What Colors Make You Angry?
Experts and decorators agree that red can make you angry, which may not come as a surprise to many. Physically, red is reported to induce reactions in the body that are similar to stress responses, such as increased heart rate, heightened senses, and higher body temperature. For all its negative associations, it is undeniable that red is a color that we should pay heed to when it comes to our mindset as well as our decorating ideas. A historical color, scientists have more recently found evidence that over 40,000 years ago, Stone Age dwellers ground up red clay to make wall and body paint. Another use was protection in the afterlife. These days, red is a prominent color at weddings and religious ceremonies in certain countries, too. Over time, color psychologists have found that red can have a profound influence on our mood, perceptions, and even our actions. Decorating with red can even change your physiology and balance of hormones. So what is it about the color red that makes it so highly potent when it comes to interior design?
What Is An Aggressive Color?
Red, for all its design potential, is considered the most aggressive color. 'It's the one color that we are unable to live within large quantities,' says Karen Haller, color psychology specialist, teacher, and best-selling author of The Little Book of Color. 'The most aggressive color for you is entirely personal,' she says. 'It could be a color that conjures up a personal memory that has negative or unpleasant feelings. This might not necessarily be carmine. However, we respond to red in a more physical way – it can raise our pulse rate and put us into fight or flight mode.' 'It helps to be mindful of the visceral impact color can have on our mindset. For this reason, I would avoid red for a child’s bedroom or playroom,' Karen continues. 'You want them to go to sleep straight away, and the color red is saying "stay awake and alert" – it’s bursting with energy, and can cause an overactive imagination.'
1. Use Red In Small Doses
If you love the color red, then use it in smaller doses to create a unique and characterful statement. Despite its negative associations, red isn't all bad, especially when used as an accent color in the home. It has many positive connotations, too. This hue has the ability to grab attention, and evoke passion and sensuality, making it the perfect choice for the main bedroom.
2. Take A Monochromatic Approach
‘Many people think red is harsh, but used in a monochromatic way I find it to be very soothing,' says Chad Dorsey, interior designer and founder, Chad Dorsey Design. 'We also used it for the ceiling in this room, designed in collaboration with Porter Teleo wallcoverings.’
3. Soften Red With A Complementary Color
‘I love deep red hues and use them often in my projects,' says Brandon Schubert, director, Brandon Schubert Studio. 'It’s a color that can take on loads of different attitudes depending on what you pair it with. It’s that versatility that makes deep rusty reds a perfect choice for joinery.’
4. Don't Fight The Light
Windowless powder room or cloakroom? Don’t fight the lack of light. ‘Dark shades are a great way to deal with cloakrooms that have little or no natural light. The key is to keep the palette simple but strong,’ says Kate Cox, interior designer, HÁM Interiors. ‘Here, we opted for a rich red. Its dark undertones take a room from drab to dramatic and enlivened.’