How to Choose the Best Colors for Your Home: Expert Tips for Every Room

Transform your home and boost your mood with intentional color choices.

The colors you choose when decorating your home can alter your mood, for better or worse. They can make you feel more productive in your kitchen, more relaxed in your living room, or even help you sleep better in your bedroom. Conversely, choosing the wrong color might have the opposite effect.

This concept is part of a broader field called color psychology, which studies how colors affect human emotions and behavior. Designer and color expert Mehnaz Khan uses these principles to help clients transform their homes and feel their best in them.

“Color psychology is an alternative medicine,” Khan explains. “Colors have a psychological impact on us. They’re not just about décor and beautifying things.” Khan emphasizes that a room’s function and purpose play a key role when choosing colors. She works with her clients to create custom color palettes that align with how they want to feel in each space. Here are Khan’s recommendations for using colors intentionally in your home.

Bedroom

The bedroom should be a calming space that promotes relaxation and sleep. Khan recommends low-intensity colors, like light green and light blue, which foster a serene environment. If you can’t paint your walls, incorporate these hues through your bedding.

Consider adding elements like sheer curtains in light blue or green shades to let in natural light while maintaining a tranquil ambiance. These small details can further enhance the calming effect.

Avoid red in the bedroom. As an activating color, red can make you feel hyperactive and interfere with sleep. Save red tones for spaces where you want to feel alert and energized.

Bathroom

The ideal bathroom color depends on the atmosphere you want to create. For a kid’s bathroom, bright and fun colors like turquoise can help them wake up and feel alert. If you’re aiming for a spa-like retreat, opt for deep blues or purples.

White and neutrals are a versatile choice for any bathroom. They create a clean, minimalist look that’s perfect for small, product-filled spaces. Neutral tones also complement a modern aesthetic and help create a sense of order.

To add a unique twist, consider accessorizing with natural materials like bamboo or stone in bathrooms with neutral palettes. These elements bring warmth and balance to the space.

Kitchen

“The activity that happens in the kitchen — cooking — is very physical and emotional,” says Khan. Red, an energizing color, is great for stimulating activity in the kitchen. Pairing red with yellow can enhance happiness and energy.

For a softer approach, use light yellow or white on the walls and incorporate red or yellow accents through appliances and décor. Avoid blue in the kitchen, as it can suppress appetite.

For a modern touch, think about incorporating metallic finishes, like copper or brushed gold, to complement these vibrant colors and create a dynamic yet stylish look.

Living Room

Living rooms often serve as a gathering place, so it’s natural to lean toward neutral colors like white or gray for larger elements such as walls and sofas. Khan advises experimenting with colorful accents, like pillows or rugs, to add vibrancy without overwhelming the space.

For a more adventurous choice, try green. “Green is balancing and relaxing, and it connects us to nature,” Khan explains. It’s an excellent option for creating a comfortable and inviting environment.

To personalize your living room, consider creating a gallery wall featuring artwork or photos that incorporate your chosen color palette. This not only adds visual interest but also reflects your personality.

Dining Area

Dining spaces should feel warm and inviting. Khan recommends green, along with doses of red, yellow, and orange to create an atmosphere that encourages connection and conversation. As in the kitchen, avoid blue tones here.

For an added unique touch, include a statement centerpiece like a bold vase or a living plant that ties in with your chosen colors. This will enhance the ambiance and make the dining area feel more cohesive.

Home Office

Blue is the go-to color for focus and productivity. High-intensity blues like cobalt or turquoise are stimulating and can help you stay on task, while low-intensity blues like sky blue or periwinkle create a calming effect.

For added creativity, integrate bursts of yellow, orange, or pink. Avoid very dark blues, such as navy, which can make the space feel confining.

Consider adding motivational quotes or art prints in complementary colors to inspire you while working. Functional elements like colorful desk organizers can also subtly incorporate these hues.

Make It Personal

Ultimately, choosing colors for your home should be a fun and creative process. Take the time to think about how you want each room to feel, and don’t be afraid to experiment. With a little planning, you can create spaces that look beautiful and positively impact your mood every day.

Remember, your home is a reflection of you. By being intentional with color and adding unique elements that resonate with your style, you can create a space that’s not just visually appealing but also deeply personal and uplifting.

* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.