Colour is one of the most powerful design elements in any interior space. It affects mood, behaviour, focus, appetite, perception of space, and even productivity. In 2025, interior design is moving strongly toward science-backed colour selection, where every shade is chosen with purpose rather than trend alone.

This guide explores the psychology behind colours, the best shades for different rooms, and how smart colour choices can transform kitchens, offices, bedrooms and retail spaces. Whether you’re renovating a home or designing a commercial space, understanding colour psychology can help you create interiors that look beautiful and function even better.

What Is Colour Psychology?

Colour psychology is the study of how colours influence human emotions and actions. While personal preferences matter, research shows consistent responses to certain shades:

  • Warm colours (red, orange, yellow) boost energy, warmth and appetite.
  • Cool colours (blue, green, purple) promote calmness, focus and relaxation.
  • Neutrals (white, beige, grey, taupe) provide balance and sophistication.
  • Accents (bold shades) create visual interest and highlight important zones.

When applied correctly, colour psychology helps interior spaces feel aligned with their purpose—a kitchen becomes more inviting, an office more productive, and a retail store more profitable.

1. Best Colours for Kitchens

Kitchens are social, functional, and emotional spaces. Colours here should stimulate appetite and activity while maintaining freshness and warmth.

• White and Off-White

White remains the top choice for kitchens due to its clean, spacious feel. It reflects light, makes compact kitchens appear larger and pairs well with any finish.

• Light Grey

Elegant, modern and timeless. Grey creates a calm, premium look while balancing bold elements like wood, marble or coloured cabinets.

• Earthy Greens

Sage green and olive shades evoke freshness and nature. These colours enhance appetite and pair beautifully with wooden accents.

• Warm Yellows

Soft yellow energises the space and encourages cheerfulness. Ideal for breakfast counters and small kitchens that need visual warmth.

• Avoid: Overpowering reds or dark tones

Strong reds overstimulate and can make the kitchen feel hot and busy. Dark colours can reduce brightness.

2. Best Colours for Offices & Workspaces

Office spaces need colours that improve focus, productivity, clarity and calmness. Poor colour choices can lead to fatigue, irritability or lack of motivation.

• Soft Blues

Blue is scientifically proven to improve concentration and reduce stress. Ideal for work areas, meeting rooms and brainstorming zones.

• Neutral Greys

Grey promotes balance and professionalism. It is perfect for corporate interiors, reception spaces and conference rooms.

• Greens

Green reduces eye strain, enhances creativity and creates a sense of harmony. Works well in open offices and co-working environments.

• Warm Beige and Taupe

These modern neutrals create comfort without distracting the mind. Perfect for client areas and executive cabins.

• Accent Colours

  • Orange for energy in collaboration zones
  • Yellow for decision-making rooms
  • Teal for creative studios

Avoid: Overuse of red

Red increases tension and heart rate. Acceptable only as minimal accents.

3. Best Colours for Bedrooms

Bedrooms need tranquillity. Colours here must promote rest, privacy and emotional comfort.

• Soft Blues and Teals

Blue is proven to slow the heart rate and promote sleep. Teal adds sophistication.

• Pastel Pinks and Lilacs

These give warmth and calmness without overwhelming the senses.

• Muted Greens

Sage, mint and misty green provide serenity and are perfect for nature-inspired interiors.

• Warm Neutrals

Cream, beige and taupe offer a cosy, hotel-like aesthetic.

Avoid: Bold colours like red, bright yellow or neon tones

They overstimulate the brain and disrupt relaxation.

4. Best Colours for Retail Spaces

Retail design is driven by emotion and behaviour. The right colours can increase footfall, improve browsing time and boost sales.

• White for Minimalist Stores

Luxury brands favour white to highlight products more strongly.

• Black & Charcoal

Used for premium and high-end retail. Adds depth, drama and exclusivity.

• Warm Lighting + Beige Walls

These make shoppers feel comfortable, increasing time spent inside.

• Strategic Accent Colours

  • Red for attracting attention to discounts
  • Yellow for promoting quick decisions
  • Blue for trust in tech or electronics stores
  • Green for organic, wellness and eco-friendly brands

Avoid: Too many high-saturation colours

They confuse the eye and lower conversion rates.

How to Choose Colours Based on Space Size

• Small Spaces

Use light colours (white, beige, light grey) to make the room look bigger.

• Large Spaces

Darker tones add depth and make the area feel balanced.

• Mid-Sized Rooms

Use a neutral base and add controlled accent walls.

Trends for 2025: Colour Psychology in Modern Interiors

Colour trends for 2025 lean toward soft, calming palettes inspired by nature and wellness.

Top trending shades include:

  • Sage Green
  • Dusty Blue
  • Clay Terracotta
  • Warm Beige
  • Charcoal Grey
  • Walnut Brown
  • Muted Lavender

These shades promote calmness, minimalism and long-term visual comfort.

Tips for Using Colour Psychology Effectively

  • Match the colour with the purpose of the room.
  • Don’t overuse bold colours; keep them for accents.
  • Combine cool and warm tones for balance.
  • Pair colours with appropriate textures (wood, metal, stone).
  • Use smart lighting to enhance or soften shades.
  • Create mood boards before finalising.

A well-designed space isn’t just beautiful—it supports human behaviour and enhances wellbeing.

Conclusion

Colour psychology is a powerful tool in interior design. Choosing the right colours for kitchens, offices, bedrooms and retail spaces can drastically improve mood, performance, comfort and even business outcomes. Whether you’re renovating a home or designing a commercial space, using the science behind colours ensures that interiors are not just visually appealing but also highly functional.

Divy Renovation can help you select scientifically-backed colour palettes that elevate your space and bring out its best potential.