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Colors and Their Effect on Our Soul

Published: January 25, 2026 · Updated: January 25, 2026

By Sabina Malikova, Sabina Malikova Design Office.

When we enter a room, the colors that surround us begin affecting our mood within milliseconds, long before we consciously register the palette. This is not metaphor but neuroscience. Color perception triggers hormonal responses, alters heart rate, and can even change our sense of temperature. Blue, in its deeper shades, activates the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. This makes it an excellent choice for bedrooms and meditation spaces. However, an excess of cool blue

in a dining area can suppress appetite and make social gatherings feel distant, which is why balance is essential. Warm tones like terracotta, amber, and soft coral stimulate a sense of comfort and belonging. In cultures around the world, these earth-derived pigments have been used in gathering spaces for millennia, and modern research confirms what our ancestors intuitively understood. A living room painted in warm neutrals encourages longer, more relaxed conversations. Green occupies a unique position in our perception. As

the color most abundant in nature, it requires the least adjustment from our eyes and creates the lowest level of visual fatigue. Incorporating green through living plants, textured fabrics, or muted wall colors brings a sense of renewal and calm that few other hues can match. White, often praised for its clean simplicity, demands careful handling. Pure bright white can feel clinical and anxiety-inducing when used on every surface. We prefer working with layered whites that carry undertones of cream,

linen, or pearl, creating luminous spaces that feel warm rather than sterile. In practice, designing with color means considering the journey through an entire home. We think of color as a narrative that unfolds as you move from room to room, gently shifting your emotional state to match each space's purpose. The entry may greet you with warm neutrals, the…

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