograph above (by Michael Eastman). In the interest of (not so subtle) narcissism, here is what Colorstrology had to say about me.

“You are not afraid to fight for what you want. You have the ability and strength and know-how to persevere in the face of adversity. You are a generous and loving person and quietly lend a helping hand to a great many people. Your personal color helps ease your tenacious spirit. Wearing, meditating or surrounding yourself with Sunflower inspires calm as you continue to learn, explore and attain the many goals that you have on your horizon.”

After scrutinizing and evaluating my personal color, I also lingered around long enough to look up the personal colors of just about everyone I know. It is only fair to warn you that this lovely little place of color palettes is somewhat addicting.

So, what’s your color?!

The post Colorstrology: A Horoscope, Except with Color appeared first on EcoSalon.

Explore the depths of black as the Chromatic Theology series continues.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of white will be present in color variations – charcoal, black bean, cast iron, domino, pewter, etc.

BLACK is a powerful color that exhibits strength, dignity, and formality. Black can translate to the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Like white, excess black can cast the notion of emptiness or boredom, except with heavy and depressing implications. Add a dash of casualty by lightening the severity of black and selecting a shade of grey (ranging from dove to deep charcoal). Because saturated black can be imposing, avoid using expansive solid black color in small spaces, or infuse intimacy in a large space by intentionally using large amounts of solid black color. Combining black and white in one cohesive color scheme uses sharp contrast to achieve crisp, tailored results; the same color scheme can be harsh and austere when unsuccessful. If your personality walks on the serious side, but with an added dose of mystery, black might just be the color for you.

Want to get acquainted with the rest of the rainbow? Indulge in the rest of the series with these previous posts.

This wraps up the session on color theory and psychology. Any questions?

(Images from The Style Files, Greige, and Lonny.)

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Dive into a pool of untainted color (white) as the Chromatic Theology series continues.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color (pure, unsaturated color in this case). To some extent, the distinctive attributes of white will be present in color variations – eggshell, gardenia, snow, cream, moonlight, ivory, etc.

WHITE often reveals clarity, innocence, and pure simplicity. White is the perfect palette to make architectural elements sing. Nearly all colors tend to distract from and compete with architecture and furnishings, but white elevates and emphasizes style and aesthetic details. White embodies the power to transcend climate, radiating warmth and coziness in the winter and offering fresh, cool relief in the summer. If used in excess, an entirely white interior can appear unfinished, empty, sterile, and bored. But when combined with the right elements and proportions, white is an inspired way to capture innocence. This color pairs well with all other hues, serving as a great frame for more aggressive colors or simply gleaming on its own.

Come back next week to explore the depths of black.

Want to get acquainted with the rest of the rainbow? Indulge in the rest of the series with these previous posts.

(Images from Elle Oh and The Society Inc.)

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Sink into glamor with a drip of royalty as the Chromatic Theology series continues with violet.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of violet will be present in color variations – lavender, plum, eggplant, periwinkle, magenta, etc.

VIOLET is a secondary color with a challenging personality. Take a mental meander back to elementary school and recall that violet is a mixture of red and blue. This specific combination of hues is ambivalent, as a heavy dose of tension exists within violet’s conflictions of warm and cool, calm and intense. Spaces and color schemes implementing violet are often ambiguous and dramatic.

Pale tints (amethyst and lavender) boast whimsical and magical reflections of light, while deep shades (eggplant and plum) are symbolic of dignity and regality (and sometimes laced with a threatening undertone). If you are new to the world of color, or your eye is less than impeccable, avoid saturated violet tones or dabble with caution (sometimes the power and force of pure drama result in discord and uneasy aesthetics). Oh, but when violet is applied with skill – the result is stunning success, insinuating artistic expression and sensitivity.

Want to get acquainted with the rest of the rainbow? Indulge in the rest of the series with these previous posts.

(Images from The Society Inc., Trine Thorsen, James Merrell, and The Style Files.)

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Plunge into a gorgeous case of the blues as the Chromatic Theology series continues.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of blue will be present in color variations – navy, cerulean, peacock, indigo, blueberry, aegean, etc. 

BLUE is the coldest color (for more on warm and cool colors – devour this post). Blue demonstrates intense relaxation, denoting simplicity, purity, dignity, and truth. This hue is frequently coupled with intellectual activity; blue is contemplative, thought provoking, and meditative. Saturated or bright, blue can be lively without tension. Blue reflects the calm expansiveness and subtle movement of the sky and ocean. Light tints (robins egg and ice blue) express soothing tranquility balanced with quiet optimism. Darker shades (deep navy and indigo) frequently have a dignified and undeniable presence – sophisticated, heavy, and potentially depressing; these dark shades of blue are often associated with authority, having official implications. Pair regal shades of deep blue with crisp light neutrals to infuse a hint of optimism.

Come back next week for a dose of glamor and drama – violet.

Want to get acquainted with the rest of the rainbow? Feast your baby blues (or sultry hazels) on the rest of the series with these previous posts.

(Photographs from Lonny, A Punch of Color, Michael Eastman, and A Perfect Gray.)

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The recent Chromatic Theology series has given me a slight tinge of color envy. Soak up this post and feed your jealous streak with a heaping dose of green.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of green will be present in color variations – grass, avocado, chartreuse, apple, kelly, olive, etc.

GREEN is a secondary color with harmonious emotional content. Green draws life from yellow, while blue lends a calming effect. One of the only unanimous forms of beauty is nature; green is the predominant color in nature – commonly regarded as the ideal color, carrying the positive charisma of all hues. Color schemes implementing green have been used extensively in offices, institutions, and public spaces, denoting the negative “˜institutional green’. Even in large doses of saturated color, green is rarerly offensive. This hue is considered innately pleasurable, sharing calming and restful implications with nature.

Come back next week for an optimistic and lively case of the blues. In case you need to catch up on color, gather a ray of sunshine or a drop of citrus with these previous posts.

(Photographs from James Merrell and Elle Oh.)

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Rejuvenating with a drop of citrus is a refreshing way to continue the Chromatic Theology series. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of orange will be present in color variations – mandarin, magma, creamsicle, rust, marigold, sweet potato, etc.

Never underestimate the power of color. Each post in this series will explore an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. (In case you need to catch up on color, gather a glimpse of red or a ray of sunshine with the previous Chromatic Theology posts.)

ORANGE is a secondary color with conflicting emotional content. Recall a few of your second grade lessons and remember that orange is a mixture of red and yellow, boasting the charisma of both colors. Orange demands attention, yet simultaneously extends a warm invitation. The intensity and drama of red are balanced with the mild optimism of yellow. If you like the dangerous connotations of red, opt for a softer, subdued effect with orange. If you find yellow a little too submissive, add a hint of personality with orange.

Come back next week for a dose of color envy – green.

(Photographs from Living Etc, James Merrell, A Creative Mint, and Little Brown Pen.)

The post Chromatic Theology: Orange appeared first on EcoSalon.

Never underestimate the power of color. Each post in this series will explore an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. (In case you need to catch up on color, gather basic knowledge and catch a glimpse of red with the inaugural post.)

Basking in the warm glow of gentle yellow is a perfect way to continue the Chromatic Theology series. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of yellow will be present in color variations – mustard, butter cream, saffron, sunflower, etc.

YELLOW is a strong warm color, with pleasant and optimistic emotional content. Yellow is the least problematic color, a cheerful and non-aggressive hue. This jovial color is highly-reflective, producing expansive characteristics reminiscent of sunlight. Soft tints of yellow (butter cream and pastel pineapple) serve as great background colors – active with mild stimulation.  Inviting yellow into your home is like ordering a glass of house wine, safe; you may not swoon for the taste it leaves in your mouth, but at least you won’t hate it either. Yellow is simple and amiable, and every now and then – unexpectedly brilliant.

Come back next week for a drop of refreshing citrus – orange.

(Photographs from the portfolio of Twig Hutchinson, Mel Yates, and Christine Rudolph.)

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