Can Colour Really Heal?

How the Shades in Your Home Affect Your Health

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt calmer? Or maybe you’ve stepped into a space that left you feeling anxious or drained, and you couldn’t quite put your finger on why?

Chances are colour had something to do with it.

We often think of colour as a matter of taste “I like this,” “I don’t like that.” But what if I told you that the colours in your home could actually be influencing your mental and even physical health?

It’s not just a design trend, it’s science.

The Psychology of Colour Is Real

Research shows that colour affects our mood, stress levels, sleep, and even appetite. For example, a 2020 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that exposure to natural colours like green and blue are linked to reduced anxiety and improved attention. No wonder we feel calmer in a forest or by the sea.

Your Nervous System Responds

The nervous system doesn’t just see colour, it reacts to it. Chromotherapy, or colour therapy, has been used for centuries, and while modern science is still catching up, some studies support its impact. For instance, a study published in The Journal of Physiological Anthropology (2014) found that warm colours like red and orange can increase heart rate and stimulate energy, while cool hues like blue and green lower stress and support relaxation.  Of course, it’s not quite this simple that choosing red will energise or choosing blue will calm… with all the tints, shades and tones we can create from any colour, we’re able to make soothing, warm colours and also energising cool colours!  The bottom line is that people respond subconsciously and biologically to colour, which does impact our wellbeing in profound ways.

So, what does this mean for your home?

Designing for Health, Not Just Aesthetics

When we create spaces that align with how we want to feel, energised in the morning, grounded in the evening, calm in a chaotic world, we’re actually supporting our wellbeing in a powerful, non-verbal way.

Consider soft greens in a home office to enhance focus and ease. Use earthy tones in your bedroom to ground your energy and promote better sleep. Add a splash of yellow in the kitchen to uplift your mood on grey mornings.

Colour as Preventative Care

In a world where burnout is common and nature often feels far away, we can bring elements of it indoors, starting with colour. Biophilic design (the practice of connecting people with nature through design) isn’t just beautiful, it’s healing. The right colour palette can mimic natural settings and support mental restoration, according to a 2022 review in Building and Environment. 

So, the next time you’re choosing paint colours, ask yourself: How do I want to feel in this space?

Because it’s not just about what looks good, it’s about what feels good, too.

If you feel a bit overwhelmed by the idea of finding the best colours for your space, I’m here to help! Call Interior Designer, Kimberley Hartwell on 0418 393 773 or contact me at KH_InteriorDesign@outlook.com to book your Colour Consultation.