Homeowner Inspiration
The Psychology of Color
We had an especially warm last few days of winter in Seattle and the daffodils and flowering cherry and plum trees are starting to bloom. It’s about to be color time!
As designers, we are often focused on color and learning about what resonates with our clients. Color is a powerful tool in the world of home design, capable of evoking emotions, influencing moods, and transforming spaces. Understanding the psychology of color allows for the creation of environments that resonate with inhabitants on a deeper level.
Every color has its own psychological associations, which can vary based on cultural context and personal experiences. Here’s a brief overview of some common colors and their psychological effects:
Blue: Known for its calming and serene qualities, blue is often used in bedrooms and living rooms to promote relaxation and tranquility. Lighter shades can create an airy and spacious feel, while darker blues can add depth and sophistication.
Green: Symbolizing growth, harmony and nature, green is ideal for spaces where rejuvenation and balance are desired. It’s particularly well-suited for kitchens, bathrooms and home offices.
Yellow: As the color of sunshine, yellow is associated with happiness, optimism, and energy. Incorporating yellow accents or using it as a primary color can brighten up any room and create a cheerful atmosphere. However, too much yellow can be overwhelming, so it’s best used in moderation.
Red: Bold and passionate, red stimulates the senses and encourages action. It’s often used in dining rooms and areas where socialization and activity are encouraged. Excessive use of red can also lead to feelings of agitation so it’s important to balance it with more calming hues.
Neutral Colors: Colors like white, beige and gray are versatile and timeless, providing a neutral backdrop that can complement any style or aesthetic. Neutral colors create a sense of balance and simplicity, allowing other elements in the room to stand out.
When designing a home, it’s essential to consider the psychological impact of color and how it contributes to the overall ambiance of each space. By choosing colors that resonate with the desired mood and atmosphere, homeowners can create environments that promote well-being, productivity, and comfort.
Ultimately, the key to successful home design lies in finding the perfect balance of colors that not only reflect personal preferences but also enhance the functionality and livability of the space Whether it’s a cozy bedroom retreat or an inviting living area, harnessing the psychology of color can truly transform a house into a home.
A fresh blue in this West Seattle bathroom creates an airiness that showcases the natural light. Designed by Housewarming
This burnt orange accent wall paired with blue-toned furnishings provides a warmth and depth to this Burien living/dining area. Designed by Housewarming
Pale blue walls and white built-ins and millwork allow this beautiful tiled fireplace to be the show stopper in this North Seattle living room. Designed by Housewarming
Homeowner Inspiration
Collect the Beauty
I recently visited Harry’s Beach House on Alki Beach in West Seattle. It was an unusually sunny and clear day for mid-February which made everything in the light and airy café stand out beautifully. I’ve been to Harry’s quite a few times but there was something about the sun and the view of the restaurant interior from where I was seated that really impressed and inspired me this time.
The décor is a combination between beachy and cabinlike with some old school touches thrown in. One side of the bar has this fabulous handmade tile that I could sit and study for hours. Heavy wood furniture and a rustic fireplace combined with the light and buoyant wicker light fixtures provides an appealing balance. The space itself is open and airy with lots of windows, thankfully lacking blinds or treatments of any kind, allowing the light to flood in and the incredible views of Alki Beach and downtown Seattle to steal the show.
I love the gallery wall of old school nautical artwork, which adds a kind of heaviness juxtaposed to the white walls and neutral fixtures. There is so much to look at, yet the space still feels uncluttered and breezy. 
When trying to define a style or look for your home, you need not limit yourself to home décor. Finding and collecting inspiration from restaurants, hotels, public spaces and even naturescapes is a great way to define your style. Anything that speaks to you and captivates your attention can be inspiration for your home. Consider creating an album in your phone of design inspiration photos. Even if you’re not sure why or where you would use something, the fact that you love it and were caught by it is enough to make it worth saving.
At Housewarming, we love when our clients come in with any kind of inspiration that can help us to help them determine their style. Even if you think you don’t “know your style”, anything you like can be a tool to define the look that will bring you the greatest joy and comfort. Some of our clients have shown us a piece of artwork that they love or some wallpaper they’ve picked out, a piece of fabric, photos of places, even just a few colors that are appealing to them. Personally, I have been inspired by outdoor murals and public art, and colors and textures found in nature on my travels, as well as in my own backyard.
Whether you’re going about your day in your neighborhood or perhaps wandering the globe, keep an eye out for the things that captivate your attention, and collect them. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have an album of images that you find inspiring and beautiful?
Collect the beauty! It may be the style definer that you need to create your perfect space, or it just may be a beautiful place to browse for a few minutes when you need to feed your soul.