Perceived Impact of Colors in Interior and Architecture

Abstract

Background

Colors are an integral part of the world we live in, and their impact on the human perception of the environment is irrefutable. Color is the most exciting & instantaneously noticeable and the least expensive element in interior design [1-2]. Color selection and color scheming has become increasingly important in developing residential and commercial interiors. Choosing the right color for rooms & accessories can make a difference in the feel of the room [3]. In interior design, color combination criteria are believed to elicit an emotional reaction [3-4].  An interior designer can use color theory and alter characteristics of colors to have a pleasing color plan for interiors so as to match the purpose & interests of residents [5]. It has been proven that a person reacts differently to certain colors and that colors can cause different emotional states in humans [6].

Purpose

Interior designers and architects need to know the interests and opinions of the general public to provide the best services in the field of Interior design and architecture but there is no literature available that has studied the opinions of the general public about how they perceive the colors and their considerations in relation to the interior design of their homes. Hence to bridge this gap, the author had undertaken this study and interviewed people from different walks of life to assess their perception of the use of colors in interiors to learn how colors affect people's minds & impact their emotions and to find out how individuals react to individual color and alternatively how their health & well-being is affected.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary research was conducted. A questionnaire with 10 items was framed to assess the perception of people about the use of colors in interiors. Content validity was done by the experts from the field of Fine arts, Architecture, and Interior design. One hundred and eighty subjects were selected through convenient sampling residing in Tricity i.e Chandigarh, Mohali & Panchkula. A total of 150 subjects who had completed the questionnaire were interviewed. 

Findings:

Data analysis revealed that 100% of subjects expressed color as an important factor while painting interiors, 86% of subjects preferred different colors for different rooms, 88% considered quality material, whereas 76% of subjects considered budget while deciding to paint their interiors, 82% subjects considered the availability of natural light inside the interiors,  80%  of subjects matched the color of interiors with other objects like furniture, curtains, etc. 88% of subjects think that color affects health, mood & emotions of the person. 94% of subjects opined that the size/space of the room affects the color choice of the interiors. People expressed color as an important factor in interior design. They prefer different colors as per the size & space of each room & considered quality material, availability of natural light, and matched color of interiors i.e. furniture, curtains, etc. They also think that color affects the health, mood & emotions of the person.

Conclusion

The study concluded that people prefer different colors as per the size & space of each room & considered quality material, availability of natural light and matched the color of interiors. They agreed that color definitely affects the health, mood & emotions of the person and expressed an important factor while painting interiors. The study assumes greater significance as the issues related to color, interior design, & architecture have been investigated from the consumer’s perspective. Whereas only a few people gave importance to budgetary considerations in the interest of painting materials. Hence, it is concluded that in line with the reviewed literature findings show that color is the essence of Interior Design.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in a way that all individuals use colors to paint their homes and accessories in the interiors as well as at the workplace. So, this knowledge provided by these findings can be utilized to their best advantage by the individuals by painting their homes as well as by interior designers & architects to satisfy their consumers by planning the interiors in such a way so that the consumers can have positive emotions, health, and better performance at home and workplace. Academicians can utilize these findings to educate the students of Fine Arts, Interior Design & Architecture, Policy Makers & Administrators can also plan the infrastructure accordingly.