Colour Psychology in Interior Design: How to Increase Your Rental and Sales Values as a Property Investor
Colour is more than a visual element in interior design; it’s a powerful tool that shapes how people feel, think, and ultimately behave within a space. For property developers looking to maximise the appeal of their rental properties (and properties for sale), understanding and leveraging colour psychology can be a game-changer.
Sceptical? Read on, and I promise to enlighten you. If nothing else, you’ll discover why reaching for the grey paint pot could have a negative impact on your bottom line.
The Science Behind Colour and Emotion
“So, colour is emotion, is it? What a load of mumbo jumbo,” you might be thinking! I get it—it does sound like something an overly enthusiastic interior designer might say to encourage you to ditch the magnolia and be a little bolder.
Well, yes it is! And here’s why it’s so…
Colour impacts emotion through a connection in the brain. When wavelengths of light hit our eyes, they send signals to the brain. And (this is where it gets really interesting) those signals are sent to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating—yes, you guessed it—emotion.
This direct connection between colour perception and emotional processing explains why different hues (pure colours) can evoke such strong and immediate feelings. But that’s not all! When we feel something, it influences how we behave, so you, as an investor, can influence how your buyers, guests, or tenants behave in a space. Wow, the power really is in your hands!
You want them to feel goooooood when they walk through that door. Feeling good means they’re more likely to buy, more likely to enjoy staying, and more likely to spend. And colour used correctly will absolutely help you achieve that!
The Importance of Client Avatars in Design
Before diving into colour schemes, it’s crucial to consider your target audience, whether you’re selling or renting. Creating a detailed client avatar can guide design decisions and ensure the space appeals to the intended tenants or guests. It’s so important to get out of your head and into the head of your target audience. I can’t stress this enough—the single biggest mistake I see investors and developers make is that they get so caught up in their own likes and dislikes, they forget they’re not selling to themselves!
Consider factors such as:
Age range
Profession or lifestyle
Family status
Cultural background
Personal interests and hobbies
(Insert QR code here to take you to my client avatar PDF)
For example, a property aimed at young professionals might benefit from a more vibrant, contemporary colour scheme, while a family-oriented space might opt for a warmer, more nurturing palette.
Angela Wright’s Scientifically Proven Colour Theory
A few years ago, I trained with one of today’s leading colour psychology experts, who trained with Angela Wright—one of the original leading colour psychologists. Lucky me, eh?
Angela Wright’s colour theory (which has been scientifically proven) provides insight into how different people respond to colour. Wright created four colour personalities, each aligned with a season:
The Spring Personality
Characteristics: Warm, clear, light
Personality: Lively, friendly, youthful
Colours: Warm yellows, coral, aqua
The Summer Personality
Characteristics: Cool, muted, soft
Personality: Elegant, graceful, subtle
Colours: Soft blues, lavender, rose pink
The Autumn Personality
Characteristics: Warm, muted, deep
Personality: Natural, earthy, substantial
Colours: Terracotta, olive green, mustard
The Winter Personality
Characteristics: Cool, clear, bright
Personality: Dramatic, sophisticated, efficient
Colours: Pure white, royal blue, magenta
Understanding these colour personalities can help in creating spaces that resonate with different types of individuals. For instance, a contemporary property in a bustling urban area might lean towards a winter palette to appeal to city professionals, while a countryside retreat might benefit from an autumn scheme to enhance its natural surroundings.
Simples? Well, it’s not so simple, but I only have a few hundred words to convey my message. In reality, there are tens of thousands of different tints, tones, and shades, each with its own psychological qualities. For example, dark navy blue is a stimulating colour, whereas sky blue is much more soothing. So, as with everything (isn’t outsourcing the best!), it might be wise to get a professional to work with you—though this is a great place to start.
Oh, and the grey thing? Well, true grey, made from only black and white, is the only colour that has no positive psychological qualities. Let that sink in! Imagine the potential damage you’re doing by showing people around your 50 shades of grey apartment (shocked face emoji!). So, if you are hell-bent on using grey, make sure it’s a warm grey (with added colour for warmth, like red or yellow), such as Dulux’s imaginatively named ‘Warm Grey,’ Little Greene’s ‘Perennial Grey,’ or the famous ‘Elephant’s Breath’ from the paint brand decorators love to hate, Farrow & Ball.
A Handy List to Leverage Colour Psychology in Your Rental Properties
Create a welcoming entrance: Use warm, inviting colours like soft greens or heather tones in entryways to create a positive first impression.
Promote relaxation in bedrooms: Opt for pale blues or gentle greens to create a restful atmosphere conducive to sleep.
Use colour to define spaces: In open-plan layouts, use colour to subtly delineate different functional areas without needing physical barriers.
Add energy to communal spaces: Incorporate more vibrant colours in living areas to create a sense of energy and encourage social interaction.
Balance neutrals with accents: While neutral palettes are safe, strategic use of colour accents can add personality and emotional depth to a space.
Let’s Get Emotional
In summary, by thoughtfully applying colour psychology principles, you can create spaces that not only look the business but also resonate emotionally with potential tenants or guests. This emotional connection can be a powerful factor in driving rental income and creating satisfied, long-term occupants. Ka-ching!
If I can help you with any of your interior design needs or if you’d like a few tips on maximising your sales or rental values, contact me using the details below.
Website: Email: louise@wildkindinteriors.co.ukInstagram: wildkindinteriorsLinkedIn: Louise Wynne
