What the color of your home says about you according to science and it's bad news for people with red walls
The color of the walls in your home is something that many budding interior designers spend hours deliberating. Now, a psychologist has revealed what your chosen shades say about you. Professor Geoff Beattie, a professor of psychology at Edge Hill University argues that choosing a color scheme is a 'psychological issue, not just an aesthetic one.' 'A growing body of neuroscientific, behavioural and psychological research shows that colour is not merely a matter of taste,' he explained in an article for The Conversation. 'The hues that surround us influence our emotional states, cognitive performance, social interactions, sleep – and even our long–term psychological wellbeing. In other words, the colours of our walls might be shaping our lives in ways we rarely consider.' If you want to boost your creativity and problem–solving skills, Professor Beattie advises choosing muted green paints. In contrast, red walls will make it difficult to focus on tasks, he warns. If you're not sure what color to paint the walls of your home, you might be tempted to opt for neutral shades. However, the shade and context are crucial.
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Color is a psychological issue, not just an aesthetic one
'A growing body of neuroscientific, behavioural and psychological research shows that colour is not merely a matter of taste,' he explained in an article for The Conversation. 'The hues that surround us influence our emotional states, cognitive performance, social interactions, sleep – and even our long–term psychological wellbeing.' 'In other words, the colours of our walls might be shaping our lives in ways we rarely consider.' If you want to boost your creativity and problem–solving skills, Professor Beattie advises choosing muted green paints. In contrast, red walls will make it difficult to focus on tasks, he warns. If you're not sure what colour to paint the walls of your home, you might be tempted to opt for neutral shades. However, the shade and context are crucial.
Neutral shades calm the mind, but context matters
'Neutral colours (whites, greys, beiges) are low in visual stimulation, which helps reduce sensory overload and stress,' Professor Beattie explained. 'They enhance perceived spaciousness, and can have in both children and adults.' However, the shade and context are crucial. 'Cold greys or stark whites may evoke sterility or sadness, particularly in poorly lit spaces,' the expert warned. With its connection to nature, green is linked to restoration and reduced mental fatigue, Professor Beattie explains. Red might be a good option for the bedroom, with studies showing this colour can increase desire.
Shades are key: blue, green, and yellow in the right rooms
Blue: calming effect Soft yellow: cheerful Bright yellow: increases agitation Reds: increase desire in the bedroom, but impact focus in home offices Meanwhile, blues – often associated with sky and water – can have a calming effect. As we saw with the neutrals, however, shades are key. 'The psychological evidence says choose low– to mid–saturation shades rather than hyper–bright colours for your long–term comfort,' Professor Beattie said. 'Blue and muted green are associated with enhanced creativity and improved problem–solving.' 'A muted green home office or study may make you more innovative without you really noticing why.'
Room‑by‑room guidance: yellow, red and social spaces
Yellow is a great choice – but only in certain rooms, the expert explained. 'You should probably reserve warm, energising colours for social or active areas in the house. Soft yellow feels cheerful, presumably due to its association with sunlight – but high–saturation yellows may increase agitation,' he said. As with yellows, reds will only work in certain rooms – and most definitely not in your home office. 'A red–accented study might feel “dynamic” initially, but it could backfire when you start on tasks requiring calm focus and clear thinking,' Professor Beattie said. Instead, red might be a good option for the bedroom, with studies showing this colour can increase desire.
Final takeaway: your walls shape your life more than you think
The colours of our walls might be shaping our lives in ways we rarely consider. Blue and muted green are associated with enhanced creativity and improved problem‑solving, while soft yellow can feel cheerful but high‑saturation yellows may increase agitation. Red accents can feel dynamic but may backfire in spaces requiring calm focus; red might work in the bedroom to increase desire. Neutral shades provide calm and spaciousness, but their impact depends on lighting and context.
