Psychology
of Colors –
The Kitchen
by
Joey Lewitin
Psychologists
have studied the influence of color on the mind for years. While they
have not found any effects that generalize to every society, they
have found that people from the same society are affected by colors
in similar ways. Using these findings it is possible to tap into the
subconscious of people, and use this information when decorating to
create a room that will have positive emotional effects. The following
are the general effects of color on the perceptions of Americans,
and some tips on how to use these colors to influence the minds of
the people in your kitchen positively. These colors may affect you
differently, and as such it is important to pay attention to your
own tastes above any advice.
The kitchen
is a friendly place of taste testing, gathering, talking, and enjoying
the company of friends and family. The kitchen is a family room. It
is also a creative paradise, where you will design elaborate dishes
and taste delights.
The color
most often associated with food and ingestion is orange. This color
tends to illicit hunger, and could be a great color to use strategically
in the kitchen. Adobe serving trays with orange hints could wet the
appetites of your guests. Orange is also a color that tends to lift
peoples emotions. Strategic orange decorative patterns, or a slight
orange tint to the walls, may be a positive idea to reinforce elated
emotions in the kitchen. Red can also illicit hunger, but is such
a hot color it should be used in small amounts. Dinnerware and utensils
that are red may be a nice touch, if done in an understated manner
Blue
is the opposite of those colors and it actually represses the urge
to eat. There is not very much blue food in nature, and so we have
developed a natural aversion to eating when we see it. For that reason
you may want to try and maximize the orange and minimize the blue.
In the
kitchen black is best avoided as a major theme. This color will actually
absorb heat making the room even hotter. The exception is if black
is used with white. White will balance the dark color as well as reflect
heat making the room slightly colder.
Earth
tones are great for kitchens. These colors, such as tans and browns,
can create a sense of closeness and warmth. The feeling of ease and
belongingness will make the kitchen a room that you can feel safe
to create in. It will also ease interaction between the different
parties that may gather in there occasionally.
By using
colors in a planned manner you can control the undercurrents in a
room and influence the nature of interactions in a positive way. Try
and find out how you react to the colors. Play with different shades
and gauge your reactions. A few hints lighter and a color may go from
a beautiful hunger inducer to a sickly mess that will actually detract
from the cuisine created.
Joey
Lewitin is an author, artist, and designer of home décor accessories
made from imported stone. Original designs from him and other artisans
can be seen at http://pebblez.com
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