Color, chosen through connection or popularity?

Our homes are represented through multiple aspects of design, one that may be noticed upon arrival is color. We can change the color on just about anything, including the bricks that laid the structure to our home but how do we go about choosing the perfect color? How do we connect to color and is there any connection at all? In some cases, the color that aesthetically looks best or is"in style" will be chosen but how does it impact our mood and based on this research, will this new understanding of color impact our selection process moving forward?

According to Kaya and Epps (2004) there is an emotional connection to color that may also be associated with culture. Over the past few years, we have seen color selection change drastically from retro vibrant colors in the 70's to more neutral colors in today's modern world but how do we relate to color overall? There was a study conducted on college students utilizing the Munsell Color System, based on the results the color green elicited the highest positive emotional response because it was associated with relaxation and embodied nature. The color yellow followed because it symbolized summer and was associated with happiness and excitement. The color red on other hand initiated both positive and negative emotions because it was associated with feeling strong but aggressive for others. This color was considered an active color because it's emotionally stimulating. According to Kaya and Epps (2004) red and blue is a color preference to most Americans but not appealing to other cultures. There's also a correlation between emotional responses to darker and brighter colors. Brighter colors were portrayed as positive, while negativity was drawn from darker colors. Peace and calmness were emotions evoked by the cool colors which are known as (blue, green and purple). The warmer colors (red, yellow and orange) are activating colors, also making a space feel tighter, which increases simulation. The achromatic colors known as (white, black and grey) were also associated with different emotions. White was considered a peaceful and tranquil color and grey was associated with sadness and depression. Color can elicit different emotions to people from different cultures and for different reasons, one example is the color white. In China, this color symbolize's death but the color black in western cultures is worn at funerals. Black is also associated with both privilege and power. Color is symbolic and can initiate different emotions based on past experiences, culture and location.

Interior design is based on multiple elements to cultivate a specific space but how emotionally invested is the client in the process and is there an emotional connection to the final product? According to Kaya and Epps (2004) the color grey is associated with negative emotions but grey is a popular color in design today. Based on this research, has our relationship with color changed and how do we utilize color moving forward? I do not believe there is a specific answer to this question, color is entirely based on preference and this preference can change depending on the room, location and cultural background. Homes on the beach may want colors associated with sandy beaches and the ocean, while homes in the mountains may use cooler colors such as greens and blues. The color chosen for someone's home should be symbolic to the individual residing in it. We spend so much time in our homes, building memories, working, relaxing and I believe color should not be chosen based on popularity but on the significance it plays in someone's life at that exact moment because just as we change, color can too.

Kaya, N., & Epps, H. H. (2004). Relationship between color and emotion: A study of college students. College Student Journal, 38(3), 396–405.