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Color can have a profound impact on our emotions and well-being. This guide will explore various paint colors that can lift your spirits, create a welcoming atmosphere, and even help you relax after a long day. Whether you’re looking to energize your living room or create a serene bedroom retreat, you’ll find inspiration to help you choose the perfect paint colors to boost your mood.
Get Friendly With Red
Red is often considered too intense for large areas, but choosing the right shade can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in gathering spaces. Softer red hues, like Benjamin Moore’s Claret Rose, offer a cheerful ambiance without overwhelming the senses. This ochre-tinged red works beautifully in sitting rooms and libraries, promoting a convivial atmosphere that encourages social interaction.
Remember to consider the room’s lighting and size when using red to guarantee the color enhances rather than dominates the space. Additionally, using red in decorative elements such as throw pillows and artwork can add subtle warmth without overpowering the room.
To balance the warmth of red, consider pairing it with a complementary color like Benjamin Moore’s Guilford Green for trim. This combination creates a welcoming environment.
Go for Gutsy With Pink
Often associated with femininity and softness, pink can also be bold and energizing when used in more vibrant forms. Benjamin Moore’s Peony, a hot pink shade, can transform a room into a lively and dynamic space. This uninhibited hue is particularly striking when contrasted with crisp white molding, creating a modern, eye-catching look.
To prevent the room from feeling overwhelming, balance the intensity of hot pink with more subdued accents. Incorporate faded paisley upholstery or a natural coir rug to add texture and depth to the space. This combination of bold and mellow elements creates a sophisticated look that’s far from childish, proving that pink can be a mature and exciting choice for any room in your home. Additionally, accessorize with metallic accents to enhance the room’s vibrancy and sophistication, creating a balanced blend of bold and elegant elements.
Have a Rosy Time With Muted Flowery Hues
Elegant interiors don’t have to be somber. Muted floral hues can create a refined atmosphere while still lifting your mood. In this dining room, Sherwin-Williams’ Insightful Rose provides dusky pink panels against a terra cotta backdrop of Constant Coral. This combination creates a warm, inviting space that puts guests at ease.
Consider painting the ceiling in a contrasting color like Sherwin-Williams’ Celestial to add depth and visual interest. This unexpected touch can help diffuse tension and create a sense of openness. Finish the look with trim and chairs in a neutral shade like Steamed Milk to add structure and cohesiveness to the overall design. Adding floral arrangements in complementary colors can also enhance the ambiance.
Flatter Your Complexion With Apricot
Apricot is a versatile color that perfectly balances sweetness and sophistication. Benjamin Moore’s August Morning, a shade of orange, provides a stimulating yet grounding effect. Unlike the intensity of red, apricot creates an atmosphere that can lift your mood without overwhelming the senses.
One of the most appealing aspects of apricot is its ability to flatter almost every skin tone. This quality makes it an excellent choice for spaces where you want to look and feel your best, such as bedrooms or bathrooms. Adding reflective surfaces like mirrors and metallic fixtures can further enhance the warm, inviting glow of apricot.
Liven up With Bright Yellow
Yellow is synonymous with sunshine, joy, and energy, making it ideal for spaces where you want to feel uplifted and invigorated. Benjamin Moore’s St. Elmo’s Fire brings the sun’s cheerful rays into your home, perfect for kitchens or breakfast rooms where you start your day.
Use this vibrant hue in rooms where family and friends gather to promote a sense of warmth and happiness. However, if you’re prone to anxiety, consider using yellow in moderation or opting for softer, more muted shades to avoid overstimulation. Soft textiles, such as curtains and cushions, can be excellent ways to introduce yellow without committing to painting an entire wall.
Find a Happy Medium with Green
Green is nature’s neutral, offering a versatile backdrop that complements various colors. Just as it sets off multiple flowers in a garden, green can harmonize with diverse color schemes in your home. Benjamin Moore’s Cedar Green provides a fresh, natural feel that bridges the gap between cool and warm hues on the color spectrum.
This adaptability makes green an excellent choice for those who want to introduce color without committing to a bold statement. Use it as an alternative to beige for a more lively and uplifting neutral backdrop. Green also has the added benefit of bringing a sense of the outdoors inside, which can have a calming and rejuvenating effect. Add indoor plants to amplify green’s soothing qualities further.
Chill Out With Blue
While painting an entire room in a vibrant blue might be overwhelming for some, incorporating blue as an accent color can create a soothing focal point. Consider painting one wall in an otherwise neutral room with a saturated shade like Behr’s Deep Blue Sea. This approach allows you to enjoy the calming benefits of blue without overwhelming the entire space.
Blue is believed to lower blood pressure and heart rate, making it an excellent choice for relaxing and unwinding areas. By using it as an accent, you create a visual anchor that draws the eye and provides a sense of tranquility without overwhelming the senses. To help the room remain balanced and inviting, complement your blue accent with soft furnishings and decor items in neutral tones.
Unwind With Lavender
Consider soft violet hues for a contemporary alternative to blue in the bedroom. Lavender offers the same soothing effects as blue but with a regal twist. Benjamin Moore’s Violetta on the walls creates an atmosphere that promotes relaxation and restful sleep.
Use a deeper shade like Benjamin Moore’s Caponata on the ceiling to add depth and interest to your lavender-themed room. This unexpected touch creates a cocooning effect, enhancing the room’s calming properties. Combining light and dark purples can create a luxurious and tranquil environment perfect for unwinding after a long day. Enhance the space further with plush textiles, such as velvet cushions and silky drapes, which add a layer of opulence and comfort.
Get Rooted With Brown
People often overlook brown in favor of more vibrant hues, but it can create a grounding and comforting presence in your home. Benjamin Moore’s Stone Brown creates a rich, earthy backdrop that pairs beautifully with graphic, high-contrast furniture and colorful accessories. This warm neutral allows you to experiment with bolder accents without overwhelming the space.
The versatility of brown makes it an excellent choice for creating a cohesive flow between rooms. In this example, soft blue and bright yellow from adjoining spaces add pops of color that complement the brown walls. This interplay of colors creates a balanced environment that feels sophisticated and welcoming. Incorporating natural materials such as wood and leather can enhance the grounded feeling that brown provides.
Try a Rule-Busting Combo That Works
Traditional color theory suggests avoiding blue in dining rooms because it may suppress appetite and encourage introspection rather than conversation. However, by carefully selecting the right shade and combining it with complementary colors, you can create a dining space that is both visually striking and conducive to enjoyable meals and lively discussions.
Benjamin Moore’s Blueberry on the walls, paired with white trim and furniture, creates a bold and refreshing backdrop. The addition of Fool’s Gold on the ceiling adds warmth and energy to the space, balancing the cool tones of the blue. This unexpected combination proves that with thoughtful application, even unconventional color choices can result in an inviting and stimulating dining room. Incorporate elements like ambient lighting and decorative centerpieces in complementary tones to enhance the eclectic yet harmonious vibe.
Our Conclusion
The right paint colors can transform your living space from dull and uninspiring to vibrant and mood-enhancing. Remember to consider the function of each room and your personal color preferences when making your selections. By thoughtfully incorporating these mood-lifting hues, you can create a beautiful home that supports your emotional well-being.