With Valentine’s day around the corner, brands have disguised all their marketing in the colors red and pink. I think this is a great time to talk about the Psychology of red and pink and find out if they really are the colors of romance?
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RED
Red is a psychological primary and it always triggers a physical response. It is the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum, hence the most visible color to us and therefore it appears to be closer than it actually is, attracting attention. This is why it is the chosen color for traffic lights and stop signs.
Research shows that women in red appear more attractive to men. You can read here more about this research by the University of Rochester. Brands are definitely using this research to their full advantage and very smartly.
THE TRAITS OF RED
Since red has very high physical energy, a little bit goes a long way. Surrounding yourself with too much of the color or the wrong tone can be overwhelming and can make it difficult for you to relax and unwind. On the other hand, the right amount of red is energizing and exciting.
RED IN YOUR HOME
When it comes to your home, you want to avoid using red in spaces where you want to relax or concentrate, such as the study and the mediation room. You might think that red is the color of romance and it would be a great idea to use it in the bedroom to create a romantic treat, but at the same time, it is a physically stimulating color and can cause unrest and disturbed sleep.
Since red is a warm color, using it any room that gets direct sunlight or is already hot, can make it hotter.
Red is a great color in any room where you would like to stimulate conversation. But be careful with proportion.
Having a little bit of red in your kitchen or eating area is also a good option, for the vary reason that eating and cooking are physical activities and are best supported by the long wavelength colors. Again proportion is key here, as too much red can easily heat up the kitchen.
It is advisable to always balance your use of red with a cool color, such as green in the kitchen.
If you are a red lover, my suggestion is to use this color to your hearts desire in a hall way or a powder bath. Since no one spends too much time in these space, you are unlikely to experience the adverse traits of the color.
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PINK
Pink is a derivative of red, hence it also triggers a physical reaction. Light pinks are physically soothing and relaxing, whereas a saturated hue or a cold pink is physically stimulating.
THE TRAITS OF PINK
Pink is the color of nurturing love, care, compassion and support. Maternal love is the same for boys as for girls. Hence the assigning of romance to pink for Valentine’s day is more of a color symbolism rather than the psychological meaning of the color.
Similarly “pink is for girls and blue is for boys” is more of a cultural association or the marketing game, and has nothing to do with the psychological meaning of the color.
Like any other color, pink has its adverse psychological traits. Too much of pink can come across as weakening and draining.
PINK IN YOUR HOME
When it comes to your home, a soft low intensity pink is a great color to use in spaces where you would like to experience calm and ease tension. Using it in your living room or bedroom will encourage physical relaxation after a long stressful work day.
A child’s nursery is another place to use light pinks. It will create a soothing atmosphere for the baby.
Wherever you choose to use a light pink as a predominant influence, make sure to balance with a cool color, such as blue or green.
Once a lady asked me that she lives with her in-laws and there was a tense relationship among the family members. In a situation like this, soft pink is an ideal color to use in common spaces where everyone meets.
Avoid using soft pinks in a home gym as it will make you loose your physical strength.
If you are in love with a stronger hue of pink, then use it in a space where you don’t spend a lot of time, to stay away from the adverse traits of the color. Such places would be the entryway, a hallway or a powder bath.
Where would you like to use red and pink in your homes?
