Color is partly objective because it is based on physics and the measurement of light. However, an even greater part of color can be seen as subjective. It connects to your past experiences, memories, and other personal triggers. These responses to objective and subjective stimuli together comprise the emotional response to color. Color has an impact physical, emotional, and mental wellness of humans.

Impressionists were painters that attempted to capture the fleeting moment of light and color. According to Paul Klee the artist, “Color is the place where our brain and the universe meet.” Because color has such an impact, you should give consideration to the colors that you select for your office and home environments.

In order to see color, there must be an object, a viewer, and a light source. In selecting colors for the interior or exterior of your home or office, you should keep in mind the phenomenon of simultaneous contrast. Simultaneous contrast is the perception of a color based on the surrounding colors. Another phenomenon of color is the ability of the brain to compensate for lighting conditions called color constancy. This makes it more difficult to match colors from one environment to the next space, as the viewer discounts the effects of the illuminant.

According to Kadinsky, “Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” This is one of the reasons that color can also have strong cultural meanings. Because of all these factors and more, selecting a color scheme can be a complex process. An interior designer can assist you in selecting a color or range of colors for various living environments. The designer is trained and experienced into taking account the many effects of color and may present color schemes that you might not have thought of using in your space.