Did you know you can align colours with the mood you intend to create? Yes, you can! You can infuse a specific aura or mood in different rooms of your house by taking advantage of colour theory. Colour theory explains how different colours trigger or induce various feelings. Extensive research into how colour impacts mood indicates that colours are a powerful nonverbal communication tool.

Colour is a power which directly influences the soul.
- Wassily Kandinsky

The wavelengths of various colours stimulate the brain differently, evoking different feelings. While cultural background can influence how different colours affect our moods, the bottom line is that we can use colours to influence our mood indoors.

How to Use Colour to Create a Specific Mood in a Room

Here are some of the ways you can create a specific mood in a room using colour:

Pink – Pink is renowned for its calming effect and is used to create a soothing mood. Depending on the shade, pink can infuse a wide variety of moods, ranging from love and kindness with lighter shades to a high-energy aura with brighter shades.

Red – Red is the most intense colour and is believed to infuse warmth and energy into a room. Depending on the shade, red can infuse different moods, ranging from strength and passion to energy. For instance, bright hues of red are used to infuse strength and motivation in the dining room, while muted red shades infuse passion, sensuality, and love in bedrooms.

Orange – Orange is a bright colour that infuses passion and enthusiasm, spurs creativity, and evokes feelings of cosiness and warmth.

Yellow – Yellow can evoke feelings of happiness and energy. Yellow creates a sunny and welcoming mood indoors. Bright hues of yellow are known for triggering happiness and infusing an aura of motivation. Yellow is also linked to promoting intelligence and wisdom. However, you should be careful about how much yellow you use, as it can create an overwhelming atmosphere.

Blue – Blue tones are known to create a calming and serene atmosphere. Shades of blue create a clear and meditative mood while facilitating clear thinking. You can use primary blue to create a peaceful mood that helps you unwind and find peace. Lighter shades of blue create a serene mood, but be wary of using dark shades as they can spur feelings of being bogged down and sad.

Green – Green is linked to nature and can create a refreshing and tranquil environment. Green is associated with nature and its benefits. It can be used to stimulate inner peace, serenity, and hopefulness. In colour psychology, green is popularly used to help patients overcome stress, anxiety, and depression.

Purple – Purple works similarly to blue. In lighter shades, it creates an optimistic and hopeful mood. Darker shades of purple spur feelings of strength and power.

Brown – Brown is a neutral colour with a grounding effect. Rich, earthy tones of brown evoke a feeling of safety.

Colour is the place where our brain and the universe meet.
- Paul Klee

In addition to using a single colour, you can blend different colours to achieve various effects. For example, use reds and pinks to create a creative, high-energy mood that spurs conversations. Use greens and blues to create a calming effect by recreating the feeling of nature and the sky in your home.

Colour Combinations That Transform Spaces

Colour combinations have the power to revolutionise a room's ambiance. The right mix of colours can breathe fresh life into a space, transforming it from mundane to majestic. 

One potent combination is deep purple paired with bright pink. This duo can make a bold statement, exuding sophistication and vibrancy. Imagine walking into a living room where deep purple walls are complemented by bright pink accents—it's a feast for the eyes. 

For a more serene environment, consider the grass green and taupe palette. This combination balances vitality with calmness, perfect for spaces where you want to feel both energised and at peace. Whether it's a bedroom or a reading nook, this palette offers the best of both worlds. 

Another transformative combo is seafoam and teal. These shades evoke the tranquility of the ocean, making them ideal for a bathroom or a space dedicated to relaxation. The richness of teal paired with the softness of seafoam creates a harmonious yet luxurious feel. 

Emerging as a neutral palette are bold hues like deep greens, khakis, and marigold. These colours provide a grounded backdrop, offering versatility while maintaining a fresh and modern vibe. They are particularly effective in larger rooms like living areas or open-plan spaces. 

Lastly, for a touch of avant-garde, neon green can be paired with dark purple, fuchsia, and charcoal shades. This daring palette is perfect for accent walls or statement pieces, injecting a burst of energy and creativity into any room. 

These combinations not only transform spaces but can also reflect your personal style and the mood you want to create. Don’t be afraid to experiment—sometimes, the most unexpected pairs can yield the most breathtaking results.

2024 Colour Trends for Home Décor

For several years leading up to the 2020s, the overarching colour palette for interior décor was dominated by grey, complemented by white trims. However, that trend has dwindled in 2024 as homeowners seek to go against the grain. While designers will still use grey tones in 2024, they are no longer the go-to colour for all homeowners.

Instead, interior designers and homeowners are leaning more toward all whites, with a particular preference for neutral, creamier, and warmer whites. These hues of white give off a traditional vibe and infuse a sense of cosiness.

Designers seeking a contemporary take on interior design have embraced modern colours. Earthy greens, contrasting whites, deep blacks, natural blues, earthy browns, vibrant yellows, and plaster pinks have increasingly appeared in more Australian homes.

One of the key colour trends for 2024 is the resurgence of earthy tones. These colours, such as terracotta, olive green, and warm beige, are making a strong comeback. They evoke a sense of grounding and connection to nature, which can create a calming and nurturing atmosphere in any room. These hues are particularly effective in living spaces and bedrooms where relaxation is paramount.

Another significant trend for 2024 is the use of bold, saturated colours. Vibrant shades like deep teal, rich burgundy, and mustard yellow are being embraced to add a sense of drama and energy to interiors. These colours can be used as accent walls or in furnishings to create focal points that invigorate the space and stimulate creativity and conversation.

Contrasting has also become popular among interior designers. They have found creative ways to break up walls and highlight different elements using contrast. This can be as simple as painting cabinets and doors with a black accent to contrast with an all-white wall.

Emerging Colour Trends for 2025 in Interior Design

So, what can we expect in 2025? 

We can expect more interior designers to lean towards modern colours as contemporary palettes broaden. Colours such as apricot crush, blending modern elegance and luxurious allure, will find a place in many homes. Cool matcha, a modern take on infusing nature into our homes, will replace the traditional greens we have grown accustomed to.

Emerging color trends for 2025 are expected to focus on creating serene and balanced environments, reflecting a collective desire for tranquility and mental well-being. Soft, muted tones such as pastel blues, gentle greens, and warm neutrals are anticipated to dominate interior design palettes. These colours evoke a sense of calm and relaxation, making them ideal for spaces intended for unwinding and reflection.

Modern hues of blue, such as deep midnight blue, will be used instead of classically vibrant shades of blue. The same goes for yellow. Designers will opt for modern, vibrant yellows that elevate interior vibrancy more than traditional hues.

Additionally, the use of digital and futuristic colours is predicted to rise. Neon and iridescent shades, inspired by technology and innovation, will be used to create dynamic and energetic spaces. These colours can inject a sense of excitement and modernity into a room, appealing to those who appreciate cutting-edge design.

However, designers will still tap into past interior décor ideas while incorporating a modern twist. They will continue to use the much-loved grey, likely opting for modern shades such as stained greys, especially in rooms requiring an understated blend of luxury, comfort, and contemporary style, such as offices.

Expert Opinions: Designers Share Their Favourite Colours for 2024 and 2025

So, how do you choose the right colours to set the desired mood? We've gathered expert insights to help you get started. Designers like Jodi Berger of JLA Designs suggest incorporating statement hues in smaller spaces, like powder rooms or home offices, where these bold choices can create a striking impact without overwhelming larger rooms. Imagine stepping into an entrance space painted in a rich, deep green or a bold marigold—immediately, you feel a sense of warmth and welcome. 

Another trend gaining traction is the use of contrasting colours to add dimension and interest. Behr's Colour of the Year 2024, Cracked Pepper, is a testament to this. This soft black creates a stunning backdrop for brighter colours to pop, making it ideal for creating dramatic, yet elegant spaces.

For those seeking serenity and calm, shades of blue and grounding tones offer a peaceful ambiance that's hard to beat. Designers are increasingly recommending these colours for bedrooms and living rooms to promote relaxation and tranquility. Picture a room bathed in a serene galaxy blue or a soothing taupe—both colors envelop you in a cocoon of calm, perfect after a hectic day. 

As we look towards 2025, expect more adventurous combinations and a revival of rich, earthy tones. Emerging trends suggest a blend of dark and light greens, alongside accent pops of neon colours such as neon green paired with dark purple or fuchsia. This play of colours echoes a vibrant yet balanced aesthetic, offering both excitement and harmony. 

Incorporating these expert insights and the latest trends can transform your home into a stylish yet comforting haven, reflecting both your personality and the latest in design innovation.

Bringing It All Together: Your Path to a Trendy and Mood-Enhancing Home

As you explore the transformative power of colour in your home, remember that each hue carries its own unique emotional and visual impact. By understanding how different shades can influence your mood and overall ambiance, you can create spaces that not only reflect your personal style but also enhance your wellbeing. With the exciting trends of 2024 and the emerging insights for 2025, you have a wealth of inspiration to draw from. Whether you're leaning towards the earthy grounding tones, vibrant optimistic hues, or the serene blues and greens, the key is to experiment and find what resonates with you. Don't hesitate to play with bold statements in smaller spaces or embrace rich classic neutrals to add depth and warmth. Armed with the expert advice from top designers and a keen eye on evolving trends, you're well on your way to crafting a home that is both trendy and mood-enhancing.

Happy decorating!