The psychological effects of colours.

 Understanding the perception and use of colour and its resulting effects on human behaviour, is of course, of paramount importance to an interior designer. Colour can, for example, create or cause excitement or relaxation, calmness or cheerfulness, it can also stimulate and even increase productivity in working or school environments. Each person can, however, interpret or feel differently about colour, depending on and according to experiences, education, and cultural associations.

 Red:

· stimulating, vitalizing, exciting, invigorating, energizing.

· is associated with heat, blood, fire, passion, love, fertility and excitement.

· represents majesty and triumph. The colour used for warning signs.

· attributed to the base or root (1^st) chakra.

· should not be used in areas where people want to relax or sleep, or where there are nervous, stressed, or emotionally disturbed people.

 Orange:

· vibrant, warmth, stimulating, effervescent.

· is associated with friendliness, pride and ambition.

· represents cheer, good will.

· attributed to the sacral (2^nd) chakra.

· stimulates, among other things, appetite. Maybe a good colour for use in restaurants or cafés. Can cause restlessness, maybe too stimulating for some individuals.

Yellow:

· enthusiasm, zeal, cheerfulness, optimism.

· is associated with sunlight and happiness.

· represents all things bright. The colour used for safety signs.

· attributed to the navel (3^rd) chakra.

· emotionally uplifting, stimulates intellect, promotes good digestion. Should not be used where someone needs to relax after a stressful day, or is recovering from emotional stress.

Green:

· tranquillity, relaxing, calm, peaceful, balance.

· is associated with natural things and with equilibrium and friendship.

· represents nature and harmony.

· attributed to the heart (4^th) chakra.

·soothes, reduces feelings of irritability, disquiet, fretfulness, worry, apprehension and anxiety. Can cause feelings of queasiness, so should not, for example, be used in ship restaurants.

Blue:

·  cold, frost, sedation, repose.

·  is associated with coolness and with water.

·  represents formality, honesty, loyalty, and integrity.

·  attributed to the throat (5^th) chakra.            

·  can induce feelings of melancholia, maybe not advisable in a waiting rooms.

Purple:

·  regal, divine, noble, imperial.

·  is associated with royalty and religion.

·  represents royalty, wisdom, mysticism.

·  attributed to the crown (7^th) chakra.

·  an emotional stabilizer.

 The effects that different colours have on different people is dependent on many factors, not least the amount used, the value and chroma and how they are employed in the overall scheme.

It is also important to note that the surface texture will also affect the appearance of colour. Rough textured materials will usually appear darker as they absorb light and colour rather than reflect it, as is the case with shiny surfaces and materials. Also, textured materials will cast small shadows within themselves and appear darker than a smooth material of the same hue, value and chroma.

 In general,

 As the work environment has a direct relationship to employee efficiency, a dull grey or beige office, workshop, or studio could be depressing and even counterproductive. In these areas, uplifting, inspiring colour schemes should be used.

 Bright colour schemes should be used in play-school, infant and primary schools and children’s bedrooms as children at this age tend to be more extrovert. NB. These colour schemes can also (for this age group) reduce anxiety and stimulate activity.

 In secondary schools, light yellows, light greens and blue-greens can be used to create a more passive atmosphere, whilst enhancing the ability to concentrate.

 Generally, most earth colours (ochre, sienna, umber, burnt umber, red-oxide, etc.) are comforting and can be used to good advantage, for example, in a hotel lobby, or club house.

 A ‘pure’ white should never be used in rooms where people want to spend any time, with the exception of maybe operating theatres, or other medical facilities or store-rooms.

 In the health care environment a light blue colour scheme, for example, will create a calming effect and gives the impression of space.