I have been studying color psychology for years and I always find it fascinating how colors can influence our moods! If you are unsure of what it actually is, color psychology is the study of color as it rates to and determines human behavior.
Colors have the powerful ability to speed up our heart rate, make us hungry, calm us down, and convey subtle qualities like trust, loyalty, or security. And that’s just to name a few. Every color has myriad associations with it.
Red, for example, conveys our most innate and powerful emotions. (You can read more about red as it relates to behavior and how to use this hue in your home here.)
While I love red (it’s so strong and demands a reaction), I wanted to explore the behaviors of blue with you today, especially since we are seeing lots of 2020 trends using various shades of blue.
Country Living
As you know, Classic Blue is Pantone’s Color of the Year, and for good reason!
Of this hue, Pantone says: “Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”
Those descriptive words are largely what the color blue will make you feel. Calm, soothed, taken care of.
Spas and wellness centers use blue to convey tranquility, trust, and ease. It’s also used by financial institutions and other organizations that way to subtly say, “We are secure and reliable!”
You may also like: Decorating with the 2020 Color of the Year: Classic Blue
Naturally, different shades of blue have different color psychology associations behind them. Light blue is peaceful and calming. It’s a gentle color that makes a gentle impression where you use it. Darker blue is associated with depth, intelligence, expertise, and stability. Classic blue, as noted, is dependable and instills confidence.
Sara Richardson
Use blue where you want to convey these emotions. Typically, bedrooms and bathrooms carry the color blue well, especially variations of blue that are lighter and have lots of white mixed in.
I also love using blues in kitchens! I adore a deep, bold blue cabinet color, especially when mixed with a crisp white. The depth of the shade makes a big impression!
You may also like: Dreamy Blue Kitchens
Blue pairs well with many colors, though I love making a statement with blue! A monochromatic look, like decorating with all royal blue, punches up the psychology of the color. It’s timeless. When you decorate with lots of bold blues, it conveys that your home values tradition, dependability, stability, and depth of character. Bring in a metallic, like gold, and really make a sophisticated statement!
Another classic hue to mix with blue is white. Blue and white were made for each other. And I’m not just talking bright, crisp white. Think like a spa and mix blue with off-white or ivory to bump up feelings of groundedness, tranquility, and serenity.
You may also like: Our Favorite Blue and White Kitchens
Feeling fun and adventurous? Mix blue with yellow, orange, or even hot pink to make a young, fresh statement.
Gary Komarin
Blue is very versatile and can be used in so many different ways whether your home is traditional, modern, or somewhere in between!
What’s fascinating about color psychology is that just looking or being in the presence of these colors will create an automatic, unconscious reaction. You don’t think, “These walls are painted blue, so I feel calm.” You just feel calm.
What does the color blue say to you?
