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Take a Slice From Psychology to Use Orange Better
Get the scoop on this attention-seeking hue and learn how it can bring a refreshing zing to your interiors — and your spirit
Houzz Contributor. Based in Cambridgeshire, U.K., Julia Pockett is founder Director of Sujiivana Design Ltd (http://www.sujiivana.co.uk), an on-line emporium of home accessories and of interior design services. Specialising in affordable design, Julia has worked on projects including full property refurbishments, individual room designs and home staging.
Houzz Contributor. Based in Cambridgeshire, U.K., Julia Pockett is founder... More »
From peach to tangerine, orange is probably one of the most controversial colors on the color wheel. Its stronger tones tend to provoke a love-it or hate-it response, while the subtler shades have more universal appeal.
Symbolic of endurance and strength, orange is the color of fire and the sun, and its warmth is said to promote feelings of energy and fun. Learn here what else the color experts say about this warmest of hues and how to use it around the home.
Symbolic of endurance and strength, orange is the color of fire and the sun, and its warmth is said to promote feelings of energy and fun. Learn here what else the color experts say about this warmest of hues and how to use it around the home.
| Accent Asian-inspired spaces. Orange is closely associated with Hinduism and Buddhism, and is commonly worn by holy men all over Asia. In Buddhism, orange (or more precisely the saffron used to dye their robes) symbolizes illumination and the highest state of perfection. Orange certainly makes a perfect choice for Asian-inspired decor. |
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Use orange in small doses. Of course, it was the fruit that gave its name to the color — the word "orange" comes from the Sanskrit word "naranga."
And it's not for everyone, at least at first. German-born American artist Wolf Kahn once said, "Orange is very blatant and vulgar. It makes you immediately start having feelings."
If the thought of orange is just too much for you, then try introducing accents. A simple display of oranges in this room brings it to life, while the orange ceiling makes it feel warm and sunny.
And it's not for everyone, at least at first. German-born American artist Wolf Kahn once said, "Orange is very blatant and vulgar. It makes you immediately start having feelings."
If the thought of orange is just too much for you, then try introducing accents. A simple display of oranges in this room brings it to life, while the orange ceiling makes it feel warm and sunny.
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| Host the perfect dinner party. Many Native Americans associate orange with kinship, and consumer research by the Pantone Institute says that red and orange stimulate the appetite. This would seem to make orange perfect for a sociable dining area. It looks particularly lovely toned down with neutrals. A little orange goes a long way. |
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| Heat up the bedroom. In the tantric and yogic traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism, orange represents the sacral chakra, which supplies energy for enjoyment of life and sexuality, and it's used to balance those areas. While it's commonly believed to be an energizing color, and maybe not an ideal choice for a bedroom, orange works beautifully here with one of my favorite neutrals — gray. Consider using orange on a single feature wall behind your bed if you are worried it will keep you awake at night. |
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| Create an active home. Eva Heller, author of The Psychology of Color, states that next to red, orange is the color most popular for extroverts, and is a symbol of activity. Its use in this room feels modern, fun and energetic — great for a lively young family. |
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Stoke kitchen creativity. June McLeod, color expert with Colors of the Soul, says orange stokes health and creativity. People who like orange are often people pleasers and love to share. This combination would make an orange kitchen a great place for conjuring up a feast for friends.
However, McLeod has conducted research on how people behave in different colored kitchens, and warns to be careful with the color: "In orange kitchens people are more prone to be slapdash," she says, "so if you decide on an orange theme, you need to make an effort to be organized in order to prevent disaster."
However, McLeod has conducted research on how people behave in different colored kitchens, and warns to be careful with the color: "In orange kitchens people are more prone to be slapdash," she says, "so if you decide on an orange theme, you need to make an effort to be organized in order to prevent disaster."
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| Warm up playrooms. In his book Color, Environment and Human Response, renowned color expert Frank H. Mahnke writes that warm, bright color schemes work well in preschools and elementary schools. You might consider integrating orange into your child's playroom. |
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| Highlight accessories. Orange is the most visible color in dim light and stands out the best against water, hence its use on life rafts and by coast guards. An aircraft's black box is, in fact, orange. Orange demands to be seen, so it is perfect for highlighting the key elements of a design. This sideboard begs for attention and would be the perfect place to display a much-loved collection of artifacts. |
| Emphasize orange with blue. Azure blue is directly opposite orange on the color wheel and is its best complementary color. They are opposite in psychological terms too — blue tends to be calming and cool, and orange is energizing and warm. When using them together, keep in mind that cool colors tend to recede and make a room look larger, while warm colors tend to advance and make a room look smaller. |
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Encourage social activities. Feng shui expert Rodika Tchi says orange is often called the social color. Its presence can help stimulate great conversation. This would make orange an excellent accent color in game and family rooms.
Do you love orange? Share a photo below of how you've used it around your home!
More: More ways to use orange | Explore the Houzz color guides
Do you love orange? Share a photo below of how you've used it around your home!
More: More ways to use orange | Explore the Houzz color guides
Ideabook updated on Feb. 15, 2013.
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Orange is just so cheerful! I always look for paintings and posters with orange in them, they brighten up a room (see 2nd photo - I know I should put that painting up, but I'm still not sure that that's the best place for it)
That's as close as I get.
www.jul313.com
Julie@jul313.com
Since retirement, we are remodeling and redecorating our townhouse.
Here is the new foyer. We love the round area rug.
Regards
SPACIALISTS
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