The Designer’s Secret Weapon: Tapping into the Psychology of Colour

Ever walked into a room and felt an immediate sense of calm, or a sudden burst of energy? There’s a good chance the colour scheme of the interior had something to do with it. When used effectively, colour is arguably the most impactful element of interior design. It has the power to transform the atmosphere of a space and affect how we feel, without us consciously knowing why. 

So what is the secret to using colour to your advantage in interior design? In this blog we explore the psychology of colour, provide tips on colour schemes and share some winning designs that showcase the effective use of colours to elevate your space.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

The influence of colour

Beyond simple aesthetics, choosing a colour is a powerful design decision. Understanding the association between the shade you select and the emotional atmosphere you want to create within the space is a must. Colour has the power to instantly impact our mood and also alter how we perceive a room. Light, neutral colours can be used to create an added sense of space within small areas, while the look and feel of large, open areas can be effectively altered through the use of variations of colours to differentiate between zones.

For a tranquil, calm environment, cool colours are your go-to. Including shades of greens, blues and purple in your design adds instant ambience, inviting relaxation or focus as required. In contrast, if the room requires an energetic vibe to promote creativity and collaboration, then warm colours such as reds, yellows and oranges are a better fit. Within the Maxi Colour range, there are a wide selection of colours available to help bring your walls, ceilings and cabinetry to life, from natural tones to vibrant hues that draw the eye and create a lasting impression.

Effective colour schemes

Understanding how colours work together provides you with an almost unlimited spectrum of shades and combinations to utilise, offering an array of exciting possibilities for your colour schemes. Complimentary colours are those that appear opposite each other on the colour wheel (e.g. purple and yellow or orange and blue) and when used together, create an eye-catching contrast that adds instant appeal. Analogous colours are positioned alongside each other on the colour wheel and when paired together in design, create a sense of harmony and cohesion. Another effective colour scheme is monochromatic, where multiple variations of shades of a single colour are used across the same space. 

Beautiful and bold uses of colour 

Within the Maxi Colour range, there are a multitude of shades and hues to create an endless array of design outcomes. For example, the award-winning St Joseph’s Primary School project features complimentary colours Red Dust and Sunflower, which adds vivid pops of colour that enliven the learning centre, while the Fairfield Renovation, showcases a modern, minimalist aesthetic, with White Terrace and Natural Sand providing the perfect combination for an ambient and inviting home. 

Another memorable example where colour is the hero is the Diamond Valley College library, where the shelving and tiered seating is a brilliant shade of orange. In this project, Maxi Colour panels were fully customised to suit the client’s needs, with the impressive durability and ease of repairs adding to the suitability and appeal.

Talk to our team about innovative plywood solutions

To learn more about our Maxi Colour range and why it is a perfect choice for every interior, from residential homes to public spaces like schools, libraries and office buildings, get in touch with our experienced team for no-obligation advice today.