The Psychology of Colour – What It Really Means for Your Home Decor

Choosing paint colours can feel like a bit of a minefield, can’t it? One minute you're convinced you’re going bold, the next you’re clutching a tester pot of off-white and wondering if it’s too safe.

But here’s the thing—colour isn’t just about what looks good. It’s about what feels right.

This is where the psychology of colour comes in. Certain shades naturally make us feel calm, uplifted, energised or cosy. So if you’ve ever wondered why your bedroom doesn’t feel restful, or why your kitchen doesn’t quite spark joy—it could be down to the colours on your walls.

Let’s take a little tour through the rainbow and chat about what each colour says—and how to use them to create a home that feels exactly how you want it to..

Yellow – Hello, sunshine!

Yellow is all about warmth, happiness and positivity. It lifts your mood and brings energy into a space—perfect for anywhere you want to feel cheerful and awake.

Great for:

Kitchens and breakfast nooks
Hallways that need brightening up
Home offices that need a bit of a pick-me-up

Try:
Dulux Heritage Pale Cream | Farrow & Ball Duster | Little Greene Giallo | Laura Ashley Sunshine

Blue – Calm, cool, collected

If you’re after a space that feels peaceful, fresh and a little bit serene, blue is your go-to. Lighter blues are breezy and clean, while deeper tones are perfect for cosying up.

Great for:

Bedrooms (especially if you struggle to switch off)
Bathrooms for that spa-like feel
Studies or home offices where you want to focus

Try:
Dulux Heritage DH Indigo | Farrow & Ball Kakelugn | Little Greene Hicks’ Blue | Laura Ashley Duck Egg

Green – Nature’s neutral

Green is one of the most versatile colours out there. It’s calming, grounding, and brings that fresh, outdoorsy feel into your home—without needing to fill the place with plants (unless you want to!).

Great for:

Living rooms that feel calm and welcoming
Bedrooms for a restful escape
Kitchens and dining rooms for that organic, nature-connected feel

Try:
Dulux Heritage Sage Green | Farrow & Ball Dibber | Little Greene Boringdon Green | Craig & Rose Deep Adam Green | DCO Colour of the Year 2025 – Mojito

Red – Bold and beautiful

Red is a confident colour. It brings drama, passion and warmth—and a lot of energy. Used in the right way, it feels rich and luxurious (not just like a throwback feature wall!).

Great for:

Dining rooms to spark conversation
Hallways for a bold first impression
Occasional furniture or feature walls

Try:
Dulux Heritage Florentine Red | Farrow & Ball Etruscan Red | DCO COTY 2025 – Warm Sangria | Morris & Co Strawberry Thief

Orange – Cosy and creative

Orange often gets overlooked, but it's a fantastic choice if you want a room to feel warm, friendly and lived-in. Terracottas, soft peach and burnt orange tones all create that inviting glow.

Great for:

Kitchens and family rooms
Hallways that need a lift
Kids’ playrooms or creative corners

Try:
Farrow & Ball Marmelo | Farrow & Ball Naperon | DCO COTY 2025 – Whiskey Sour | Paint & Paper Library Caravan

Purple – Moody or magical

Purple can be rich and moody, or soft and romantic depending on the tone. It’s a brilliant way to add personality and a bit of luxe without going full maximalist.

Great for:

Bedrooms with soft lighting
Reading nooks or dressing rooms
Accent walls in lounges or snug spaces

Try:
Dulux Heritage Violet Night | Laura Ashley Grape | Dulux Heritage Wild Blackberry | DCO COTY 2025 – Vintage Port

Whites & Neutrals – Clean, calm and classic

Whites, creams, greiges and soft greys are the backbone of most homes—and for good reason. They’re timeless, versatile, and make everything else in the room pop.

Great for:

Every room, especially if you love layering with colour or texture
Ceilings, trims and woodwork
Creating a calm, modern feel

Try:
Dulux Heritage Alabaster White | Little Greene - China Clay | DCO COTY 2023 – Oatmeal | Farrow & Ball Scallop

Greys & Greiges – The easy-to-love neutrals

Greys and greige tones (that dreamy balance between grey and beige) are so easy to work with. They create a quiet kind of elegance and work beautifully with bolder accents or other neutrals.

Perfect for:

Living rooms and bedrooms with soft, subtle vibes
Hallways and bathrooms for a clean, modern finish
Anywhere that needs a backdrop with just a hint of warmth

Try:
Farrow & Ball Ammonite | Dulux Heritage Pebble Grey | Little Greene - Fescue | DCO COTY 2022 – Retreat

So… How Do You Actually Choose a Colour?

Start with this question:
How do I want this room to feel?

Then think about:

Do I want calm, energy, warmth or freshness?
Is there a colour I naturally gravitate towards?
What will work with the light and mood of the space?

Once you’ve answered those, choosing the right shade gets a whole lot easier. And remember—there’s no wrong answer. This is your home, and it should reflect how you want to feel in it.

Ready to feel the colours?

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to colour—but when you choose shades based on how they make you feel, decorating becomes so much more fun (and way less stressful). You don’t need to follow trends—you just need to find your vibe.

If you’re not sure where to start, or want help colour matching a shade you’ve seen elsewhere, just drop us a message—we’re always happy to help. Whether it’s choosing your palette or picking the perfect paint finish, we’ve got you. Reach out via live chat, phone (01388 608144), WhatsApp or email.

And don’t forget to tag us on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok with your finished spaces. We love seeing the colours you choose and how you bring them to life in your home. You might even be featured in our blog, newsletter or feed!

Happy Decorating,
Helen x