Colour therapy uses colours to create certain moods. Plascon Colour content creations and digital platform manager, Patty Mulauzi, sheds some light
If you’re curious about the effects of different colours on mood and wellbeing, Patty explains that warm colours such as red, orange and yellow, are associated with energy, stimulation and happiness. “They can be used to create lively and engaging spaces, whereas cool colours, such as blue, green and purple evoke feelings of calm, peace and relaxation. They’re ideal for creating a harmonious environment. When designing, I consider the intended mood and function of the space. For example, a living room would look and feel inviting using warm colours, while a bedroom requires colours that promote rest and relaxation.”
Glamour: Are specific colour palettes used to evoke certain emotions in interior design?
Patty: Warm and inviting combinations, such as cream and soft yellows, create a cosy atmosphere, while energetic, stimulating combinations using bright accents such as red or orange add a touch of vibrancy and energy to a space.
Glamour: How do you balance personal preferences with the principles of colour psychology?
Patty: It requires a collaborative approach. You must understand the client’s needs and introduce colour psychology by educating them about the influence of colour on emotions. Common ground can be found that will incorporate both the client’s preferences and colour psychology principles to create a harmonious and functional space.
Glamour: How have you used colour therapy techniques to transform a client’s space and enhance their well-being?
Patty: A client requested a very bright blue for a feature wall in their living area. By suggesting a more muted blue with geometric lines, I achieved balance and created a more calming and inviting atmosphere while incorporating their initial request, which would have been overly stimulating and too energetic.
Glamour: Do cultural differences influence colour therapy? If so, how do you navigate these differences?
Patty: Different cultures and religious beliefs can influence colour choices. Red is a symbol of good luck in China, but in Africa it symbolises danger. It’s vital to meet with the client to understand their background and discuss what different colours mean to them. Researching the client’s cultural background also helps you understand which colours should be avoided or emphasised. By working with your client, you can create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and that also promotes wellbeing.
Glamour: Are there any rooms or areas in a home where colour therapy is especially impactful?
Patty: Colour therapy can be applied in any room, but some spaces benefit more due to their functions. Bedrooms are a retreat for relaxation and calming colours such as light blue, green or lavender work really well there, compared to overly stimulating colours like bright reds or oranges. Living rooms require warm colours to promote feelings of happiness and connection as the space is for socialising. Consider the room’s purpose and create balance by not overwhelming the space with too much colour. Lighting also plays a vital role when choosing colour as it can affect the way dark or light shades appear. Always test colours on the wall before you commit. Remember that colour psychology/therapy is a tool to enhance your design and is not cast in stone. The goal is to create an environment that is both beautiful and functional.
Glamour: How do factors such as natural light, room size and the function of the space affect colour choices and their therapeutic effects?
Patty: Abundant light can handle bolder colours, but limited light needs lighter, reflective colours (light blues, yellows) to feel airy and promote energy. In smaller rooms, lighter colours make the space feel bigger, while larger rooms can accommodate darker, more dramatic tones. Spaces for relaxation require calming colours, such as blues, greens or beiges, and areas that need more energy (like living rooms) work best with warm tones. Finally, spaces that require focus, for example offices or studies, work well with earthy tones with pops of colour, such as shades of blue or green.
Glamour: How do you stay up to date on current trends and research?
Patty: Locally, the Natural Colour System offers training and other colour tools (ncscolour.co.za). Its website has a wealth of information on colour theory, colour psychology and the application of colour in design. I also recommend the book Colour Psychology: How Colours Affect Your Moods, Thoughts and Behaviours by Angela Wright, which a great introduction to the psychology of colour and its impact on people.
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