7 Ways Your Paint Picks Affect Your Mood

There's a reason why stop signs are attention-grabbing red and spas are swathed in soothing whites and pale blues. The colors we surround ourselves with can affect how we feel, how we work—even how much we eat! Before choosing a palette for your home, read up on how your color choices can impact the mood a room inspires.

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Yellow Can Lift Your Spirits

Yellow is an optimistic, cheerful color that can brighten a room—and your mood! But choosing the right shade is the key to success, says Jennifer Agus, of Agus Interiors. “Yellow is an uplifting color, but you want to make sure the shade you pick is not too bright or too muted,” she reported to HGTV.com. “Look at a sample on your walls in different lights of the day.”

Red Can Make You Hungry

Designed by Sandi Lanigan Interiors; photographed by Beck Photography

There’s a popular myth that red angers bulls in the ring. While that may not be true, there is evidence to suggest that the color can stimulate our appetite, making it a natural choice for kitchens and dining rooms. Be sure to balance the strong color with plenty of white or cream tones. And you never know: It just might get your kids to finally eat their vegetables!

Blue Is Not Just for Boys Anymore

Designed by Adam Scougall; photographed by Yie Sandison

Researchers studying gender preferences in color have found that blue is a favorite across the board for both men and women. The versatile hue, thought to evoke feelings of calm and serenity, works equally well in all rooms of the house—including the living room, kitchen, and bath—and is becoming an ever more popular choice for little girls’ bedrooms.

Green Brings the Outdoors In

The color green promotes feelings of health and tranquility, and it has long been appreciated for its ability to reflect the great outdoors. “Because green is so prominent in nature, humans are comfortable with a large quantity of green in their homes,” says interior designer Kristine Robinson. “The color is also wonderfully compatible with many other hues.”

Brown Makes Us Feel at Home

There are so many positive connotations for warm brown tones, including strength, comfort, and security. “Brown is rich, earthy, historic—there are many beautiful options for the home,” confirms Barbara Jacobs, a color consultant for Integral Color. When choosing the best shade for a room, consider the furnishings that will share the space to be sure the undertones coordinate well.

Purple Sparks Creativity

Thought to ignite imagination and creativity, purple might just be the perfect addition to a home office or artist’s studio. Design options include painting all four walls with a pale lavender, coating one accent wall in bright plum, or using deep purple accessories like curtains, rugs, or an eye-catching sofa.

Black Adds Sophistication

Designed by Ramsey Interiors; photographed by Matt Kocourek

Just as the “little black dress” represents elegance in fashion, the color black conveys a sense of sophistication in the home. This dramatic shade can easily overpower a room, so incorporate an ample amount of white in woodwork, furniture, and fabrics.