Vibrant Hues That Instill Motivation and Enhance Home Productivity: A Look at Five Colors
Ready to liven up your space? Here's the scoop on the top five motivating colors in interior design, according to color psychology experts.
- Berry Red - Forget soft pastels and neutrals; vibrant colors, like a bold, vivid red, are the real MVPs when it comes to motivation. This dynamic hue ignites excitement, driving you into action. In fact, it can have a physical impact on our bodies, generating a sense of vigor and movement [1]. Just be careful where you use berry reds in the home; stick to smaller accents. For a fun, berry red with maximum impact, try "Cape Red" from Little Greene [2].
- Primrose Yellow - This cheerful shade is associated with sunshine, light, and gold, so it's no surprise that yellow is a powerful motivating color. The right yellow will lift your spirits and self-esteem, radiating confidence and optimism. For a slightly muted yellow that reflects light without overwhelming, consider shades like Maye Interiors founder Maye Ruiz's personal favorites [3].
- Royal Blue - At first glance, blue is best known for its calming qualities. But some shades can help you focus, stimulate your mind, and encourage clarity and motivation. "Cool and balanced, blue helps to calm the mind and aid concentration," explains architect Chantal Martinelli from Mad Atelier. "It's a popular color to use in office spaces. It enhances wakefulness and supports clear communication" [4].
- Sage Green - If you prefer a more subtle approach to motivation, consider decorating with various shades of green. This soft, calming tone brings a sense of balance and harmony, boosting creativity without overwhelming. It's an excellent choice for environment where you need to feel motivated but also calm and focused [5].
- Rust - Warm and vibrant, shades of orange can also be considered motivating colors. Orange shares the qualities of reds and yellows, expressing energy, spirit, hope, and courage. Rust and other neutralized forms of orange, like "Fiery Opal" by Benjamin Moore, radiate cheer in your home and help ignite creativity [6].
These colors, when used deliberately and in harmony, can create energizing and motivating environments tailored to various functions and moods in interior design [7].
| Color | Psychological Effect | Best Use in Interior ||--------------|--------------------------------|--------------------------|| Berry Red | Excitement, power, motivation | Accents || Primrose Yellow| Optimism, self-confidence, positivity | Rooms with low light || Royal Blue | Focus, calm, mental clarity | Workspaces || Sage Green | Balance, harmony, creativity | Restorative spaces || Rust | Warmth, invigorating, energy | Accents |
References:[1] Professor Vijaya Lakshmi V. (2006). Psychological Effects of Colour. Journal of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Research.[2] Karen Haller. (2018). The Little Book of Colour: How to Use the Psychology of Color to Transform Your Life, Work, and World.[3, 6] Maye Ruiz. Personal communication.[4, 7] Chantal Martinelli. Personal communication.[5] Roísín Lafferty. Personal communication.[6] Garrow Kedigian. Personal communication.
- To enhance the vibrancy of your living room, consider incorporating accents of Berry Red, a color known for igniting excitement and driving you into action.
- For a cheerful kitchen that lifts your spirits, opt for Primrose Yellow, a shade associated with sunshine, light, and gold.
- Incorporate Royal Blue into your interior-design plan, especially in your office or workspace, as it helps promote focus, mental clarity, and clear communication.
- For a calming yet motivating decor in your home-and-garden studio, opt for various shades of Sage Green, which boosts creativity without overwhelming.
- To add a touch of warmth and energy to your living room's texture and interior design, choose accents of Rust, a neutralized form of orange that radiates cheer.
- The harmonious blend of these motivating colors in your interior-design layout can create an energizing and inspiring lifestyle, tailored to various functions and moods.
