How Colour Affects our Mood

During a recent trip back to Ireland, Benny and I visited the venue where we got married to have a cup of tea (of course!) and a reminisce. It was lovely to have a wander round the gardens again and see how it had changed. We passed another couple getting married which was gorgeous to see too.

As we headed up to where our drinks reception was I was reminded of the decor of the staircase and walls back in 2013. I don't remember the specifics (never been a strong point of mine...), but there was red - and I found it quite jarring at the time. Not enough to not get married there (!), but you get my point. I could never pinpoint why but there was something about all that red and grated me and 12+ years later I still remember.

Funny isn't it, how colours can give us such visceral reactions? Since training in colour analysis and understanding more about colour psychology I'm now aware of why certain reds make me feel at odds. In terms of colour psychology, red is a colour which can promote a physical response. This response harks back to nature in that red can often mean something which requires an immediate response from us.

I was very pleased to see they've since changed the colour and it's now a beautiful grey-blue - in my eyes, much more pleasing, calming and gentle.

---

So What Is Colour Psychology?

Colour psychology is the study of how colours impact human emotions and our behaviour. Our brains process colour before text or shapes, making it one of the fastest ways information affects us emotionally. This is why colour is used so deliberately in marketing and interior design. Colour can be so impactful on those positive first impressions we're often trying to make.

How Can Colours Affect our Mood?

Blue: Calm and Focus

Blue is often associated with calmness, trust and stability. It can lower heart rate and reduce feelings of stress, which is why it’s commonly used in bedrooms, offices and healthcare environments (is it a coincidence scrubs are often blue?). Lighter blues tend to feel soothing, while darker blues can feel more serious or professional.

Best for:  Relaxation, concentration and clear thinking.

Red: Energy and Intensity

Red is a stimulating colour linked to passion, excitement and urgency. It can increase heart rate and adrenaline levels, making it energising - but sometimes overwhelming in large amounts (one possible explanation for my reaction previously). Red is often used to grab attention or evoke strong emotions.

Best for:  Motivation, appetite stimulation (think about some big food brand logos - lots have red) and bold statements.

Yellow: Optimism and Warmth

Yellow is associated with sunshine, happiness and optimism. It's a colour associated with childhood. It can lift mood and promote creativity, but overly bright or intense yellow may cause feelings of anxiety or frustration.

Best for:  Cheerful spaces, creativity and positivity (in moderation).

Green: Balance and Renewal

Green is strongly connected to nature, growth and balance. It’s considered one of the most restful colours for the eyes and can create a sense of harmony and reassurance.

Best for:  Stress relief, balance and emotional stability.

Purple: Creativity and Luxury

Purple combines the calm of blue and the energy of red often symbolizing creativity, spirituality or luxury. Lighter purples like lavender feel calming, while deeper purples can feel rich and dramatic.

Best for: Imagination, introspection and artistic spaces.

Orange: Enthusiasm and Warmth

Orange is energetic and friendly, often associated with enthusiasm and social connection. It can boost mood and encourage interaction but as with other colours, may feel overpowering if overused.

Best for: Social spaces, motivation and warmth.

Black, White, and Neutral Tones

• Black can convey elegance, power or mystery. But too much black may feel heavy and can give feelings of aloofness - something which is particularly when considering workwear.

• White represents clarity, simplicity and cleanliness often creating a sense of openness.

• Neutral tones like beige, grey and taupe provide calm and balance, allowing other colours to stand out.

---

Why Colour Affects Us So Strongly

Colour influences us both psychologically and physiologically. Some responses are learned through culture, memory or personal experience (think back to your school uniform colour). While other responses are instinctive - e.g. in nature red can signal danger or urgency, while green often signals safety and abundance. Interesting, isn't it?

During a colour analysis I often discuss how our mood, environment, lighting and even personal story all shape how we experience colour. These chats all form part of the bespoke nature of my colour analysis sessions - it's not just about what a colour looks like on you, it's also how that colour makes you feel.

Using Colour Intentionally

By understanding colour psychology, we can make more mindful choices:

• Use calming colours in spaces meant for rest or focus and choose appropriately.

• Affect how we would like to be perceived by those around us when considering our workwear wardrobe.

• Choose energizing colours where motivation or interaction is required.

• Balance bold colours with neutrals to avoid sensory overload.

• Feel in harmony with our mood when getting dressed.

Colour is more than decoration - it’s a powerful emotional tool. Whether you’re decorating a room at home, choosing what to wear in the morning or creating something for work, being aware of how colour affects mood can help you communicate and deliver with intention.

Next time a colour makes you feel something, pause and notice it - your brain is responding faster than you think.