The Psychology of Color: Choose the Right Shade

Turquoise walls bring a serene feel to this sitting area in a teen's bedroom.

Yellow is often associated with happiness and optimism because it can activate memory, stimulate the nervous system and promote creativity. Go all out by implementing a sunshine yellow and toning it down with white accents, like in this dining nook designed by Brian Patrick Flynn.

If a bright yellow isn't your style, try a neutral pale shade. The added bonus: this shade gives the appearance of a larger room. Designer Kathryn Greeley used an earthy yellow in this cottage-style bedroom to create a relaxing look.

Red immediately evokes a passionate, romantic feel in any room. It can add drama when used generously or just a simple touch can warm up a space. The many different shades create different moods, from a romantic merlot to a retro cherry shade. This velvet red wall makes the dining space more intimate while bringing some color to the otherwise neutral space. Design by Candice Olson