Mind the Design! Part 7
COLOR STUDY:RED
Part 7 in the Mind the Design! Series
In this part of our Blog Series, we’re discussing the physical and psychological impacts of specific hues (which are defined as the brightest 6 - 12 pure, unmixed pigment families on the Color Wheel). These impacts are intertwined, for obvious reasons. (The better you feel physically, the better your mood, and vice-versa). We now focus on the color red.
The “loudest” of the warm hues, red is at the same time a stimulating, angry and energetic color. Known as the color of passion and rage, it’s difficult to conceptualize red as anything other than “seeing red” but, from a psychological impact, red can also be both an inhibiting or inspiring addition to décor.
Red is recognized as the color of “warning”: flashing lights, stop lights and signs, code red situations, etc. “…red is found to cause avoidance behaviour when subjects perceived it as a warning cue in performance related task, drawing away attention of high task demand and moderating the perception of perceived task (Maier et al., 2008; Stone, 2003; Stone & English, 1998).” And while the color signifies danger, it also conveys a risk-related provocation, whether it be irritating to bulls, the youthful choice of car color, or risqué lingerie.
Red is also the color of success. From the article Environmental Colour Impact upon Human Behaviour: A Review by Nurlelawati Ab. Jalila*, Rodzyah Mohd Yunusb & Normahdiah S. Saidc, (December 2011), it is noted that “in human society, there is long tradition that individuals use red to signal power, wealth and status at various situations” (Little and Hill, 2007). For example, in ancient societies, it was common that red be used as body decoration and worn on jewelry to represent high rank in ceremonies and rituals (Pickenpaugh, 1997; Orchardson-Mazrui, 1998). In addition, across a range of combat sports in the Olympic Games and in soccer tournaments, red uniforms were shown to be associated with an increased chance of winning the competition (Hill and Barton, 2005).
Elliot et al. (2010) showed experimentally that men presented against a red background, or wearing a red shirt were perceived as more attractive by women, and this effect was mediated by an increase in social status. Similarly, men consider women to be more attractive and sexually desirable when seen in a visual context that is red (Elliot and Niesta, 2008; Pazda et al., 2012; Schwarz and Singer, 2013; but see Hesslinger et al., 2015; Peperkoorn et al., 2016). “
Over-saturation of a color, especially one like red, can overwhelm a room and make it feel closed-in.
Red’s influence on mood and behavior depends largely how much the color is used in a space and the intensity of both the hue’s shade and tone. The notion that ‘a little goes a long way’ is applicable when considering when and where to use red in décor. Smaller doses of red in a room can stimulate activity and be a motivating color, but when overused, it can be oppressive and even make a room seem smaller. “It has been argued that the use of red in an interior space might tend to impair performance of activities requiring fine psychomotor coordination. (James & Domingos, 1953; Nakshian, 1964).” It should be noted that opposite effects were argued for blue and green, which were found to have “restful” and “facilitating” effects (Ibid.)
Use red effectively as accents in rugs, pillows & throws, art and occasional pieces
So, what’s the best way to deploy this color? In dining areas, red can stimulate appetite; in bedrooms, it can arouse. Deeper shades, such as wine or maroon, will “cool” it down as opposed to cherry or fire truck red, which will heat up a room’s mood. Avoid overdoing the color: too much and it becomes overwhelming and can actually lose any positive impact.
Like orange, red is a stimulating hue, and even though its dynamism (the mode of reducing/eliminating tension) is lower than cool hues, it packs a punch with the emotional tone (mood or feeling) it promotes. The complexity of the hue – its tint, tone, and shade – can be moderated toward brighter versions of the color for maximum energy effect and darkened when looking for a more subdued feel.
Spatial quality – where and how red is used – can be accomplished in many ways as well:
Fun lives here!
Add deeper shades - by mixing black to the hue - such as wine to a wall in a west or south-facing room
Display artwork that incorporates red as an uplifting support for cooler color
Incorporate pops of red in furnishings, linens, and pillows and rugs. Red doors can say “fun lives here”
Include in spaces where being uplifted or energized is desired, such bedrooms - but be careful – you also need to sleep!
Use in rooms intended for stimulation, such as kitchens and dining areas.
Well-placed pieces in your accent color allows the hue to deliver its intended influence.
When red is utilized successfully, the psyche’s evaluation, which is triggered by the perception of the color, will create the energized, uplifted mood you intend.
What can red do for you? Think about how and where you can incorporate this energetic hue into your space to enhance your well-being.
Check back in January for the next color in our Color Study series.