Color is powerful. Driven by our perception and the absorption of light, this seemingly simple concept can transform any interior space, drawing on emotion to make any room feel inviting or inspirational.
Most people recognize that colors influence their mood but may still struggle to select shades that will truly enhance both their emotions and aesthetics. Colors that initially seem appealing may not play out as desired once they enter real-world, physical spaces.
This is where interior designers make all the difference. As experts of color, they understand which hues work in certain situations (and which are best avoided). They can navigate a myriad of trends and client preferences to deliver cohesive, visually pleasing spaces that draw heavily on the power of color to prompt a specific mood or vibe.
This ability stems, in some part, from an intrinsic “taste” for color; some people simply find it easier to determine which shades go together and how they play up (or detract from) aesthetics. Beyond this, however, theoretical underpinnings must be considered. With concepts such as color theory and color psychology, interior design can take a definitive step up, promising to enhance every palette and project.
Given the high stakes, it should be easy to understand the importance of color theory in interior design. Such concepts are best mastered while seeking a dedicated interior design degree — but we provide a helpful introduction below as well, revealing not only the effect of color on mood but also how interior designers can play with complementary color schemes and even the latest interior color trends to create spaces that clients and their guests find visually appealing.
Understanding Color Theory
Color theory forms the basis for all artistic creations. Microsoft defines this as “the art and science of using color.”
Production management software provider StudioBinder takes this concept a step further, highlighting the dual scientific and artistic components of modern color theory: “A scientific principle that explains how color hues and saturations are created” while, as a creative discipline, art theory also “examines how color is used to achieve emotional effect in visual art.”
The Color Wheel Explained
Like color theory, interior design draws heavily on Sir Isaac Newton’s color wheel, sparked by experiments involving prisms and sunlight. Newton refuted long-held assumptions about mixing light and dark, instead reflecting white light into a simple prism to produce the colors of the visible spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
Newton arranged these colors into a circular representation, although Johann Wolfgang von Goethe later made significant adjustments to achieve today’s recognizable color wheel. This valuable tool is now a mainstay of art education, and it’s also used extensively by interior designers. Many designers rely on the color wheel to drive effective color schemes while maintaining harmony and achieving contrast to make key elements pop.
Color Relationships
While many regard colors as singular entities, interior designers recognize that the presence of one color can shape how we perceive others. This is best conveyed through the concept of clashing: colors that are too similar (but slightly different) have a jarring effect. Hence, our displeasure when viewing navy blue and black together, for example — or when combining different types of neon.
Other color relationships are far more desirable. Namely, complementary color design is highly sought after when colors occupy opposite sides of the color wheel. This can deliver a punchy, high-contrast appearance — such as the color scheme conveyed by a blend of red and green during the holiday season. Similarly, combinations like blue and orange or yellow and purple frequently show up in graphic design, team colors, and other applications.
Interior designers tend to gravitate toward analogous colors, which can be found in adjacent locations on the color wheel. Blue and green, in particular, are favored for calming spaces, as they create a harmonious effect and can be cohesive even without the extensive use of neutrals. For a blend of contrast and harmony, interior designers seek out triadic color combinations, featuring hues that are evenly spaced throughout the color wheel.
Psychological Effects of Color
Many people can recognize the emotional impact of color in their own lives. Simply wearing a brightly colored shirt, for example, can provide an instant pick-me-up, while time spent among colors that reflect nature (green, blues, or even earthy hues) can produce a much-needed sense of calm. Increasingly, however, research verifies this effect, revealing how colors influence both our mood as well as our behavior and even decisions as consumers.
Colors and Emotions
Colors and strategic color combinations have the unique ability to shape our emotions. This explains why some interior environments feel so peaceful while others spark creativity — and why poorly designed spaces leave people feeling ill at ease.
Common associations revealed through research include red’s ties to strong feelings such as anger or love, along with yellow’s tendency to spark joyful feelings. Research also demonstrates that, due to their strong emotional impact, colors can alter consumer perceptions and behavior. Blue interiors, for example, are regarded as “more likable” than their orange counterparts.
Choosing Colors for Desired Effects
When determining which colors to feature, designers should consider client preferences and the generally agreed-upon functions of various spaces. For instance, bedrooms and bathrooms are typically thought of as calming oases, while living rooms may provide more opportunities to add dynamic details. Ideally, designers will identify the core functions or goals of each space, then which types of colors or color combinations might achieve these intended effects.
While certain colors tend to evoke desirable emotions, any color can lose its power when used in excess. Humans are drawn to variety and contrast, although (perhaps frustratingly) they also demand harmony and cohesive spaces. To satisfy these seemingly competing desires, designers depend on the three-color rule. This helps inform the extent to which any color or group of colors should be featured.
According to the three-color rule, a dominant color should occupy about 60% of any space, while secondary colors account for an additional 30%. A carefully selected secondary color can add depth and will frequently be found on furniture or decorative backsplash. Meanwhile, the dominant color is more likely to take over the walls or cabinets. Finally, a strictly decorative accent hue can elevate the secondary color, occupying the remaining 10% of the space.
Color Schemes for Different Spaces
While the color theories and combinations described above should be carefully considered, there is no one “ideal” approach that will prove equally impactful in every setting or scenario. Much depends on the purpose of the space and the type of emotions it is meant to evoke. These differences are best exemplified by comparing and contrasting residential and commercial designs, which serve obviously distinct functions.
Residential Color Planning
With residential spaces, interior designers must strike a delicate balance, reflecting not only current trends to help spaces feel fresh but also ensuring that designs remain relevant far into the future. Meanwhile, the ideal interior design will produce a sense of calm or serenity, delivering a personal oasis in which residents can find respite from the stresses of the real world.
Despite these restrictions, residential spaces provide plenty of opportunities for experimentation. Often, these reflect the aesthetic preferences of each client, also drawing on local trends or environmental features for further inspiration. However, functionality must remain a priority, with residential spaces striving to maintain maximum flow while minimizing maintenance complications.
Commercial Color Strategy
Commercial color selections tend to focus on satisfying consumers, although employee preferences may be top of mind when designing offices or other workspaces. Either way, commercial design calls for an added emphasis on branding; spaces must be visually pleasing and highly functional, yet they must feel true to the core values and vision of the given organization.
In this context, color selection should emphasize the type of business or industry, along with considerations surrounding target audiences. What works for a financial institution, for instance, may prove undesirable for a marketing agency or a fast-food restaurant.
In addition, consistency must be prioritized for commercial strategies, so there may be fewer chances for experimentation. The ultimate goal is to deliver a cohesive brand experience, which should align closely not only with multiple commercial spaces but also with logos, print materials and even digital marketing initiatives.
Trends in Color and Interior Design
Universal color theories always warrant consideration, but trends also come into play. Certain color schemes may seem more or less desirable at certain times, simply because people are exposed to them as part of the ever-evolving trend cycle. There’s no need to avoid these, but they must be balanced against desirable qualities such as timelessness.
Current Color Trends
In response to years of neutrals, interior designers are now eager to play with richer shades of brown or vibrant hues such as crimson. Many also favor warm peachy hues or “feminine” shades of pink. Neutrals still have plenty to offer, but they are increasingly yellow-based, rather than relying on the all-white or grey-inspired looks of yesteryear.
Timeless vs. Trendy Colors
Interior designers might enjoy playing with trends, but they must remain cognizant of a difficult reality: Colors that seem chic at the moment could seem far less desirable in a few short years. This conundrum exists across all fashion-oriented practices but plays out a bit differently with interior design, given the sheer cost and complexity of adjusting suddenly outdated color schemes.
Of course, even neutrals have their limits, as evidenced by the recent skepticism of the supposedly timeless white-dominant interior. Increasingly, it’s evident that specific colors are not necessarily key to making spaces feel timeless or on-trend; rather, it’s all about proportions. When interior design color schemes remain true to the three-color rule, nearly any accent color can be deemed timeless.
Practical Tips for Implementing Color Theory
Color theory can bring greater understanding to color selection, but some interior designers may still struggle to integrate critical concepts into their everyday work. This is where color blocking techniques can prove helpful. Frequently used in the fashion world, this relies on solid blocks of color to deliver a cohesive yet striking aesthetic. These additional suggestions can further optimize color planning for interiors:
Starting With Neutral Bases
Because opinions about vibrant colors can vary dramatically, most interior designers prefer to stick with neutrals as dominant colors — but while integrating brighter hues to add pops of visual interest.
Proceed with caution, however, as not all neutrals will spark a positive response. While some people feel drawn to the drama or sophistication of black-heavy color schemes, for example, experts believe that darker colors are associated with negative emotions.
Experimenting With Textures and Materials
Color represents just one of many aesthetic opportunities available to designers. Increasingly, many incorporate textures to make spaces feel more dynamic. This approach can make it easier to pull off monochromatic color schemes, with rough or smooth elements inviting a unique form of contrast that is less reliant on color. Coarse or reflective surfaces can deliver decidedly different vibes, with textured fabrics elevating the perception of comfort and patterns delivering added visual interest.
Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
Many talented designers reveal the power of color, relying on many distinct color schemes to create beautiful, immersive spaces that remain true to homeowner preferences or brand identities. We highlight several powerful examples below:
Success Stories in Color Transformations
A few simple changes can make a world of difference in both modest homes and vast commercial spaces, where color transformations promise to deliver calm, creativity, and numerous other desired effects.
- Decorilla’s bold hotel design – Interior design service Decorilla reveals the power of purposefully eclectic designs, with an evocative before-and-after feature demonstrating how vibrant palettes can create mesmerizing spaces without feeling overly cluttered. Transforming a drab space with a striking mural, the “after” makes the most of refreshing teal but also benefits from bright pops of pink.
- Heidi Callier’s patterned dining area – Offering a masterclass in the effective use of patterns, this whimsical space (highlighted by the beloved Chris and Julia Marcum) draws on the power of the color wheel with a lovely blend of “orangey” wood and blue floral wallpaper.
- Lucy Williams’ triadic colors – Showcasing how triadic color combinations can bring a fresh feel to vintage-inspired spaces, this is another gorgeous example applauded by Chris and Julia. This living area shows how seemingly unusual hues can leverage color theory in interior design. Aesthetics are important, of course, but this space makes it clear that the ultimate goal is to reveal how designer Lucy Williams and her partner “genuinely live, rather than [building for] a fantasy life that’s much chicer than [they] actually are.”
Lessons Learned
While the examples above highlight the diverse array of interior color palettes available to today’s designers, they also demonstrate how strategic selections can influence room color psychology — and how proportions and complementary colors truly matter. When these simple concepts are applied, anything goes: analogous color palettes, seasonal color palettes and beyond.
Bring Your Vision to Life With RMCAD
Do you love to play with color? Discover the powerful theories that underscore interior color trends as you pursue your degree with Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. Available online and on campus, our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design will expose you to both classic and cutting-edge concepts while revealing how you can leverage complementary color design to create inspiring spaces. Reach out today to learn more.
