Have you ever asked yourself why do you feel so calm after stepping foot in a beautiful neutral living space or feel energised when in a vivid yellow room scheme? It is likely because of colour psychology in interior design, closely connecting colours to our emotions. Different hues conjure various emotions so when deciding which colours to choose for your home, it is key to think about what kind of atmosphere you wish to create. Deep, bold hues such as royal and navy blue are great for evoking confidence whereas lighter shades of blue instill a feeling of calm.

Grey is one versatile colour that can take on a range of personalities. This shade in colour psychology is said to influence perceptions of intelligence, security and balance. It is also said to stir a feeling of calm- a quality that is ideal for family homes with energetic little ones! As with any colour, the results depend largely on which hue you end up using. Soft, delicate hues are more tranquil and dark and deep greys that dominate a room add a sense of luxury. A warm greige (combination of grey and beige) is a great idea for cabinets and bedrooms if you want a light colour but not white.

Colour theory is a popular topic in decisions about interior design, fashion, marketing and elsewhere, but it also plays an important role in the publishing sector. While it is said to never judge a book by its cover, you are naturally likely to make some perceptions depending on the colour of a book. Blue is a calming colour, which is why it is seen on covers of thought-provoking books. Red is used to communicate strong emotions, which is why you might see it on a horror cover but different hues will also show up on the covers of romance novels. Yellow is often used for self-help and feel-good titles.

Non-white interior door colours add interest and personality to your home. Much like painting your walls or a piece of furniture, painting a door is a great way to add colour without making a big commitment. While the most popular door colours are white, off-white, brown and grey, do not restrict yourself to these classic hues. A pairing of intense shades like yellow, red or green is guaranteed to spruce up your entryway. If going for bold colour isn’t your thing, you can still experiment with contrasting shades and colour blocking. If you can’t pick between neutral and bright colours, black is a bold hue that adds contrast but is still considered a ‘neutral’ tone that works well in a variety of situations.

Sometimes in life, it is best to keep things simple. A minimalist colour palette, whether used in one room or the entire house, can promote a sense of calm to help relax your mind. A simple way to achieve a minimalist bedroom look is by opting for a monochromatic colour scheme consisting of nature-inspired colours, like variations of blue or green or brown. For example, a green monochromatic scheme can consist mainly of mint or sage green and then deep pine or emerald green as the accent colours.

Incorporating luxurious interior design does not mean you have to extend your budget or splurge on expensive decor. Even small upgrades throughout the house can help create a space that looks rich. Invest in high-quality furniture that will last, use soft, plush fabrics throughout the space and develop a good lighting scheme by adding unique light fixtures and a distinctive chandelier. Introduce artwork by printing a classy high-resolution image on a canvas that resonates with you and your space and try mounting it within a sleek metal frame. Alternatively, you can also experiment with accent wall colours like turquoise, emerald, black or purple that will bring a sense of regalness and opulence into your living space!