Finding the slices of heaven.

Monday, February 05, 2007

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.

14 comments:

lioux said...

I Love, Love, Love the color Red!!!

Angel said...

LOL, Some how I would have thought that. You are a vibrant person and from what I've learned about you I would have guessed that. How much red do you have in the lioux flat?

LID said...

That was Great!!!! Funny I was just watching "Get Color" on HGTV when I went to read your blog... weird... sort of spooky! I learned so much about RED today, thanks! Red increases the hunger huh? Good to know! Great Pic...Beautiful!

Angel said...

Red is also great in the bedroom and makes one more amorous (I'd growl here but I'm trying to not make Mike right about my rated R blog. LOL)

LID said...

So my black and beige bedroom is boring? I already have enough children to feed, care for, bath, entertain, discipline, dress, comfort, console... ROFL!

Mike said...

Want to help decorate for free?

I wanted red for a wall or two in our living room. The wife won. We have blue, a few shades darker than painter's tape. On. All. Four. Walls. Actually, I like the color.

But I have held onto an idea for a big piece of artwork, something the kids and I can make to hang on the largest wall, since the walls were white. But my idea is mainly bright, primary, absolutely red.

I am color ignorant enough that it sounds good to me. To the wife, maybe another story?

And I agree with LID. Enough mouths to entertain here, too. Maybe I'll get rid of the red comforter...

Angel said...

Well, we have enough with just two here so hubby took care of that. We keep trying though. Hee hee. But that isn't right for this blog is it?

Nothing is wrong with amorous provided no cuties are actually made. *wicked smile* But then you're shifting me to my erotic writer mode and not my designer mode.

LID said...

Whadda Guy that Hubs!

I say give up the Stay-At-Home-Mom theme and just devote this space to designing erotic boudoirs... Increase your readership by 1000's instantly! LOL! j/k Love the stories... don't go anywhere!

Angel said...

He is quite a guy for doing that. My son nearly killed me so I think he felt badly. LOL

LOL.... interesting idea. Um... that could be bad and I doubt the readership would go up quickly. I almost said something fruedian and man, this full moon has my brain in the wrong place. LOL I better write some more on my new short story to dispell the demons. LOL.

I'm not changing so no worries. hahahaha.

LID said...

Good to have you back... Is it a full moon? That explains EVERYTHING! I wondered why I felt so WEIRD today. Thanks... see you're always a good source of info... Keep up the good work...
As Mike would say, "That is all, carry on!"

Angel said...

The full moon was Saturday, I believe but I feel the effects wicked. I have to laugh at that. I am a source for some info.

Carrying on. New post tomorrow as usual. LOL

Angel said...

Great post!!! I LOVE the color red and use it whenever I can. I love wearing it and want to use that color in my dining room. However, I chose red curtains so I can't exactly use that color on the walls too. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE my curtains and don't want to change them. I suppose I could put them in the kitchen since it's one of the colors I chose for the kitchen too... hmmm,

Angel said...

I have red draperies too. I have only the upper part of the wall painted red and there is a chair rail. Below it is ivory colored and we plan to faux wainscot the walls there. I need a more accurate picture of the room with the ivory bottom.

Seriously, Drama, if you need any design advise I'll help out for free. If I train in Chicago for my new job and it's near you I'll stop by!

Terry said...

Mmmmmm Me loves RED too. I had no idea about the hunger stimulation aspect, but I have had 3 red kitchens.... Maybe that is why I am now on a diet...

So what about blue?? My bathrooms are always a deep dark blue.. What does that mean??