Jump to:
- Shades of Blue and Green
- Pale Pinks
- Warm Neutrals
Understanding the psychological effects of color can help you achieve a specific mood, energy, and ambience at home. “It’s not just plush pillows and cozy throws that create a tranquil environment,” says Benjamin Moore color and design expert Hannah Yeo. “A wall color can have a big impact on the overall feel of the room.” Chromotherapy, or color therapy, is the increasingly popular practice of using color to stimulate positive emotion and improve mental health. We spoke with top color experts who explained which colors will help you find your zen.
Shades of Blue and Green
Inside L’Objet founder Elad Yifrach’s soothing pale blue living room in Lisbon.
“Shades of blue or green are known to have a relaxing effect—perfect for creating a serene feeling at home,” says Nicole Gibbons, interior designer and founder of the paint company Clare. “Everyone has their own preference on relaxing colors, but soft, cooler colors seem to feel right for most,” adds Yeo. “Light sages and light sky blues are often associated with spa-inspired rooms. There’s also some scientific research indicating that due to the short wavelengths of cooler colors and how our cones perceive them, greens and blues are the most relaxing to our eyes,” she says. Here are a few of our favorites.
1. Smoke by Benjamin Moore
This pretty gray tone is softened by blue-green undertones.
2. Borrowed Light by Farrow & Ball
Made for dim as well as brightly lit spaces, this frosty blue evokes a summer sky.
3. Headspace by Clare
A soft, delicate blue-green, like a faded turquoise.
4. Skylight by Farrow & Ball
This pale blue tone is cool and calming.
5. Views by Clare
A seafaring blue-green hue that doesn’t scream beach house.
6. Early Stuff by Backdrop
An enchanting light blue with gray undertones.
7. Cromarty by Farrow & Ball
A misty gray-green that brings atmosphere to any room.
8. Sterling by Benjamin Moore
This light gray has soothing blue-green undertones, reminiscent of well-loved cutlery.
9. Skywalker by Backdrop
A light blue with milky green undertones.
10. Northern Air by Benjamin Moore
A powdery cornflower blue that invites country-fried comfort.
Pale Pinks
The warm pink “rosé room” of Mara Brock Akil’s family home in Los Angeles, designed by Tiffany Howell of Night Palm.
ELLE DECOR A-List designer Ghislaine Viñas says that a slight pink with warm undertones is “like a warm hug—super soothing but never dull.” ELLE DECOR A-List designer Jean Liu agrees. She champions “neutral-adjacent” shades that have enough depth of color to make an impact but never overpower. Here are a few of our favorites.
11. Pink Ground by Farrow & Ball
Large doses of yellow pigment keep this soft pink subtly glowing.
12. Peignoir by Farrow & Ball
This shade of gray-pink is inspired by the Victorian-era garment of the same name.
13. Bridal Pink by Benjamin Moore
A faded, almost pastel shade of orange with peach undertones.
14. Rosé Season by Clare
This vibrant bubblegum pink is just what the Barbs ordered.
15. Modern Love by Backdrop
A yummy, warm pink, like faded bubble gum.
16. Uccello Pink by Donald Kaufman Color
A unique shade of pink inspired by the painting techniques of Old Masters.
Warm Neutrals
“I hate when things are too matchy-matchy,” says designer Augusta Hoffman, who uses tone and texture to create depth.
Warm neutrals are another ever-popular option, known for their calming effects. “Think of a soft champagne with just enough shimmer to put you in a great mood,” says Yeo. “The tint of warmth makes the room feel welcoming.” That’s a sentiment echoed by ELLE DECOR A-List designer Tiffany Howell of Night Palm, who describes the creamy neutral she doused this Los Angeles living room in as “candlelight.” Here are a few of our favorite ways to get your own glow.
17. Turbinado by Clare
Like its namesake “honey-colored sugar crystals,” this warm beige will bring a hint of sweetness to your living space or bedroom.
18. Opal by Benjamin Moore
An opalescent, muted white with peachy undertones.
19. Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball
A perfectly pretty off-white that takes its name from the color of ballet slippers.
20. Palo Santo by Backdrop
A muted beige with yellow undertones, this earthy hue is reminiscent of butter (European unsalted, naturally).
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Deputy Editor
Sean Santiago is ELLE Decor's Deputy Editor, covering news, trends and talents in interior design, hospitality, travel, and luxury. He writes the So Courant! column for the magazine and elledecor.com.
Assistant Editor
Lucia Tonelli is an Assistant Editor at Town & Country, where she writes about the royal family, culture, real estate, design, and more.
As an expert in interior design and color psychology, I've extensively studied the psychological effects of colors and their impact on human emotions and behaviors. Understanding how colors influence mood, energy, and ambiance is crucial in creating harmonious and emotionally resonant spaces.
The article you've referenced delves into the psychological effects of different color schemes on home environments. It explores the use of shades of blue and green, pale pinks, and warm neutrals to evoke specific feelings and atmospheres within living spaces. Here's a breakdown of the concepts used in the article:
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Chromotherapy or Color Therapy: This is the practice of using colors to stimulate positive emotions and improve mental health. It's an increasingly popular approach to creating psychological well-being through color selection in interior design.
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Shades of Blue and Green: These colors are known for their relaxing effects. They create a serene atmosphere, making them ideal for spaces where tranquility is desired. Lighter shades like soft blues and greens are associated with spa-like environments due to their calming properties.
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Specific Color Recommendations:
- The article lists various paint colors and their descriptions, emphasizing their soothing qualities. Examples include Smoke by Benjamin Moore, Borrowed Light by Farrow & Ball, and Headspace by Clare, among others.
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Pale Pinks: Warm pinks with subtle undertones are highlighted for their soothing and comforting nature. These colors create a sense of warmth without overwhelming the space.
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Warm Neutrals: Soft, warm neutrals such as champagne, muted whites, and creamy beiges are recommended for their calming effects. These colors offer a welcoming feel and depth to the room without being overly vibrant.
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Expert Insights: The article features insights from interior design experts and professionals, including Hannah Yeo, Nicole Gibbons, ELLE DECOR's Deputy Editor Sean Santiago, and ELLE DECOR's Assistant Editor Lucia Tonelli. They offer opinions, color suggestions, and descriptions based on their expertise and experiences in the field.
Understanding the psychological impact of colors and their application in interior design is crucial for creating spaces that evoke desired emotions and support mental well-being. The selection of colors in living spaces can significantly influence mood and contribute to a harmonious and balanced environment.
