Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt calm, or maybe energized and inspired? That’s the power of color psychology. At Broad Street Interiors, we help Savannah homeowners use color to create spaces that feel right, whether they’re looking to unwind after a long day,
What Is Color Psychology in Interior Design?
Color psychology is all about how colors affect our moods and emotions. Designers use it to choose paint colors, fabrics, and accents that help a space feel more peaceful, cozy, energized, or inviting, depending on what you want from that room. It’s not just about what’s trendy; it’s about creating an atmosphere that feels good to you.
For instance, soft blues in the bedroom can induce a sense of relaxation, while warm yellows can bring cheer to darker corners of your home. When applied thoughtfully, color psychology can transform your everyday experience at home, inspiring a new perspective and a fresh outlook.
Warm vs. Cool Colors: What Do They Do?
Warm Colors (Red, Orange, Yellow)
Warm tones are lively and energizing. Red can be bold and passionate—perfect as an accent color. Orange inspires creativity and works well in social spaces like a family room. Yellow, often linked with happiness, is ideal for brightening shadowy areas, especially in homes shaded by trees or covered porches.
Cool Colors (Blue, Green, Purple)
Cool colors bring a sense of calm and balance. Blue is a classic choice for bedrooms and bathrooms, especially when paired with Savannah’s coastal elements. Green connects to nature and promotes peace and renewal, perfect for a reading nook or office. When used thoughtfully, purple adds elegance and depth, which is excellent for studies or accent pieces.
Creating a Color Palette That Works
One of the easiest ways to build a balanced color scheme is with the 60-30-10 rule:
- 60% Dominant Color – Your base color, often on walls or large furniture. Neutrals like soft gray or warm mocha work well in Savannah homes.
- 30% Secondary Color – A supportive tone like dusty blue or sage green for drapery, rugs, or an accent wall.
- 10% Accent Color – Bold details like mustard yellow or coral to add personality and contrast through pillows, vases, or art.
This simple formula ensures that your space feels harmonious and well-coordinated, providing reassurance and guidance in your design process.
Designing for Savannah’s Unique Style
Savannah’s charm is like no other. With golden sunlight, historic architecture, and lush oak-lined streets, your home should reflect that local beauty. Here’s how:
- Earthy Neutrals like mocha brown or soft taupe connect to the city’s historic brick and natural surroundings.
- Coastal Blues like seafoam or muted teal echo the nearby rivers and ocean breeze, instantly calming.
Sunshine Accents in buttery yellow or soft gold mimic the warm Southern light, even in shady rooms.
Helpful Tools to Try at Home
Want to play with color before you commit? Try these free tools:
- Adobe Color – Create custom palettes based on color harmony rules.
- Canva Color Wheel – Easily experiment with color combos while designing a mood board.
- Figma Plugins – Great for visualizing paint and decor options in digital mockups.
Tip: Test swatches throughout the day to see how Savannah’s changing light affects the color.
Real Life Example: Broad Street Interiors in Action
In a recent Historic District renovation, our team transformed a dark den into a bright, welcoming living room:
- Walls were painted in Benjamin Moore’s Classic Gray for a fresh but timeless backdrop.
- Furniture included seafoam green chairs that brought a soft coastal vibe.
- Accents in Pantone’s Mocha Mousse tied in with the home’s original brick exterior.
The result? The family now spends 40% more time together in that space, proof that the right colors don’t just look good, they feel good too.
Ready to Reimagine Your Home?
Whether restoring a historic property or refreshing a modern build, Broad Street Interiors can help you choose colors that match your lifestyle and reflect Savannah’s charm.