214.641.7897

We spend the majority of our days indoors. Basically, you wake up at home, commute to your day job, maybe you run errands and shop afterwards, work out at the gym (in a perfect world) and end the day back at home. Maybe you walk the dog or water your plants. That’s a lot of time spent inside! Most of our time is spent interacting with our built environments. Therefore, have you thought about how does color psychology impact the interaction between people and the spaces they inhabit?

A professional interior designer will have the skillset to achieve the desired ambience of a room or space given its function. Everyones’ psychological needs are unique and specific to them. Whether it’s creating stress-reducing retreats, designing creative-boosting workplaces, or incorporating elements to support specific health goals, personalized design with color theory is changing the way we experience our homes and workplaces… and it all starts with color.

What is Color Psychology?

For example, the cooler and calming blues and greens can reduce stress and anxiety, while the warmer invigorating reds and yellows can energize and stimulate. As well as, in bedrooms, soothing pastels promote relaxation, while vibrant dining rooms encourage sociability. Interior designers use this knowledge to create spaces that coincide with the client’s desired emotional goals. This is merely scratching the surface of the wide variety of emotions color can evoke.

Here’s what you need to know about color and their inherent psychological impact on the mind and body in relation to interiors along with BGI projects to demonstrate:

Red 

A fiery, warm color that creates a bold statement in a design scheme. Red aligns with power, sensuality and vigor. When the right shade of red is used, it can raise your energy levels so that you feel stimulated and invigorated. Since red has so much depth, it is typically used as an accent color in textiles and furniture. Like any color, red may seem overpowering if all walls are drenched in the hue, unless that is the desired look, of course. Keep in mind, the warmer the color, the more compact the space becomes.

(Click on the images below to see them larger!)

See more of this project HERE!

Yellow

A sunny yellow is linked to feelings of happiness and optimism. Painting rooms that do not get a lot of natural sunlight, like bathrooms or laundry rooms, a nice and bright yellow hue will evoke a sense of cheerfulness in an otherwise dull room. Too bright of a yellow, however, can spark feelings of agitation, and too dull of a yellow can make you feel jealous or ill. 

See more of these projects HERE (left) & HERE (right)!

Orange

Orange is linked to confidence, playfulness, courageousness, and success. It is known to breed creativity. Its warmth energizes you, especially when the shade is as vibrant at the fruit. It is similar to yellow as they both promote a sense of welcoming and cheerfulness to visitors. This is why orange is seen so much in commercial settings, though it also works well in bathrooms just like yellow.

See more of these projects HERE (left/middle) & HERE (right)!

Green

Green relates back to nature and is popular in home design due to the desire to replicate the natural environment in our built world. Similarly, this color can feel rejuvenating, creates feeling of freshness, growth and vitality. Many people gravitate towards green as it is safe and secure.

See more of these projects HERE (left) & HERE (middle/right)!

  Blue

Blue, like green, is reminiscent of nature and promotes serenity, intelligence, and loyalty. It has a calm and soothing effect which is ideal when creating a peaceful home environment and is one of the top color choices from the general population. 

See more of these projects HERE, HERE, & HERE!

Purple 

Purple sparks passion and intensity and can elevate a room to create a sense of drama. It is a hybrid of warm and cool colors which can be heightened one way or the other depending on which shade you select. Simultaneously, purple can make a room feel lively and can make you feel lighthearted and playful. 

See more of these projects HERE, HERE, & HERE!

Black

Although distinct, black connotes elegance, timelessness and power. Subsequently, when combined with white, the design will feel classic. However, when too much black is used, it will feel dramatic and even depressing.

See more of these projects HERE, HERE, & HERE!

 

White

White symbolizes goodness and purity. It is most commonly used on ceilings to avoid a heavy overhead feeling. White also makes rooms appear larger with its refreshed and clean qualities. These all work together to make you feel relaxed and at ease.

See more of this project HERE!

In summation for color psychology…

 

Red

  • Power
  • Sensuality 
  • Stimulated 
  • Invigorated
  • Bold
  • Energy 

 

Yellow

  • Happiness
  • Optimism
  • Cheerfulness
  • Dull yellows can make you feel jealous or ill
  • Positivity 
  • Bright
  • Warm 

 

Orange

  • Confidence
  • Playfullness
  • Courageousness
  • Success
  • Welcoming
  • Cheerfulness

 

Green

  • Nature
  • Rejuvenating
  • Freshness
  • Growth
  • Vitality

 

Blue

  • Serenity
  • Intelligence
  • Loyalty
  • Trust
  • Peace

 

Purple

  • Passion
  • Intensity
  • Dramatic
  • Lively 
  • Lighthearted
  • Playful

 

Black

  • Timeless
  • Elegance
  • Power
  • Bold
  • Formal
  • Dramatic 

 

White

  • Goodness
  • Purity
  • Refreshed
  • Clean
  • Relaxed
  • Easy 

 

Color psychology doesn’t just revolve around interior design. In fact, it heavily applies to fine arts like photography and painting, advertising, branding and marketing as well as fashion and beauty… and so many other fields! Historically, we’ve seen how humans have used color to depicted the moods of the nation. Specifically, think of the dull grey and neutral tones used in World War II, the light pastels in the post World War and Civil Rights Movement, and the bright neons in the 1960’s. Subsequently, now that we spend so much time in our homes, it is important to be knowledgable of the meaning behind color in interior design. Therefore, similar to what we’ve seen in history, the ambience of our home dictates the mood of the inhabitants and visitors. Ask yourself: Do you or your company feel welcoming and peaceful or uninviting and chaotic?

Some of this information was taken from the resource below…..

https://www.stoneside.com/resources/articles/interior-design-understanding-the-psychology-of-color-in-spaces

To see more design inspiration & refreshing trends, visit our Instagram at @bgidesigner , our Facebook page here or Pinterest at @BGIDesigner13. We would look forward to you stopping by to say hi in the comments on our social platforms! Let us know how this article helped you revitalize your home.

I’ll look for you there,

After spending more time at home than ever before during quarantine, clients are yearning for a change from the bland white and grey palettes that dominated interior design trends. The desire for warmth and color has become a prominent theme, and as interior designers, we couldn’t be more thrilled to embrace this shift. In this blog post, we’ll explore how clients are becoming more daring with color, extending beyond just walls to permanent finishes like wallpaper, paint, and furniture. Learn more about The Power of Color!

upscale breakfast bar with four white stools and a fully stocked bar on the wall behind it and dark blue painted cabinets

The Influence of Color

Color plays a pivotal role in shaping the atmosphere of a given space, exerting a profound impact on its mood and ambiance. The tradition of Color of the Year campaigns spans over two decades, initiated by the Pantone Color Institute in 1999. This annual selection process has since become a cultural phenomenon, with paint and design companies actively participating. Analysts, delving into realms such as entertainment, fashion, art, travel, and technology, meticulously choose the color to mirror the broader cultural zeitgeist. These campaigns are a celebration of the boundless creative possibilities that a vibrant coat of paint introduces to a design, breathing new life into your space and infusing it with a distinct touch of personality.

Color of the Year Picks

Peach Fuzz 13-1023 is Pantone's color of the year with Peach Fuzz colored tule in the background

Find out more HERE

1.  Pantone’s Color of the Year: Peach Fuzz 13-1023 

*  Warm and inviting, emphasizing the importance of touch.

*  Reflects a tactile aspect, chosen thoughtfully by the Pantone Color Institute.

 

2. Sherwin Williams’ Color of the Year: Upward SW 6239

*  Relaxed and carefree, perfect for spaces filled with positive energy.

*  Pairs well with various shades, including Snowbound, Drift of Mist, and more.

 

giant passenger ship floating in the ocean displaying the Benjamin Moore color of the year which is Blue Nova CC-860

Find out more HERE

3. Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year: Blue Nova 825

*  Inspiring and extraordinary, balancing depth and intrigue.

*  Features an enchanting duality, capturing timeless appeal.

Exploring Color in Every Corner

When it comes to infusing warmth and color into your living space, the possibilities are endless. Let’s explore some exciting applications that go beyond the conventional use of paint.

Accent Walls: Elevate your room’s aesthetic by making a bold statement with a splash of vibrant color on one wall. This simple yet impactful technique can transform the entire mood of the space, creating a focal point that draws the eye.

a fully shelved wall with wallpaper insets behind a modern office with built in desk

See more of this project HERE

Built-Ins: Take your ordinary built-in shelves or cabinets to the next level by introducing lively hues. Use color strategically to turn these functional elements into eye-catching focal points, adding personality to your room.

Trim: Architectural details deserve attention, and contrasting colors on trim can make them stand out. Whether it’s window frames, doorways, or baseboards, incorporating vibrant shades can highlight the beauty of these features.

blue colored bedroom with a beautiful viewed full window and a vibrant blue painted ceiling

Ceilings: Break away from traditional norms by bringing color overhead. Consider painting your ceiling with a bold or complementary shade to add an unexpected touch to the entire room.

Furniture: Don’t let old furniture fade into the background. Give it a new lease on life by applying a fresh coat of vibrant paint. This not only revitalizes your pieces but also allows you to express your style through functional elements.

showcasing a gorgeous gold light deep and vibrant green cabinet and white flowers on gray wallpapered ceiling

See more of this project HERE

 

Cabinetry: Experiment with color in functional spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. Introduce lively tones to vanities, contrast kitchen islands, or play with colors on cabinets. This adds a dynamic and personalized touch to these essential areas of your home.

With these creative applications, you can turn every corner of your home into a canvas for self-expression and design innovation. Embrace the freedom to play with color in unexpected places, and watch as your living space comes to life with personality and vibrancy.

Trending Tones Capture the Imagination

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, clients are gravitating towards a diverse array of trending colors that redefine the traditional color palette. The appeal of dark and moody hues has surged, bringing a sense of depth and sophistication to spaces. Warm taupes are gaining popularity for their ability to infuse coziness into any room, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Clients are also embracing bold and unexpected shades, adding a touch of personality and daring creativity to their living spaces.

Blues, greens, and purples are emerging as dominant players, reflecting a desire for serene and nature-inspired vibes. These calming tones bring a sense of tranquility indoors, connecting the home with the soothing elements of the outside world. Moreover, clients are exploring colors seen at marketplaces, drawing inspiration from the latest trends and incorporating them into their design palettes.

In this dynamic landscape of color preferences, the beauty lies in the diversity of choices. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic allure of dark hues, the comforting warmth of taupes, the daring appeal of unexpected shades, or the calming influence of blues, greens, and purples, the options are as varied as individual tastes. Stay inspired by the ever-changing market trends and let your home be a canvas for the colors that resonate with your personal style and aspirations.

white comfy rocking chairs in front of a modern metal staircase and a blue accent wall behind

Pro Tip for a Modern & Refined Look

For a more contemporary and refined aesthetic, consider using the same paint color on walls, trim, details, and ceilings. Vary the type of paint or sheen for each surface; for example, use eggshell on the walls and satin on the trim. This creates a beautiful, simplistic look, especially ideal for traditional environments.

As the year unfolds, embrace the warmth and color trends that are transforming interior design. Whether you opt for a bold and moody palette or a calming and inviting one, the key is to infuse your space with personality and creativity. Step outside the comfort zone of white and grey, and let the vibrant hues breathe life into your home. After all, your living space should be a reflection of your style and a source of inspiration every day.

Homeowners and designers use color and design to create an intended atmosphere. Wassily Kandinsky wrote, “Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” The space we’re creating should reflect the people who live inside and positively, deeply impact their soul. To help us find the perfect color to invite into our homes, the top three paint color specialists have released their 2021 Color of the Year!

In no particular order, (insert drum roll…) here they are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams 

Sherwin-Williams 2021 Color of the Year is Urbane Bronze SW 7084. It’s a sophisticatedly, warm brownish-bronze. It brings us down-to-earth and invites the feelings of wholesomeness and friendliness. Brown is a top choice for living room and kitchen walls because it is the color of comfort. When gazing at it, we are drawn in, encouraged to grow roots… to deeply settle in and get comfortable.

With so many of us staying home and working from home, this color brings a tranquility and peacefulness that warms our soul. When we realize the blessings that come from this time of slowing down and breathing deep, Urbane Bronze can be a welcomed friend in our homes. We’ve already been using this hue in projects from last year that are yet to be complete so we are looking forward to adding Urbane Bronze to our portfolio!

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

By far, blue is the most popular color in the US and this next 2021 Color of the Year by Benjamin Moore, Aegean Teal 2136-40, does not disappoint. Like a warm summer breeze, this teal color almost seems to want to reach out to nourish your spirit. The qualities that this blue brings to the soul are confidence, trust, loyalty, and freedom.

Aegean Teal is perfect for Kitchens and Dining spaces. This soothing color compares to waking up in the Maldives – reflective, shimmering, crystal waters. It has a long-lasting appeal perfect for extravagant entertaining and everyday family dinners. Imagine a statement piece such as a sofa or buffet table in this gorgeous teal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pantone choose two complimentary colors this year, Ultimate Gray 17-5104 and Illuminating 13-0647. With all that is happening in the world right now, this color combination brings the grounding gray, solid and practical, together with a sunshine yellow, full of hope and brightness for the new year.

This past BGI project above yielded to this palette in a warmer shade.

These complimenting colors would be perfect for a home office or guest bedroom. This calm gray alongside the fresh, bright yellow will inspire and bring a feeling of happiness to your work or overnight guests. Whether you choose to put the Ultimate Gray on the walls and work in pops of cheerful Illuminating Yellow or you’re more bold, painting a main wall this energizing yellow and then bringing balance in with neutral gray pieces, these two colors are going to be a hit this year. We are definitely looking forward to implementing this color combo in some upcoming projects this year!

What do you think of these 2021 color picks? We’d love to hear your thoughts or, even better, send us a photo of the Color of the Year on a wall or a highlight piece in your home!

We’re into the last quarter of the year and everyone in the design world is already looking ahead. So, what’s going to be trendy this fall and as we go into next year? As designers, we get the inside scoop on what’s coming. We recently attended the Sherwin Williams Colormix 2020 and got a good look at the new trends in color and style. Getting to go to these kinds of events is always exciting. And it’s great to get a fresh new perspective on design! Let’s do a quick recap of the styles for 2020!

Alive is a design full of soothing, classic colors.
Mantra is the definition of zen and modern.
Play is just that. It’s a playful combination that pops without being overwhelming.
Haven’s foundations are sustainability and durability.
Heart is a mix of soft colors and natural influences.

Accompanying these paint combinations are an abundance of natural and sustainable materials. Nowadays a space needs to be as functional and durable as it is beautiful and comfortable. It’s important for us as designers to take in inspiration from other sources, otherwise we’ll never grow or try for designs out of our comfort zones! What inspires you to challenge yourself or move forward in an exciting new direction? Let us know in the comments!

To see the full recap and selection for paint colors for the Sherwin Williams Colormix Color Forecast 2020 click here!

Disclaimer: All images belong to Sherwin Williams.


Few, if any, design styles whisk you away to another time and place more than Moroccan decor. It is influenced by many cultures, from regional tribes to Arab neighbors and European colonizers. The rich colors, domes, and mosaics are a feast for the senses.
My Color Crush this week shows a living room we designed in North Texas, where modern meets Moroccan. The result is an enchanting amalgam of incredible details, rich colors, beautiful ornamentation, soaring arches, and geometric patterning. What do you think?
What do you think about this week’s Color Crush color palette inspired by Moroccan decor? I’d love to hear your thoughts — and your personal inspirations! Join us on social media, specifically Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram (don’t forget to tag @bgidesigner)! 
Barbara Gilbert and her team brings expertise with color and its psychological effects to every project, no matter the style. One of our favorite things is helping clients learn to love color and make it work for them! Give Barbara a call at 214-641-7897 or use the website contact form if you’d like to be inspired by the design of your home. Barbara Gilbert Interiors brings luxury interior design services to Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Frisco, and many more parts of DFW. Please see the list of the areas we serve to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!

Color Crush: Christmas Cookies | Interior Design Dallas | Barbara Gilbert Interiors
Not so very long ago, my team and I had the pleasure of designing a colorful, contemporary home in a Dallas suburb. The owners are color lovers and every room offered a different take on the home’s overall color palette: vibrant, elegant, and full of happy hues. For this week’s Color Crush, I’m featuring a photo of a cheerful family room in that house.
We stuck with neutral colors for the wall so the custom glass plates would really pop. Those blues, greens, reds, yellows, and oranges also show up in the pillows and throw on the sectional, which, like the walls, we kept a neutral color. Even the vases on the bookshelf and the lamp behind the sectional are bright. Our clients were thrilled with the results! What do you think?
 
What do you think about this week’s Color Crush color palette inspired by a cheerful family room? I’d love to hear your thoughts — and your personal inspirations! Join us on social media, specifically Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram (don’t forget to tag @bgidesigner)! 
Barbara Gilbert and her team brings expertise with color and its psychological effects to every project, no matter the style. One of our favorite things is helping clients learn to love color and make it work for them! Give Barbara a call at 214-641-7897 or use the website contact form if you’d like to be inspired by the design of your home. Barbara Gilbert Interiors brings luxury interior design services to Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Frisco, and many more parts of DFW. Please see the list of the areas we serve to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!
 

Color Crush: Christmas Cookies | Interior Design Dallas | Barbara Gilbert Interiors
Santa is arriving in less than a week, so it’s the perfect time to be thinking about Christmas cookies. My Color Crush this week is a tasty example of how an appealing color palette can be found just about anywhere — even in your holiday baking!
Red and green are opposite each other on the color wheel, which creates something called a complementary color scheme. These opposing colors create maximum contrast and maximum stability at the same time. You’ll find a lot of complementary color schemes in nature (think red berries against a green holly bush, for example). Word to the wise: this color scheme must be managed well so it is not jarring. To do that, I would use the neutral tans as the wall colors in a room, keeping the saturated reds and greens as accents — perhaps as part of a pattern on window coverings or the furniture fabric. The effect promises to be beautiful!
 
What do you think about this week’s Color Crush color palette inspired by the colors of Christmas (and Christmas cookies!)? I’d love to hear your thoughts — and your personal inspirations! Join us on social media, specifically Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram (don’t forget to tag @bgidesigner)! 
Barbara Gilbert and her team brings expertise with color and its psychological effects to every project, no matter the style. One of our favorite things is helping clients learn to love color and make it work for them! Give Barbara a call at 214-641-7897 or use the website contact form if you’d like to be inspired by the design of your home. Barbara Gilbert Interiors brings luxury interior design services to Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Frisco, and many more parts of DFW. Please see the list of the areas we serve to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!
 

Color Crush: Colorful Dining Room | Interior Design Dallas | Barbara Gilbert Interiors
Every house deserves some excitement in its interior design plan and color is a great way do just that. So for this week’s Color Crush, I’m featuring a colorful dining room my team and I designed for a transitional-style house in the DFW area.
We carefully selected the furnishings and accessories for this house, and created a fun, stylish retreat with high-end touches throughout. I commissioned custom artwork throughout the home to pick up and enhance the colors of the fabrics used in pillows, custom window coverings, and upholstery, like these vibrant dining room chairs. Our clients love color and it was a joy to bring bright hues into the room! (One thing to keep in mind with color is to keep the super saturated colors as accents — they can overwhelm if used as a primary shade.)
 
How do you feel about this week’s Color Crush color palette based on a colorful dining room? I’d love to hear your thoughts — and your personal inspirations! Join us on social media, specifically Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram (don’t forget to tag @bgidesigner)! 
Barbara Gilbert and her team brings expertise with color and its psychological effects to every project, no matter the style. One of our favorite things is helping clients learn to love color and make it work for them! Give Barbara a call at 214-641-7897 or use the website contact form if you’d like to be inspired by the design of your home. Barbara Gilbert Interiors brings luxury interior design services to Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Keller, Southlake, Plano, Frisco, and many more parts of DFW. Please see the list of the areas we serve to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!
 

Color Crush: Vermeer Painting | Interior Design Dallas | Barbara Gilbert Interiors
Girl with the Pearl Earring is a famous oil painting by Dutch master Johannes Vermeer. Created around 1665, it is one of the most iconic paintings of all time: a fetching young woman looks over her shoulder, her mouth slightly open, wearing a Turkish turban and large pearl earring. The Dutch public recently selected it as the most beautiful painting in the Netherlands and it is beloved by many.
This masterpiece is the inspiration for my Color Crush this week. The palette is muted, in part because that was what was available in the mid seventeenth-century in the region. The pigments of Vermeer’s palette have an interesting story:

  • White lead: the only white used in European easel paintings until the 19th century
  • Yellow ochre: made from an opaque natural clay
  • Vermilion: created by heating mercury and sulfur
  • Red madder: an extract from the root of the madder plant, put in a clay base
  • Red ochre: a red clay
  • Brown ochre (raw umber): a semi-transparent color
  • Charcoal black: made of powdered charcoal or bones with a brownish tone
  • Coal black: collected from the soot from burning oils and fats
  • Ultramarine blue (lapis lazuli): made by powdering a semi-precious stone
  • Weld (luteoline): a rare pigment made from yellow flowers rare yellow pigment weld
  • Indigo: a deep transparent blue from a plants

In this era, paints were ground by hand, mixed with a binder oil, and placed on a wood palette, layered carefully on the canvas. The process and time all this took makes Vermeer’s painting and use of color all the more impressive. These muted hues would be beautiful in any room of the house, and I can really see it in a room where people spend a lot of time, like a living room. It would keep the mood serene and relaxing.
How do you feel about this week’s Color Crush color palette from Girl with a Pearl Earring? I’d love to hear your thoughts — and your personal inspirations! Join us on social media, specifically Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram (don’t forget to tag @bgidesigner)! 
Barbara Gilbert and her team brings expertise with color and its psychological effects to every project, no matter the style. One of our favorite things is helping clients learn to love color and make it work for them! Give Barbara a call at 214-641-7897 or use the website contact form if you’d like to be inspired by the design of your home. Barbara Gilbert Interiors brings luxury interior design services to Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Frisco, and many more parts of DFW. Please see the list of the areas we serve to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!
 


Thanksgiving is just around the corner and with that holiday, comes a road trip for many to see family and friends around the United States. These can offer some spectacular scenery and hours of fun conversation.
For my Color Crush this week, I’ve chosen an autumnal color palette with all the hues of the season. The deep red, golden yellow, ochre, and taupe are earthy shades that create a grounded, secure feeling in a color scheme. These are often considered friendly and inviting, and tend to more muted and flat. Additionally, earth tones are considered to be generally appealing, reassuring, and settling. This makes them perfect for busy spaces like a family room or living room because they are inviting without being somber.
The other part of this color palette is the sky colors, a trio of blues, considered to promote stability and depth. Blues have a calming effect and represent trust, truth, and wisdom, among other things. Because of their tranquil impact, these blues would be great for a bedroom, although you want to keep the dark hue as an accent.
How do you feel about this week’s Color Crush color palette for a Thanksgiving road trip? I’d love to hear your thoughts — and your personal inspirations! Join us on social media, specifically Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram (don’t forget to tag @bgidesigner)! 
Barbara Gilbert and her team brings expertise with color and its psychological effects to every project, no matter the style. One of our favorite things is helping clients learn to love color and make it work for them! Give Barbara a call at 214-641-7897 or use the website contact form if you’d like to be inspired by the design of your home. Barbara Gilbert Interiors brings luxury interior design services to Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Frisco, and many more parts of DFW. Please see the list of the areas we serve to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!