Most of the information about the world around us is visual impressions, and color plays a huge role in the perception of visual images. The ability to notice the slightest shades has greatly contributed to the survival and development of the human species. Almost all people have a subconscious reaction to color: the soft colors of nature soothe, while unnaturally bright ones cause anxiety. Given this fact, in order to create a comfortable interior, it is important to understand the principles of the influence on the psyche of both individual colors and their combinations.

The impact of color in the interior on a person

Physicists say that colors do not really exist - they are just waves of light of different lengths, which the brain interprets in one way or another. It is rather difficult to believe in this thesis, because we can absolutely determine the shade of any object in the material world, and it remains unchanged regardless of the place or time of stay. Be that as it may, each person feels the influence of the color palette that surrounds him. The mechanism of this influence is not fully understood, but psychologists still know some common features.

For convenience, the colors are divided into categories according to the main characteristics: dark and light; pastel and saturated; bright and muted. Depending on the temperature, warm, cold and neutral colors are distinguished. Black, white and gray are called achromatic, all others are called chromatic. The latter include the three main colors: red, green and blue, as well as all the options resulting from their mixing with each other or with a black and white palette. The result is amazing - a person is able to recognize up to ten million shades.

Considering the psychological influence of color, it is worth noting that we are talking primarily about pure tones. Any impurity changes the quality of perception. So, for example, soft coral will have a calming effect, while rich scarlet will excite the nervous system.

In general, warm colors such as red, yellow and orange are considered tonic: they speed up the heartbeat, improve appetite, increase attention. Cold shades of blue, light blue, green relax, lower pressure and somewhat slow down the reaction. The abundance of light (white, pastel colors) the body subconsciously perceives as a sunny day, automatically increasing the level of energy, while gray, black, dark blue and gloomy purple set the person up for the upcoming dream.

In order not to make a mistake when choosing a color for the interior, it is necessary to take into account the optical effects inherent in them. For example, if you put two objects of the same size of different colors next to each other, then the brighter one will always seem larger. Dark muted tones visually reduce the volume, light and glossy ones increase it. Using these features, you can adjust the width of the walls, the height of the ceiling, place accents and zone the space.

How to choose "your color"?

Throughout life, each person forms his own attitude to the color palette. The choice can be influenced by personality traits, individual experience, mental associations, mood, and even health status.

When decorating the interior, you should carefully consider the sensations that arise when interacting with certain colors. For example, it is recommended to recall the design of the most comfortable places for you: your favorite restaurant, friends' apartment, grandmother's house, finally. You can borrow a palette from nature - it can be the sea coast, the edge of the forest, a flowering garden or a mountain landscape.

A wonderful source of inspiration can be beautiful pictures from the Internet. Find an image to your liking and try to mentally repeat it in the interior - transfer the background to the walls and ceiling, reflect bright details in furniture elements, textiles and decor. At the same time, it is desirable to observe the proportions of colors inherent in the picture, so that the same harmony is obtained in the end. It is not necessary to choose a design photo - take anything: a bouquet of tulips in a jug, a rustic landscape, shells on the seashore or a chocolate cream dessert. This method allows you to independently create very natural and pleasing compositions.

Color combination table in the interior

The combination of shades is a whole science. It is necessary to understand the basic rules, under which the colors placed together will complement and emphasize each other, enhancing the sense of style. The best color combinations in the interior are obtained using the following methods:

1) Monochrome - shades of the same color that are different in depth and saturation are used. Using red as an example, it can be a pastel pink background with brick and burgundy accents. In the blue palette - it is possible to combine light blue, turquoise and ultramarine. In the green scale - the colors of lime, olives and moss.

2) Related shades. Close tones are located in the neighborhood, in one quarter of the color wheel. Examples are blue, purple, pink; yellow, orange, red; blue, green, yellow.

3) Contrasting colors. Here, harmony is built on opposites - in the color wheel, the shades are strictly opposite to each other, and their dissimilarity creates a dynamic and noticeable pair.

4) Related-contrasting combination. In this case, the shades are combined due to the admixture of some third color in them. So, for example, in light green and orange there is yellow that unites them, and this triangle looks great together.

White

Compatible with colors: all pastel and pure bright colors, black, gray, gold; with warm it is better to use cream, with cold - snow-white.

Not compatible with colors: no (combines with all).

Color effect: creates a feeling of cleanliness, spaciousness and daylight. A glossy white room can seem too sterile and also resemble a laboratory.

Suitable for: interior of bathroom, bedroom, hall.

Grey

Compatible with colors: yellow, red, orange, green, purple, pink, blue, black, white.

Not compatible with colors: golden, brown.

Color effect: psychologically neutral, in itself does not cause emotions. Associated with shade, rainy weather, winter. Monochrome gray interior can cause depression.

Suitable for: studio apartments, bedrooms, kitchens, home office.

Black

Compatible with colors: white, gray, gold, red, green, orange, purple.

Not compatible with colors: all pastel, blurry, shaded; with yellow - a danger sign (road signs, warning signs of radiation and high voltage electricity).

Color effect: status, suitable for creating an atmosphere of luxury. Reminiscent of deep night, visually reduces space.

Suitable for: studio apartments, large rooms.

Red

Compatible with colors: black, white, gray, gold, brown.

Not compatible with colors: purple, pastel shades; with blue and green looks extravagant.

Color effect: excites the nervous system, increases activity. In children, it can cause aggression and anxiety.

Suitable for: interior kitchen, living room.