This post is about me, the color crisis I've been through (I try to deny that I'm still in it) and the power of color. Being a mum-to-be we're expecting a baby, a baby boy to be more precisely. This is where my whole color crisis started. From the moment I've been pregnant, I was pretty sure it would be a boy. As much as I was determined to paint a wall in some sort of heavenly blue. A little blue, not too much yellow/green tones and not too much red tones. I think it can be named just baby blue?
In my mind (mainly because of Pinterest, thanks Pinterest!) the combination of this blue, cream, wood, whites and sand colors would be very classic and nice. Guess what. I am not impressed at all. With all the items individually, yes, but together it feels somewhat cold. Like something is missing. And that was when I found out that this type of blue I've chosen has this effect.
In a previous post I mentioned working for the marketing department in a design company. How can this color crisis affect me, while I'm surrounded with so many combinations of colors and materials daily.
This is where the psychology behind colors kicks in.
Blue belongs to the cool color family. As an opposite of red, they tend to calm the mind and body. Can create a relaxed and refreshing environment. They even say that it can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Due to this relaxing and refreshing effect, it would be suitable for children who are restless and have for example troubles with their sleep rhythm. But hey, this baby boy needs some warmth as well right?
So we need a color from the family who brings the heat. Of course one can think of all the red and orange tones, which makes it warmer, more child like. But I want the room to have a natural feel. Brown is a color which would be perfect for this, especially brown translated into the material wood. As this combines a raw material, with a natural feel and look without any extra finish. Did you ever take a closer look at a color chart? Usually, there is no brown mentioned in there, as it can be considered as a neutral color. Perfect, as neutral colors are great to balance more expressive colors. Brown is the color of earth which results in the feeling of secure, stable environment.
Last but not least, add some gold or silver to make it more Royal and classy. In my case, I think I'll go with gold. Please notice that the gold will strengthen the power of the brown, silver will do it the other way around and become friends with the blue. Which makes it colder again.
Here's a basic mood board for my nursery:
Are you in a color crisis or need some advice on a combination of colors? Just upvote this message and leave a comment. I'll try to help you.