Interior Colour Psychology: The Best Colours to Boost Your Mood in Every Room

Ever walked into a room and instantly felt calmer, happier, or more energised without knowing why? That’s the power of interior colour psychology. Colours don’t just change how a room looks; they change how you feel in it.

By choosing the right colours for each space, you can design a home that looks beautiful and supports your mood, mindset, and daily well-being. Here's how to boost your mood with colour, room by room.

Entrance Hallway: First Impressions & Instant Impact

Whether you’re after a bold wow-factor moment when the front door opens or you just need your hallway to feel a little bigger and brighter, this space is the perfect place to make a strong first impression.

While many people opt for white walls here, hallways are often high-traffic areas that don’t always get the best natural light, so a bit of clever colour can go a long way.

If you’re lucky enough to have a large, light-filled hallway, you can go all out. Try a bold Absynth green and layer it with soft mink accents to create excitement as soon as you walk in. If the staircase is in view, a colourful runner can help tie everything together, picking up tones from the paint.

If your hallway is on the narrow side, try creating a visual divide using an existing dado rail, or add one in. A neutral patterned wallpaper above the dado brings interest without overwhelming the space. Paint the dado in a warm taupe, then carry a lighter shade of that taupe onto the lower part of the wall to keep it cohesive and calm.

Finish the look with a large mirror in a painted frame to bounce light around and add an extra layer of personality.

Kitchen: Energetic, Inviting, & Multi-Functional

Today's kitchens are more than just a place to cook; they’re where we eat, gather, chat, and unwind. With so many of us embracing open-plan living, the kitchen has become the heart of the home, and that means it needs to work hard and feel good.

So, how do you design a space that’s energising to cook in, fun for entertaining, and calming enough to relax in?

The answer: zone with colour.

Try using a rich burgundy with a soft creamy yellow to create warmth and depth, balanced with fresh white for cleanliness and light. In adjoining areas, introduce an inviting olive green for the dining space and a soft mink in a snug or coffee nook perfect for slow mornings.

Add playful accents with yellow, lilac, or orange through bar stools, artwork, or a bold kettle on the counter. Colour here isn’t just decorative, it defines how you use and feel in each part of the space.

Dining Room: Warm, Welcoming & Social

If you have a separate dining room, it’s a great opportunity to lean into colour and create a space designed for connection and conversation. Warm tones like reds and yellows are often linked to socialising and appetite, making them ideal for dining areas.

Red brings energy and vibrancy, while yellow encourages focus and engagement. But balance is key. Too much red can feel overwhelming or even hectic, especially in smaller spaces.

Instead, play with tone and proportion. Try a muted red like terracotta on the walls or upholstery for a grounded, inviting feel. Soften it further with warm buttery tones or add a pop of lemon yellow in smaller details like artwork, glassware, or a feature pendant.

Living Room: Calm, Cocooning & Characterful

Who doesn’t want to step into their living room and instantly feel at ease? It’s the space where we unwind, switch off from the day, and settle in so the mood you create here really matters.

While layout and lighting are key, colour plays a powerful role in setting the tone. Soft neutrals are always a favourite for creating a sense of calm, but don’t shy away from using rich, darker shades, especially in smaller or less characterful rooms where they can make a cocooning, intimate feel.

A gentle, plaster pink works beautifully as a backdrop for mirrors, artwork, and bolder textiles. It also sets the stage for colourful patterned curtains in tones of green, yellow, and other uplifting accents.

Try a deep, inky blue paired with soft pink accessories and a warm grey rug over a natural wooden floor for a bolder statement. These layers of colour and texture instantly help you feel grounded, relaxed, and right at home.

Bedroom: Calm, Comfortable & Restful

What are the best colours for your bedroom? Your bedroom is the one space in the house where you need to feel calm; it’s all about switching off and giving your mind a break. Use blues and greens here because they create a tranquil, balanced atmosphere.

Blue gives that lovely inside-outside feeling, like bringing the sky or sea indoors. It’s soothing and helps you feel grounded. Green is brilliant for creating a sense of calm and quiet it has that fresh, natural feel that instantly softens a space.

To stop it feeling too cool, pair it with creamy whites or a touch of soft pink; both add a gentle warmth and help create a restful palette that’s really easy to live with. And don’t forget the textures! A cosy throw at the end of the bed or a few soft cushions can make the space feel that bit more luxurious, like a little hotel moment at home.

Bathroom: Functional, Relaxing & Full of Personality

The bathroom’s one of those spaces that needs to work hard. It’s where we wash,

brush our teeth, dry off, and ideally do it all with as little fuss as possible. So a good layout, easy access to essentials, and proper storage are key. But at the same time, the bathroom can also be a place to slow down, relax, and have a bit of fun with the design.

Because you’re often working with walls, tiles and flooring for your main colour moments, it’s important to make sure they either flow beautifully together, or that your accessories bring in the mood you’re after.

Blue is always a favourite; it is fresh and clean, with that crisp, natural feel. If you want to warm things up, coral can add a gentle energy, while brown tones (think soft tan or chocolate) bring a grounded, spa-like vibe that makes the space feel calm and cocooning.

Finding Your Perfect Palette

Now that you’ve seen how colour can shape the mood of each room, from energising kitchens to restful bedrooms, it’s worth thinking about how you want your home to feel.

Do you want a calming retreat, a vibrant space to gather with friends, or a cosy corner to unwind in at the end of the day? Think about how each room fits into your daily routine, and choose colours that boost your mood, suit your style and support how you live.

When you understand the basics of colour psychology, it becomes so much easier to create a home that looks beautiful and feels just right for you.

Would you like to explore further?
Watch our video on Colour Psychology!