Home Hues with a Temper: The Impact of Five Vibrant Colors on Your Living Space's Ambiance - Insights from Decor Experts on Mellowing Them Down
When talkin' bout homes, we tend to praise certain interior styles for their calm and uplifting vibes. However, there are some color choices that can bring about the opposite reactions: agitation, frustration, and even anger. According to color psychology experts, the budget's on color - it's the one factor that can most significantly impact the mood in a space. Karen Haller, a color psychology expert, explains that color doesn't just influence what we see; it impacts how we think, feel, and behave.
Let's dive into the unwanted side of color choices. Here's a low-down on the top "angry" shades and what you should opt for instead to keep the calm.
1. Red Hot
Red's reputation for anger is well known, and for good reason. "A bright red can make a room feel fiery and overpowering," says interior designer Róisín Lafferty. But fret not, for different shades of red can actually soothe and elevate a space. Deeper tones like burgundy, wine, and rust can add a rich, classy vibe without the overwhelming intensity.
At times, incorporating various shades of red can create visual depth in your design. Jessica McQueen, senior designer at ROAM, did exactly that while designing a boldly patterned red carpet for the pre-function area of an event space. The pattern showcased a blend of deep burgundy and lighter tones like pomegranate to give the pattern a dynamic look.
2. Code Crimson
Next up, we have crimson, a pinkier version of red that can be equally as aggressive. According to Professor Vijaya Lakshmi V in her paper, "Psychological Effects of Colour" in the Journal of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Research, crimson is hot, exciting, and stimulating. Use bright reds like crimson in a limited area of your space to "add life and cheer," suggests the Professor.
Take the 'unexpected red theory' into account, as demonstrated in Róisín Lafferty's home-office design, where the red cabinetry is balanced by a white wall and statement artwork.
3. Red Orange Rush
Red's neighbor on the color wheel - orange - can also be a potential source of annoyance. Particularly red-orange tones can be a tricky choice. But designer Maye Ruiz has proved that a touch of orange doesn't always have to mean anger. She suggests combining it with a hearty dose of green to create balance in your space.
Ruiz explains, "Red, despite its reputation for being aggressive, is a color I genuinely love. The key isn't the red itself, but how and with what you pair it." Take her latest bar project, Carmín, as an example, where the fiery red ceiling is perfectly balanced by an Aura Orange hue, a more orange-toned red, surrounded by a deep and calming Spruce green.
4. Opulent Violet
While reds might be the most notorious "angry" colors, they are not the only ones stirring up rage. "If I had to choose, it would be a violet color that makes me feel agitated," says interior designer Garrow Kedigian. Instead of violet, kindly consider deeper, more saturated tones like Benjamin Moore's Caponata, which has a chocolatey brown with a hint of eggplant undertones.
Color psychologist Professor Lakshmi V explains that violet can have tension-inducing and depressing effects; however, it can also promote deep contemplation or meditation, leading us in the opposite direction of an outburst.
5. Pitch-Black Agitation
Black is another potentially rage-inducing color with numerous negative connotations, often appearing menacing when used abundantly. "Black can feel very lonely, cold, and angry in a space," says interior designer Andrea Goldman. To avoid a too-stark and sterile look, introduce just a touch of charcoal gray, like Benjamin Moore's Raccoon Fur.
In Andrea's design, the charcoal gray walls soften the black framework to create a more inviting atmosphere while maintaining an alluring moodiness. Indeed, black can also symbolize sophistication, mystery, and wisdom, making it another emotional color with complex effects. It's all about how and where you decide to incorporate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which color is the angriest?
"In color psychology, red is the color most strongly associated with anger and frustration," remarks Karen Haller. "Red is intense, stirring, and can create a tense vibe, like an argument breaking out right in front of us."
The primary takeaway: all these so-called "angry" colors can also bring about positive emotions when used differently. So if you're attached to a slightly aggressive shade, pairing it with soothing, joyful colors can result in a harmonious and visually pleasing space.
Easier on the eyes alternatives:Swap out red and other warm tones with blues, greens, and light purples to create a relaxing, soothing environment.[1][5]
| Emotion/Effect | Angry/Exciting Colors | Soothing/Calm Colors ||----------------|----------------------|----------------------|| Anger, Energy | Red, Orange, Yellow | Blue, Green, Lavender|| Calm, Relaxation| — | Blue, Green, Lavender|
- In the living room decor, a bright red can cause a fiery and overpowering feel, experts suggest using deeper shades like burgundy, wine, or rust to create a rich, classy vibe without the overwhelming intensity.
- Crimson, a pinkier version of red, can also be equally as aggressive. For a calmer space, consider using bright reds like crimson in a limited area.
- Red's neighbor on the color wheel, orange, can also be a potential source of annoyance, but a touch of orange can be balanced with a hearty dose of green to create a calming effect.
- Violet, a deep and rich purple, can induce tension and depression, but deeper, more saturated tones like Caponata or hues with brown undertones are less likely to cause agitation.
- Black, when used too abundantly, can create a cold, sterile, and aggressive feel in a space. Pairing black with charcoal gray can create a more inviting atmosphere, while still maintaining an alluring moodiness.
