The Psychology of Colour in Interior Design

When you walk into a room, how does it make you feel? Calm? Energised? Cozy? Claustrophobic? Often, it’s not just the layout or lighting, it’s the colour.

Colour is one of the most powerful tools in interior design, quietly influencing our emotions, perceptions, and even behaviours. At Lux Interiors, we use the psychology of colour to help clients craft spaces that feel calm, balanced, and personal.

In this blog, we’ll explore how different colours and palettes can affect mood, energy, and spatial perception, so you can use them with intention in your home or workspace.

Ready to transform your space? For tailored design advice and expert guidance, get in touch with the team at Lux Interiors today.

Colour and Emotion: The Basics

Every colour has a psychological effect, whether we realise it or not. Some colours stimulate, others soothe. Some feel cool and airy, while others create warmth and intimacy.

Here’s a quick rundown of how common colours tend to affect us:

• Blue: Calming, serene, and dependable. Ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and workspaces where focus and calm are needed.
• Red: Energetic, passionate, even a little intense. Great for dining rooms or entertaining areas, but best used in moderation.
• Yellow: Uplifting and cheerful. Perfect for kitchens, breakfast nooks, or any space where you want to feel a bit of sunshine.
• Green: Balanced and refreshing. Green is associated with nature and is ideal for almost any room where you want a sense of ease and well-being.
• Purple: Luxurious and creative. Deep purples evoke richness, while lavender shades are more soothing.
• White and Neutrals: Clean, calm, and open. Ideal for any space. However, overuse may risk creating a clinical feel.
• Black and Charcoal: Sophisticated and grounding. Excellent for creating contrast, depth, or drama in living spaces, kitchens, and more.

How Colour Affects Perception of Space

It’s not just emotion; colour also changes how a room is physically perceived. This is where colour psychology meets smart design strategy, influencing how large, small, open, or enclosed a space feels, all without moving a single wall.

Light Colours Open up a Room

Soft tones like white, cream, and pale grey reflect light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. Ideal for small spaces or areas with limited natural light.

Dark Colours add Depth and Warmth

Deep shades absorb light, creating a cosy, grounded feel. Perfect for bedrooms, lounges, or anywhere you want a more intimate atmosphere.

Cool Tones Recede Visually

Blues, greens, and soft greys help walls feel further away, adding a sense of space and calm. Great for creating a relaxed, open feel.

Warm Tones Bring Surfaces Closer

Reds, oranges, and warm neutrals advance visually, making a space feel more energetic and contained. Ideal for social or creative areas.

Creating Harmony: The Importance of Palette Balance

Using colour well isn’t just about picking individual shades; it’s about how they work together to create a space that feels calm, cohesive, and intentional. Too many competing colours can feel chaotic. Too few can leave a room flat or unfinished.

At Lux Interiors, we guide clients through the entire process, ensuring that every element, from paint and finishes to furnishings, feels like part of a well-considered whole.

Here are a few go-to principles we use when designing with balance:

• Stick to the 60-30-10 rule: 60% main colour, 30% secondary colour, 10% accent.
• Use tonal variation within one hue for depth and interest (think navy, sky blue, and slate).
• Let natural light guide your choices; some colours shift dramatically depending on the time of day.

The Power of Accent Colours

Not quite ready to commit to a bold wall? Accent colours are a simple way to inject personality without dominating the space. At Lux Interiors, we often use accents to tie a room together or elevate a neutral base with richness and character.

Accent colours can be added through:

• Artwork
• Furniture
• Soft furnishings (cushions, throws, rugs)
• Lighting fixtures
• Decor items (vases, books, candles)

A neutral room with a pop of mustard, navy, or emerald green can feel intentional and energetic without overwhelming the senses.

It’s Time to Love the Space You Live in

Are you feeling closed in at home? Do the rooms around you feel flat, lifeless, or just not working the way they should?

It’s easy to underestimate the impact colour has on daily life. But when a space doesn’t feel right, it often comes down to how it’s been designed to support your mood, your routine, and your sense of comfort.

At Lux Interiors, we help you reconnect with your space by using thoughtful design and colour psychology to create a home that lifts you up every time you walk through the door. Reach out to our team for personalised interior design solutions.