Scheming with Color: The Warm Ones

Published August 13th, 2008

Is it because I’m a girl?  Maybe I’m too energetic, or I live where the food is spicier and the days are hotter.  Whatever the reason, warm colors are as necessary in my living environment as Tabasco sauce and cayenne pepper are in the food I eat.  Using warm colors in spaces flatter and energize all the people dwelling in them.

When I first started researching the psychology of color, I was sure red was going to be the most popular color.  Red attracts the most attention out of any color, certainly.  Think about the use of red in popular logos, such as the Target bulls-eye or Coca-Cola - the intensity of the color draws us in.  Red encourages action and confidence, so if you are looking to be “pumped up”, opt for red in your space.  As the color of love, there are often romantic connotations associated with the color red.  If you are hesitant to use red as a primary color in the room, it works as a wonderful accent color- a few red pillows or accessories make a room look entirely new and give your space new life. 

There are many shades of red, from burnt rusty reds to maroons to rosy reds and pinks.  Pink, like purple, is a tricky one to use in places that aren’t strictly used by little girls.  But, when used right, it can create really funky and sexy looks for a space.  Check out some examples below.  It’s a powerful color that even sports teams use to their advantage- not in uniforms of course, but in locker rooms!  Pink can be seen as a tranquilizer, so often times opponent’s locker rooms will be painted bright pink to drain the energy out of players…  Pretty funny!

In its truest form, orange sparks more controversy than any other color.  People either love it or hate it.  However, peaches, burnt oranges and rusts are very appealing.  When light reflects off of orange surfaces, it literally takes on a warmer tone, and is very flattering.  This color works well in living rooms and foyers because it is a welcoming color and has been known to encourage socialization.  It also has been known to stimulate appetite, making it another great choice for the dining area.

A lot of great retro and vintage finds from the 60’s and 70’s are orange in color.  While red accents make a contemporary, modern statement in design, orange accents make a funkier, more eclectic and mod statement. 

Yellow is the most energetic color because of its boldness and brightness.  It has strong connotations of optimism and “bright futures” associated with it.  People feel uplifted and because of this yellow is thought to stimulate the mind and the nervous system, activate memory and encourage conversation. 

A little bit goes a long way with this color, and small amounts have just as much punch as a yellow-painted room.  Having trouble selling your house?  It has been proven that yellow-painted houses actually sell faster!  Check out some of our warm colored Murano lamps for a great way to heat up your space. 

Enjoy!

-Genevieve

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Category: Murano Glass Lamps