Now that my pregnancy is public, I feel free to admit I’ve been reading nursery design books. My favorite so far is Feathering The Nest by Tracy Hutson. Even if you don’t have a baby on the way, this book is worth a look.
The book is full of beautiful images and practical, child-focused design advice — much of it eco-friendly and safety-minded. It also summarizes research about how colors affect mood and behavior. Many of the studies referenced include adults as well as children, so the findings can apply throughout the home. Below is a concise overview of how each color is commonly understood to influence mood, behavior, and physical responses, based on the book’s summaries.
Red
- Boosts energy, enthusiasm, and excitement
- Instills confidence and a sense of urgency
- Linked to stimulation of the senses and circulation
- Best used as an accent because of its intensity
- May make it harder to relax or concentrate for long periods
- Sparingly applied, it can sharpen attention to detail
Orange
- Cheerful, bold and spontaneous
- Evokes a sense of adventure and daring
- Encourages confidence, independence and creativity
- Associated with stimulation of digestion and respiration
- Traditionally believed to support appetite and, for some new mothers, milk production
- Some claims suggest it can raise alertness and cognitive performance
Yellow
- Highly visible and attention-grabbing
- Promotes optimism, energy, creativity and mental clarity
- Stimulates memory, communication and verbal expression
- May help with concentration, visualization, speaking and writing
- Some studies found babies cried more in yellow rooms
- Other research indicated a higher incidence of arguments in yellow kitchens
Green
- Considered the most restful and eye-friendly color
- Conveys peace, balance, comfort and harmony
- Creates a sense of safety and security
- Recommended for sensitive infants and those with reflux
- Associated with relief from anxiety and improved mood
Blue
- Evokes the sky and sea; feels constant and calming
- Soothing, tranquil and peaceful
- Linked to perceptions of trustworthiness, commitment and dependability
- Used in some clinical settings to help infants with respiratory issues
- Can slow heart rate and encourage relaxation
Purple
- An uplifting, dignified color
- Promotes calmness, inner strength and creativity
- Associated with spirituality and respect
- May soothe colicky babies and support restful sleep
- Has a calming effect on the senses and the nervous system
Pink
- Gentle, calming and innocent
- Suggests youthfulness, softness and kindness
- Often used to comfort and uplift mood
- Seen as helpful for emotional expression and easing sadness
Brown
- Grounded and connected to the earth
- Feels natural, stable and reassuring
- Conveys order, reliability and protection
- Useful when you want a warm, secure atmosphere
Black
- A powerful, grounding color
- Can make spaces feel smaller and cozier
- May enhance focus and a sense of self
- Often used for accents to add depth and stability
White
- Represents purity, cleanliness and fresh starts
- Supports clear thinking and visual clarity
- Generates balance and a sense of calm
- Commonly used to create a bright, restorative environment
Do these descriptions make you reconsider any color choices at home? I’m relieved to see blue associated with trust and dependability — that comforts us since we chose blue for the bedroom. And the idea that yellow kitchens may spark arguments was unexpected; they often look so cheerful. Color can shape how a space feels and how people behave in it, so it’s worth thinking about the atmosphere you want before you paint.
Psst—this post originally contained an affiliate mention.