Blue

Feeling Blue

Blue Wall

I was thinking about colors to look at when you’re feeling blue.  Then I started thinking about blue…  Whenever considering a color we need to think about hue or the color itself, then about intensity, and the value.  When we look up blue to see what the psychology behind the color is we will learn about blue producing feelings of serenity or calmness, or can cause depression or sadness.

I’ve noticed on TV shows like West Wing, they use a stately blue that represents security and steadiness.  Here we see it used in a small formal banquet setting.  Not necessarily a pick-me-up, but do we feel like it would cause sadness?  Can you picture an event with big floral arrangements in golds and oranges to uplift the environment?  What if there were violets and greens?  What would changing out the linens do?  Does the wall color have to mean that we are experiencing only one emotion?

Is there a happy blue?

Happy Blue?

I can’t imagine getting too down in this space.  But here we see heightened intensity meaning there isn’t a lot of gray to be found in this palette.  And we also have color combination helping us out here.  Color really is about relationships.  How are these colors affecting one another?  How do they make you feel?

One of the things that concern me when I talk with people about color is that they want a formula.  All blues always make you feel this way or that way.  There is so much to consider when talking about a palette.  Blue can make you feel sad (insert navy – maybe?) or make you feel secure (insert sky blue) or make you feel serene (insert blue-violet or periwinkle) or even make you feel happy (insert the bright blue of the high sky on a perfect sunny day).  The psychological tests that are done to determine these notions are done with specific colors.  We take that information and use it to help us determine what is best for each situation.  We are not signing up for a prescription for solving every unique environment.

One blue at a time for each unique environment is best!  I’m working around a happy blue in my office/studio, and it makes me happy when I’m otherwise feeling blue!  But it’s not the only color on the wall…

What makes a room look bigger?

One of the biggest misconceptions that I hear about color is that a dark color will make a space look smaller.  There is a desire from people to find a blanket statement that fits every situation.  Color cannot fulfill that desire.

Color is about relationship.  When you are looking at a room you need to first look at all the stayed influencing colors.  What is the flooring, the ceiling, the lighting?  What are the countertops, the cabinets, the windows?  How does the sunlight affect the space throughout the day?  Now you can start to look at color palettes.

Let’s say that you have a small, north facing (therefore dark) bedroom.  Dark bedrooms can be great for sleeping, but maybe it’s too depressing every time you walk in and you are too depressed to go to sleep!  You need to look at color relationship.  How is the color on the wall going to relate to the floor?  If the floor is a dark wood, and the furniture is dark as well, then it would be a mistake to go too dark or too light on the wall.  If you go too dark on the wall it will feel too cave-like.  If you go too light on the walls, your dark furniture will contrast so greatly that the room will feel smaller.  Intensify or diminish contrast in order to create a space that feels sharper or softer depending on the space.  In this scenario we would want a mid-tone color with enough clarity to have the color bounce some light around, without being too intense as to close in the room.

As a VERY general rule, you can assume that bold or intense colors are going to jump out at you and make a room feel smaller.  And more muted duller colors can open up a space.  But that strictly depends on what else the colors in the room are talking to.

I liken color to marriages.  Some marriages are harmonious and they are going to feel good forever.  Some marriages thrive on friction, and the individuals may feel bored without the tension.  And some don’t even seem to notice one another.  It’s as if each color is exists on its own and there is no relationship to speak of.  A timeless combination of color will not feel trendy and not go out of style, it will just feel harmonious.

A room will feel best when the color tricks being used actually harmonize the person in the room with the space.  So, don’t be afraid of a dark color in a small space.  Minimize or maximize contrast to create the feel you are looking for.  And always call on a professional if you get stuck!