Ever wondered why some spaces instantly relax you, while others energise or even irritate? The secret might lie in the colour! Karen Haller, is an expert in applied colour psychology, and reveals how understanding the emotional dance of colours can transform our built environments into havens of well-being and productivity. Whether you're an interior designer, architect, or simply a lover of nature-inspired spaces, this podcast dives deep into the unseen forces of colour.
You’ll learn how colour influences behaviour, how to select the perfect hues for different environments, and why true biophilic design demands more than green and brown, it's about the symphony of natural colours that heal and energise us.
Colour Psychology seems to be a bit of a missing link in biophilic Design. Not a lot of people are talking about it but it is vitally important. We’ve all seen it—spaces drenched in beige, sterile white corridors, or overly vibrant hues that overpower instead of soothe. Spaces, especially healthcare environments, often neglect the impact colour can have on users of the space.
Karen shatters the myth of “neutral” colours being emotionally neutral altogether. Every colour triggers a response, whether it is positive or negative, each is embedded in our personal memories, cultural beliefs, and innate responses. For example, red energises or stimulates physical reactions, but excess can overwhelm. Blue can be calming or stimulating, depending on its shade and context. Recognising this nuanced language of colours allows designers to craft environments that truly support human health and behaviour. Whether it's selecting hues for a hospital or designing a peaceful workspace, understanding the emotional implications of colour creates spaces that nurture rather than numb.
3 ways we relate to Colour – and how to use them!
Karen’s theory identifies three distinct ways we connect with colour:
Personal Associations:
Colours evoke memories and feelings unique to each individual. A bright yellow might remind someone of their childhood joy or a dull green might trigger childhood discomfort. These associations drive our preferences and aversions—so understanding clients’ personal ties to colours is key.
Cultural Meanings:
Deep-rooted beliefs shape cultural responses—red for luck in China, white as a symbol of death elsewhere. Ignoring these can cause disconnect in design choices for diverse spaces.
Colour Psychology:
Each hue has a spectrum of responses aligned with nature’s endless diversity.
Recognising these layers allows designers to create intentionally harmonious spaces—be it a calming hospital room or an energetic collaborative zone.
Nature's palette can guide authentic Biophilic Design
Nature’s colours can be perceived almost like a blueprint for emotional well-being. Karen emphasises the importance of sticking to true natural colours, no artificial greens or overly saturated hues. These colours, like the rust reds of autumn leaves or the soft lavender of seasonal blooms, carry intrinsic harmony and emotional resonance.
When designing with nature in mind, identify the desired outcome, calm, energy, focus and select natural hues that support these goals. For a high-energy space like a bustling office, vibrant reds or energizing oranges may work. In contrast, serene blues and gentle greens foster calm in healthcare or relaxation zones. But please avoid the cliché of “green and brown”, these are just two colours among many. True biophilic design encompasses the entire spectrum of natural colours, creating an ecosystem of shades that balance, connect, and heal.
Good biophilic design comes complete with a understanding of emotional language of colours.
Genuine biophilic design is rooted in understanding this language, aligning space with human innate responses, and collaborating across disciplines.
Whether it’s a hospital, office, or school, the goal is harmony, balancing energy levels, fostering comfort, encouraging productivity. This is achieved by starting from the outcomes and working backwards, what behaviours must be supported? What emotions should be evoked? Then, select colours accordingly. Remember, every space is an ecosystem, and our role is to nurture human-nature connection through thoughtful colour choices, never just following trends but listening to what nature and our psychology say.
When you understand the true language of colour, you wield a tool you can use to shape environments that heal, energise, and sustain us. Dive deeper with Karen Haller’s courses or consult her for tailored strategies. Start viewing spaces as living ecosystems filled with the colours of nature, inspired by human psychology, and crafted for well-being. Because colour can also help restore our innate connection to the natural world.
To find out more about Karen please connect with her:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_haller_colour
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenHallerColourAndDesign
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhaller
Consulting https://karenhaller.com
Free design industry e-book https://karenhaller.com/free-10-myths-ebook
Colour & Design courses https://karenhaller.com/courses
Little Book of Colour https://thelittlebookofcolour.com
Free first chapter https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/free-chapter
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Credits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all of our podcasts.
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