Wall Art and Colour Psychology

Colour psychology is absolutely fascinating but it is still not an exact science. Apparently, we share some of the basic emotions that colours make us feel and could affect our moods. Understanding colour psychology could be very helpful when it comes to decorating homes and offices.  Individually, most of us know the colours we like and dislike, but choosing colours for interior design requires a deeper understanding of the result of combining different colours in an environment.

So, the next time you are thinking about decorating your living room, dining room, bedroom, etc. ask yourself the question “how do you want to feel in each room” rather than “what colours do you like”?

To me, green and brown are probably the most challenging colours to work with, whether in home decoration or in my paintings. But I saw fantastic rooms using those colours individually and combined with the other colours resulting in a great atmosphere.  I suppose the difficulty most of us face is looking at all the colours in the room and realising the overall effect. This might be easier for larger items in the room, e.g. the carpet, curtains, sofa, etc. But I think equally important are the smaller items and how they would fit in the overall theme.

Wall art, paintings, photos, etc. can add a great touch to complement the overall theme of the room. Careful selection of the artwork piece would be necessary, most importantly is to select artwork that you like and gives you a feeling of joy, enjoyment or relaxation.

Like many other wall art, abstract paintings can provide a wide range of different psychological effects and sometimes all in the same one painting. The art of abstract painting is all about projecting those energies. You don’t need to be an artist to appreciate abstract paintings, it’s the combination of colours and shapes and how they all fit in that environment.

Wall art selection plays a big part in creating that atmosphere of harmony and relaxation. Whether you consider colour, theme, style or size, the main point is to select whatever you are comfortable with and bring you happiness.

“Everyone discusses my art and pretends to understand—as if it were necessary to understand—when it is simply necessary to love.” – Claude Monet.

Wall Art Design with Colour Psychology

It is amazing how the human mind sees a lot more detail than we are consciously aware of, often perceived on an instinctive or more primitive level. For example, the art we hang on the walls of a room can have a profound effect on our mood and reaction to the space.

• Telling a Story: A painting that goes beyond being beautiful and can draw you into it is absolutely magical. Whatever type of painting you choose as your wall art, e.g. abstract painting, landscapes, etc. – find the painting that communicates and connects with you.
• Balance, Harmony and Contrast:  Select your painting carefully to complement the rest of the room and create additional comfortable blending. Pay attention to the colours, shapes, forms, lines and composition of the painting.  These are the main elements of any painting.
• Colours:  Colours can be the first dominant feature in any painting – choose the colours that would make you feel comfortable. Bright colours are often perceived as happy and inviting, while pale colours can be calming and restful. Dark colours are generally oppressive in large doses but are exciting when used sparingly.
• Space: I personally prefer the concept of “less is more” as I cannot stand clutter. A busy wall with several paintings can be a bit intimidating and appear crowded for many people. It is too much visual information to take in. Again, I like “white space” as it gives more comfortable visual space between the pieces of artwork, it becomes less busy and easy to see.

Selecting Your Wall Art

In any case, art pieces should be selected with the idea of being aesthetically pleasing while also helping to ease the mind into a restful enjoyable state.

Your home is “your place” and that’s why decorating it to your liking is so important. You need to feel comfortable in your space! And, surrounding yourself with art you love will help you enjoy where you spend a majority of your time.

Plus, from a functional design standpoint, art acts as a focal point, makes a room appear finished and immediately shows off your interests and ideals to visitors. By choosing to live with art, you are choosing to bring more life into your home.

I suppose the difficulty most of us face is looking at all the colours in the room and realising the overall effect. This might be easier for larger items in the room, e.g. the carpet, curtains, sofa, etc. But I think equally important are the smaller items and how they would fit in the overall theme.

Wall art, paintings, photos, etc. can add a great touch to complement the overall theme of the room. Careful selection of the artwork piece would be necessary, most importantly is to select artwork that you like and gives you a feeling of joy, enjoyment or relaxation.

Like many other wall art, abstract paintings can provide a wide range of different psychological effects and sometimes all in the same one painting. The art of abstract painting is all about projecting those energies. You don’t need to be an artist to appreciate abstract paintings, it’s the combination of colours and shapes and how they all fit in that environment.

Wall art selection plays a big part in creating that atmosphere of harmony and relaxation. Whether you consider colour, theme, style or size, the main point is to select whatever you are comfortable with and bring you happiness.