What The Colour Of Your Home Says About You

When it comes to interior colour schemes, we’re not short of choice. You can colour-match paint to any hue, virtually pick ‘any shade under the sun’ for window blinds or curtains and, for colour confidence, even invest in furniture, like a kitchen, in vibrant reds, zingy greens and cobalt blues.

But colour, “a property causing visual sensation”, not only evokes feelings and emotions within us, it’s a reflection of somebody’s real self. Our decision of what colours to surround ourselves with day in and day out in our homes says a lot about our personality.

Blue

Blue symbolises loyalty, trust and control. Those who choose blue are considered confident and dependable.  No wonder it’s most people’s favourite colour!

With all types of colour, there are variants within blue – from pale baby blue to strong electric and royal blues – but overall, blue is a calming, serene colour and people have been found to be more productive when in a blue room because they are calm and focused. Some say it can boost efficiency and intelligence.

People who choose blue have a deep need for peace and harmony in their everyday life. They are sensitive to the needs of others and like to be needed.

Blue tones work best in bathrooms, studies and bedrooms. It’s also great for small rooms. Use similar tones on the walls, mouldings and floor to merge the boundaries of the room. This creates the illusion of space.

Designer’s Tip: use a blue with a warm undertone to stop the room from feeling cold.

Grey

Grey is associated with an air of neutrality. It’s a colour often favoured by those who are cool, conserved, composed and reliable and people who like to be in control of their emotions.

‘Greys’ tend to be the middle-of-the-road types and are simply seeking a contented life.  You prefer a safe, secure and balanced existence and never desire much excitement, closing the door on the hustle and bustle of life to an impartial décor.

Pale grey is a very calming colour, delivering a practical, tranquil environment, while darker shades of grey can denote a tendency towards power and authority.

Grey is by far one of the most versatile colours and can be used as both a calming backdrop for a room or applied to make a dramatic statement when darker shades are used.

Designer’s Tip: Amplify the punch in your grey room by adding bright accents or keep it calm with whites and soft neutrals.

Green

The colour most closely connected with nature, green also says wealth, growth and generosity.

It’s another calming colour and, being located at the centre of the colour spectrum, it’s considered the pigment of balance, stability and restoration.

In its softer forms, green helps us feel relaxed and refreshed. But bolder greens are the sign for ‘go’ – reflecting a person’s energy and natural love for life.

If green is your favourite colour for the home, it says you’re practical and down-to-earth with a zest for life.

Using green in the home instantly makes us feel connected to nature and the outdoors. Using the correct shade will make the room feel like it continues outside the window.

Designer’s Tip: When choosing green for your room draw inspiration from the ones you see outside.

Pink

If your home décor colour of choice is pink you are loving, kind and generous with an underlying need to be accepted and loved unconditionally.

You are friendly and approachable, methodical and organised, although you can sometimes be rather flippant when the immature girly side of pink appears.

For those who sway to the paler pink hues, you’re reflecting a warmth and softness others are drawn to. You are romantic and sensual and sensitive.

More vibrant pinks represent your optimistic and positive outlook on life, you see the good in everyone.

Pink inspires those who are surrounded by it, for its fun and energy. It reminds us that life is for living!

Pink is best used in domestic spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms and children’s rooms. Warm colours like pink are thought to stimulate conversation and make people feel connected.

Designer’s Tip: Pink can make a space feel small. This colour is best used in a space with large windows or that gets a lot of light.

Red

Red demands attention and having red in your home matches your energy and lust for life.

You crave excitement and are action-oriented. You were given your five senses for a reason – to use them to the full, including your ability to see red!

Studies show that this colour actually raises heart rates and evokes emotion, so red rooms are not for those who feel the need to sit and chill, and who don’t want their visitors to either. If you choose red in the home you’re not a ‘sit on the fence’ kind of person – you know what you want and you’re confident in your choice, regardless of whether others like it or not.

Red used in living spaces will make a room feel opulent and welcoming. It also creates the perception of warmth, especially during the winter months.

Designer’s Tip: Set the tone of your home by painting your front door red.

Yellow

Yellow is the colour of happiness and sunlight, it says you are upbeat, friendly and creative.

It is also reported to cause the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter chemical that contributes to a feeling of well-being and so can lift your spirits.

The colour also has the power to bring out creativity but can be overpowering if too much is used.

Whether light and airy or bold and bright, yellows really help to lift any room and bring in a renewed sense of vibrancy. It’s best used in bedrooms and bathrooms and is said to evoke a stress-free environment.

Designer’s Tip: Liven up your yellow room by adding contrasting black or sophisticated grey accents.

White

While not strictly a “colour” white is heavily used in the home and I can see why. It projects simplicity and independence. People who choose all-white schemes tend to be assured, self-reliant and see the finer detail in objects and others. They are not influenced by the obvious but want a calm and beautiful life.

Fans of white decors can be ‘neat freaks’ in the presentation of their home almost to the point of being fanatical; white isn’t for messy minds or clumsy clots.

White rooms inspire positivity and clear thinking, a blank canvas with which to allow your imagination to flow.

The beauty of white is that it sets a natural backdrop and creates interest in any room. Using white in an open-plan living space also resolves the flow of any interior by creating the perception of space.

Designer’s Tip: Add a touch of warmth and tranquillity to your home by mixing shades of white.

Brown

Wholesome brown shows you are honest, down-to-earth and with both feet planted firmly on the ground. You are steady and reliable and quietly confident. You are friendly and approachable, genuine and sincere.

Brown is associated with earth tones, inspiring feelings of strength and growth. Brown furniture nods towards being connected to nature, it’s comforting and supportive.

Brown is a colour best used in moderation and is naturally suited to smaller spaces. It blurs the perimeter of the room and makes it feel more cavernous. Brown rooms are dramatic and have a natural sense of opulence. Designer Tip: The trick to making a natural scheme interesting is to use contrasting textures, fabrics and accessories.