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Have you ever walked into a space and felt your mood shift? Colour psychology is a field of study that suggests certain colours can have different effects on how we feel: warm colours like red, orange, yellow — colours associated with passion — tend to have an energizing effect, while cooler colours like blues and greens tend to be more calming and serene.

Interior designers rely on colour psychology to develop guiding principles around how to choose wall colours, furnishings and, of course, tiles in different spaces. Those choices are based on the function of that space and the desired ambiance.

Here is a brief description of some of the basics behind colour psychology and how it may matter when you’re choosing tile.

Warm, Cool & Neutral Tones: Rules of Thumb

Warm colours like terracotta, beige, or golden hues can add warmth and vibrancy to a space, which is best if you’re trying to create a cozy atmosphere. They tend to work well in areas like the living room, kitchen, or dining area.

Cooler colours such as blue, green, or grey tend to be calming. They are perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, or outdoor spaces.

Neutral colours, including white, cream, and taupe, provide a versatile backdrop for a wide variety of designs and styles. They can make a space feel larger, brighter, and more open, making them suitable for most areas of the home.

Size & Space Matters

When it comes to selecting tiles, keep the application in mind. If you are tiling the entire floor of a bathroom, the primary colour of the tile will likely have a different effect than if you were tiling a shower, for example. In a smaller space you tend to have greater latitude to be a little bolder, incorporating accent colours that showcase your personality, without it feeling overwhelming.

It may help to create a board where you plot the different colours and tones you’re planning to use for tiles, walls, and accents to get a sense of how they work together.

Think about how these work with your furnishings, as well as how they complement different textures and patterns. A colour that may work well for a mosaic tile, for example (something vibrant, bright, etc.) may not be as suitable for a larger format tile.

Cultural and Personal Considerations

Bear in mind that the same colours can evoke different emotions and associations in different people. For example, in many Asian cultures, red is associated with luck and prosperity, while in the West it is often associated with love and passion.

Some people might also have subtle or unconscious associations with certain colours. Your childhood kitchen might have been a particular shade of blue, and so encountering that shade of blue as an adult might evoke feelings reminiscent of your childhood.

Colour psychology offers plenty of different tools to help you create the desired atmosphere. Tile selection in particular can be a great way to express your personal style and creativity. If you’d like some expert help guiding your tile choices, contact us at Trini Tile.