How Colors Change the Perception of Interior Spaces

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Color can work magic inside homes of all styles. The psychology of color in interior design is a wide-ranging subject, covering topics from how color affects mood and emotions to how color affects home safety. 

 Today, we’ll focus on how color can change the perception of interior spaces as to ceiling height, room width, depth, and size. In general, lighter colors can make interiors feel larger, more spacious, while darker hues can make spaces feel smaller, cozier, and more intimate. 

The perception of color depends on the surface where it’s used. Let’s look at specific ways paint and texture (a texture that makes a ceiling or wall appear darker or lighter by contrast with other surfaces) can be used to achieve a specific look:

Lower the Ceiling

Bringing darker paint on the ceiling down onto the walls a few inches can magnify the perception of an even lower ceiling. In effect, blurring the line between the ceiling and wall. 

Raise the Ceiling

Open up the ceiling with a white or light color on the ceiling. For even more contrast, paint the walls in darker hues. Walls that are only slightly darker, just a shade or two, can make a big difference, so that ceiling feels even higher.

Not Super Dark

 The image below shows that the contrast between walls and ceiling does not have to be exaggerated. This deeper shade of pink is not super dark, but adjacent to a white ceiling, you can get the look of a higher ceiling without a dark, moody color on the walls.

Shorten Walls to Avoid the Dreaded Tunnel Effect

In almost any space, a soaring ceiling is a plus, adding lots of atmospheres and a light and airy feel. An exception to that is a narrow hallway or kitchen. Painting a tall wall in a darker color on the lower half can negate that unappealing tunnel effect, giving the narrow space the look of more desirable proportions.

 Visual Interest

In addition to shortening walls, darker color at the bottom of the walls can simply elevate a space with much needed visual interest.

Texture as Color

 In the modern space below, color on the ceiling and walls is developed with wood and brick, showing the added and appealing element of texture. This creates a warm and cozy space with tons of natural light--an excellent use of color.

That’s a Wrap

Going forward, as you consider ways to make your interiors better, we hope you’re inspired to learn how to use color to improve the proportions of your rooms, whether to make them feel more spacious with taller ceilings, cozier, wider, longer, it’s your choice. With color, anything is possible.

For more cutting-edge tips and dashing designs, stay tuned to this blog and follow us on Instagram here!

Talk to you soon,

Paula