Julia Green’s Guide to Colour

From pretty in pink to deep cobalt blue, it’s well known that colour affects our mood. Julia Green‘s guide to colour explains the emotional response behind each hue and how to use it to best effect in interior design.

TRUE COLOURS

There’s something quite magical about colour. It’s no secret that colour is my passion but while I love it for the dramatic and fun visual aesthetic it can create, behind the scenes our favourite colours are also working hard to influence our day-to-day moods. Have you ever considered why particular colours speak to you in a certain way? It’s because colour is thought to reflect emotion, and this becomes particularly pertinent when introducing colour into interiors. Over time I have learned to tune into the subtleties of colour. When I want to brighten my mood, yellow accents are what I turn to. Likewise, when it is calm and quiet I’m seeking, it is the deepest shades of blue that come to the fore. The ability of colours to influence our moods and emotions — without us even realising it — should not be underestimated.

THINK PINK

​The prettiest hue conceptualises romance, flowers and femininity, and symbolises hope and awareness. Pink comes in a huge variety of shades, with its psychological impact ranging from calming to stimulating. A bright, bold pink can ​add energy and stimulate creativity, while its pale counterpart embodies the carefree days of childhood and promotes feelings of love and playfulness. If pink appeals, try introducing it into your home. Be brave and don’t just reserve it for feminine spaces alone as it can work in any room in the house — take it to the living room if you love it.

GOING GREEN

Green tends to get the nod for the most universally popular colour and it is also a personal favourite of mine. With a natural feel and a strong association with the outdoors, green immediately conjures feelings of tranquillity. For me, the mere mention of this beautiful hue creates a vision of freshly-mowed grass. Green is peaceful on the eye, creates harmony, balance and positivity while renewing and restoring depleted energies. Most importantly, it symbolises life. The easiest way to introduce this diverse colour into your space is through beautiful indoor plants. Trust me, once you have embraced green, there will be no going back.

MELLOW YELLOW

One of the more uplifting colours of the rainbow, yellow lifts your mood and increases your energy. Not only bright and fun, it also serves to awaken creativity, optimism and enthusiasm. When used well, this happy hue has been shown to help create clarity of thought and help with the recall of information. For this reason, it is ideal for use in a home study where its sunny splashes can offer subtle support when productivity is key.

INTO THE BLUE

For me, the mere mention of blue hues conjures thoughts of vast skies and deep oceans — natural elements as dominant as they are dreamy. This connotation with relaxed environmental features is perhaps why many consider blue to evoke a feeling of peacefulness and serenity, while blue is also known as the colour of loyalty, trust and integrity. From sky blue to navy, cobalt to sapphire, there’s sure to be a shade that speaks to your senses. And, when used in the home, it is always a breath of fresh air. Blue works particularly well in beach homes or as a feature against an all-white background. And the best bit? Blue is classic and sure to stand the test of time, making it an easy-to-live-with choice for any room in the home.

RED HOT

One of the most powerful colours on the spectrum, red is bold, strong-willed, powerful, energetic and passionate. This colour possesses leadership qualities, symbolises confidence and creates exciting emotions. It is also associated with determination and — quite possibly the strongest emotion of them all — love. But due to its power, it needs to be tempered. I suggest using red with a colour foil, such as pink as the combination of bold and subtle balances out its strength. Red is also great as an accent for shared settings such as dining rooms as it encourages appetite and is a great colour for socialising.

PURPLE REIGN

Purple might just be the most polarising of all the colours and it is often met with mixed reactions. Deep purples are rich and dramatic, appealing to non-conformists and those with creative minds. It is a tad mysterious and gives off a sense of luxury. Purple is often considered exotic and regal, making it ideal for adding a touch of sophistication and drama. At the other end of the purple colour chart you’ll find dreamy shades of lilac and heather, which can bring a calming influence to a room. Whatever your shade, a little purple patch is worth a shot.

THE GOOD FEELS

Whilst colour is very subjective, the take-home message is to tap into the way it makes you feel. Reach for the hues that give you all the right feels for the space you are working in. Colour is personal, powerful, emotive and one of the strongest styling allies when it speaks to you.

Julia Green’s guide to colour and her interior design principles are further explored in her 101 styling. For more inspiration, browse our range online or in-store.