Psychology of Colors: The Kitchen
by Joey Lewitin
Description: Tips for choosing a paint color for your kitchen.
Psychologists have studied the influence of color on the mind for
years. While they have not found any effects that generalize to every
society, they have found that people from the same society are affected by
colors in similar ways. Using these findings it is possible to tap into
the subconscious of people, and use this information when decorating to
create a room that will have positive emotional effects. The following
are the general effects of color on the perceptions of Americans, and
some tips on how to use these colors to influence the minds of the
people in your kitchen positively. These colors may affect you differently,
and as such it is important to pay attention to your own tastes above
any advice.
The kitchen is a friendly place of taste testing, gathering, talking,
and enjoying the company of friends and family. The kitchen is a family
room. It is also a creative paradise, where you will design elaborate
dishes and taste delights.
The color most often associated with food and ingestion is orange. This
color tends to illicit hunger, and could be a great color to use
strategically in the kitchen. Adobe serving trays with orange hints could wet
the appetites of your guests. Orange is also a color that tends to lift
peoples emotions. Strategic orange decorative patterns, or a slight
orange tint to the walls, may be a positive idea to reinforce elated
emotions in the kitchen. Red can also illicit hunger, but is such a hot
color it should be used in small amounts. Dinnerware and utensils that are
red may be a nice touch, if done in an understated manner
Blue is the opposite of those colors and it actually represses the urge
to eat. There is not very much blue food in nature, and so we have
developed a natural aversion to eating when we see it. For that reason you
may want to try and maximize the orange and minimize the blue.
In the kitchen black is best avoided as a major theme. This color will
actually absorb heat making the room even hotter. The exception is if
black is used with white. White will balance the dark color as well as
reflect heat making the room slightly colder.
Earth tones are great for kitchens. These colors, such as tans and
browns, can create a sense of closeness and warmth. The feeling of ease and
belongingness will make the kitchen a room that you can feel safe to
create in. It will also ease interaction between the different parties
that may gather in there occasionally.
By using colors in a planned manner you can control the undercurrents
in a room and influence the nature of interactions in a positive way.
Try and find out how you react to the colors. Play with different shades
and gauge your reactions. A few hints lighter and a color may go from a
beautiful hunger inducer to a sickly mess that will actually detract
from the cuisine created.
Joey Lewitin is an author, artist, and designer of home décor
accessories made from imported stone. Original designs from him and other
artisans can be seen at
Pebblez.com – Beautiful Stone Decor
Related articles:
Popular Faux Painting Techniques Explained
Choosing the Right Colours for Your Kids' Rooms
Decorating with Sponge Painting
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