Colour me Happy...
Did you know that colour, patterns and art can change the way that you feel? It’s true, there have even been scientific studies to prove it. But if we are honest, we have all experienced this at some time in our lives.
We can look back fondly (or not) at the highly patterned homes of our parents or grandparents in the 70s and 80s; and maybe even recoil in horror at the brown, orange and green colour palette that was so synonymous with that time. But these reactions are more than just disliking things because our parents loved them, they have an emotional effect on us.
The business world has long paid attention to the psychological effects of interior design. Corporate designers use colour, lighting, layouts, textures and artwork to create motivating, uplifting spaces that promote efficiency, creativity, happiness, trust or even intimidation. These designers spend as much time considering mindset as they aesthetics. So why don’t we?
One of the most well-documented mood altering design elements is colour. Our modern understanding of colour psychology dates back to the 1800s when Johan Wolfgang von Goethe published the Theory of Colours. Since then, researchers and designers have continued to review and revise their position on the effects of colour.
Creative expressions that fit with your world outlooks can reduce anxiety and stress. So surrounding yourself with art, colour and patterns that you love has been proven to decrease stress and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Our brains are wired to appreciate and respond to patterns and assign emotions to art and decorative elements. Even as babies we form associations with colours, shapes, images and art. A study from the UK reported that looking at art triggers some of the same responses as falling in love.
Whether or not you believe that interior design is essential, humans have evolved in ways that make them sensitive to environmental cues. Your home design can either increase or discourage productivity, intimacy, efficiency and even happiness. So the next time you find yourself reaching for something safe, stop and ask yourself, is this going to make me happy?
