Monday's Design corner.... Psychology of Color part #1

In college I learned many things with regard to design. I learned the history of architecture and furniture. I learned how to draft plans from floor plans, demolition plans, electrical plans, plumbing plans and so many more. An Interior Designer is not to be confused with an Interior Decorator, please know that. No disrespect to them but it’s the difference between a 4 year degree with knowledge of codes and zoning issues as well as sometimes licensing in some states.

So after being inspired by Long Island dad’s post where he suggested we share from our areas of talent or expertise I have decided to touch upon the areas of design that strike my fancy for those who visit my blog. So in keeping with LID's Toolbox Thursdays I bring you Monday's Design Corner. I hope to keep up with this, I hope I hope. LOL It will also help get me in the design mentality for my possible new job.

Today I plan to start a section that I will touch upon every now and then which is the psychology of color. In design whether it be commercial or residential (and my education is primarily in commercial and I’ve designed anything from retail establishments to schools) it’s amazing what color means to people.

The color I plan to discuss today is Red. Red is one of the three primary colors (Red, Yellow and Blue.) All other colors are made from mixing the three primary colors. Reds can range from a tomato red to a purple red (also known as burgundy.) Red is also in a grouping called ‘warm colors’. That group is associated with fire, heat or the sun and warms us psychologically.

In the home red is either something a person will love or hate. Personally I love red in my home and it’s a running theme throughout, here and there. In doing that my house has what designers call… good flow. Now what does the color red do to your psyche? Here is an excerpt from a website I found that seems to echo my college notes:

RedRed is among the most psychologically stimulating colors. It is warm, bold, stirring and energetic. This powerful color often increases blood pressure and heart rate. It often produces feelings of intimacy, energy, passion and excitement. It also stimulates the appetite and is often used in restaurants and is an excellent choice for dining rooms in the home. For a deep, intense setting, use other colors sparingly in a red room. The eye is drawn to red, so it also makes an eye-catching accent color on exteriors.

I have red in my dining room and after many neighbors have visited my home (including one right next door) they have gone back home and painted their dining room red, seriously.

Red is also a complimentary color to cooked food. Green isn’t good around red meat, it makes it look gray. I always shake my head if I go into a restaurant that has green as the main color because it does not service in enhancing the food. had a client use red on one wall in her bedroom and the rest of the walls were a neutral color.

So whether you use red sparingly in throw pillows or just curtains or throughout a room now you understand the physical effects of that color. A good note is that before painting a wall red, always always use a good primer. Ask the person at the paint desk what they recommend but trust me… red is not a forgiving color on walls so use a primer. And if the color looks scary wet in the can, be not afraid, it dries differently than that. My red for my dining room was a shocking pink in the can. *shiver.* But it turned out just fine. Red is commitment paint wise so either get a professional to help you pull the room together or ponder the color long and hard.

My dining room. Not the best picture and I'd take a new one but my house is battoned down due to the cold.