by Angela Chang | June 10, 2024 | Interior Design Tips
Welcome to sunny Sarasota! As you settle into your beautiful new abode under our perpetually sunny skies, you might be thinking about how to make your house feel like home. One crucial element in creating that perfect sanctuary is color. The interior colors you choose for your home can significantly affect your mood and overall well-being. Let’s dive into how you can harness the power of color to transform your living space.
Sarasota’s sunny weather provides a unique backdrop for home design choices. The abundance of natural light here means colors will appear more vibrant and can have a pronounced effect on your mood. Embracing the right hues can enhance your daily life and make your home a true reflection of your personality.
Colors in interior design are more than just aesthetics; they are powerful tools that can influence how you feel psychologically. The right colors can make you feel happier, more relaxed, or energized. In today’s blog, we’ll explore how different interior colors can impact your mood and offer tips on incorporating them into your home design.
The Psychology of Colors

Color psychology is the study of how colors affect human behavior and emotions. Each color has a psychological impact that can evoke specific feelings and reactions. Understanding the basics of color theory can help you make informed decisions about your home’s interior color palette.
Throughout history, different cultures have used colors to evoke emotions and convey messages. For instance, in Chinese culture, red is associated with luck and happiness, while in the Middle East, it is associated with danger and caution. It is important to know the symbolic meaning behind the colors you want to use and the psychological effect they can have on individuals.
Warm Colors: Energizing and Invigorating
Red

Red is one of the most powerful colors, evoking excitement and passion. It is associated with energy, danger, strength, power, and determination, as well as passion, desire, and love. It’s best used sparingly in areas where you want to create a sense of urgency or energy, like a dining room or an accent wall in your living room.
In addition to increasing respiration rate and raising blood pressure, red also boosts our metabolism and appetites, which is why you often see it in restaurant interiors and logos. While initially energizing, prolonged exposure to bright reds can increase anxiety, overstimulation, and feelings of stress.
Looking ahead to 2025, baked clay neutrals such as color maroon will play a major role as we turn to colors with versatility, durability, and longevity.
Pink
Pink is a delicate color that represents sweetness, romance, and femininity. It’s a shade that evokes feelings of love, tenderness, and compassion. Historically, pink was considered a color for both genders, but over time, it became more associated with femininity - a great example is Mattel’s Barbie. Today, pink is still a popular color in fashion, design, and branding, often used to convey a sense of playfulness, charm, and softness.
Lighter shades of pink are often seen as soothing and comforting, while brighter pinks (with more red added) can be stimulating and energetic. However, too much pink can be overwhelming and may come across as overly sweet or naive.

Orange
Orange, a combination of yellow and red, promotes enthusiasm and creativity. It fosters rejuvenation, communication, and positivity. It also enhances extraversion, allowing people to let go of their inhibitions and express themselves more freely.
It’s a great choice for social spaces like living rooms and kitchens where you want to foster conversation and activity. Orange can also be an excellent color for a home office, sparking creativity and innovation. Fun fact: both my graduate school, Art Center College of Design, and one of the companies I worked for have the color orange in their logos!
Yellow
Yellow, the brightest color of the spectrum, symbolizes happiness and positivity. It has been scientifically proven to enhance mental activity and heighten awareness and energy levels, making it perfect for kitchens and dining areas where you gather with family and friends. It can also brighten up a hallway or entryway, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Just like the sunshine in Sarasota, yellow is associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy. It produces a warming effect that stimulates mental activity and arouses cheerfulness. However, when overused, yellow may have a disturbing effect. Some say babies cry more in yellow rooms!
Cool Colors: Calm and Relaxation
Blue
Blue is known for its calming and serene qualities. When you picture a tranquil scene, chances are you’ll imagine a lot of blue – usually in the form of a still body of water. Blue can lower heart rates, blood pressure, and body temperature, making it ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms where you want to unwind and relax.
Different shades of blue can have varying effects: lighter blues are more relaxing, while deeper blues evoke a sense of stability and depth. Popular shades of blue, especially in our coastal city, are teal and turquoise. These hues are not only the color of the Gulf Coast but also bring a refreshing touch to any space.

Green
Green is linked to wellness, refreshment, and overall well-being. It is associated with growth and vitality, representing our connection to nature. Green works well in any room but is particularly effective in spaces where you want to bring a touch of nature indoors, such as living rooms or home offices. Adding plants can enhance the green palette and the feeling of tranquility.
Biophilic design, which recognizes the positive impact of natural elements in interior spaces, is gaining popularity. Green will continue to symbolize hope, health, and wellness in the future, aligning with more sustainable and conscious design practices.

Purple
Purple is associated with luxury and creativity. It’s an excellent choice for meditation rooms or creative spaces like studios or home offices. Purple also conveys royalty, nobility, and ambition.
Light shades of purple, like lavender, can have a soothing effect, while darker shades can add a sense of opulence and sophistication. Popular shades of purple include indigo, violet, lavender, and mauve. These colors can bring a touch of elegance and inspiration to your home.
Neutral Colors: Versatile and Timeless
White
White is universally symbolic of purity, wholeness, and innocence. It evokes feelings of new beginnings and perfection, while also exuding elegance and serenity. White creates a sense of spaciousness and cleanliness, making it ideal for small spaces. It’s versatile and can be paired with any color to create a fresh, modern look. White is also a timeless color that transcends design trends. It is perfect for the kitchen and bathrooms, providing a clean and crisp backdrop.
However, too much white can also create a sense of emptiness and isolation, giving off a sterile vibe. In Chinese culture, white is also associated with funerals, adding another layer of complexity to its use. A personal experience I had a few years ago, I visited a house with mostly white interiors, and I felt uncomfortable sitting down or speaking freely. It felt too serious and silent.
When choosing the right white paint, I recommend bringing samples back to your house and reviewing them under your lighting and alongside your furnishing. Layer them on top of one another to see the differences in brightness and undertones. This way, you can find the shade that best complements your home decor.

Beige
Beige is a warm and earthy hue often associated with natural materials like sand, wood, and leather. It symbolizes durability and reliability. Beige is a calming and reassuring color that helps create a sense of comfort and relaxation, making it a popular choice for bedrooms.
It’s a great base color that can be paired with other warm tones to create a comfortable and inviting space. If you’ve been following my blog, you know that beige and warm neutral colors are back and here to stay. Check out the latest design trends I saw at HPMKT in April here. Beige works well with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing its earthy appeal.
Brown
Brown is traditionally associated with seriousness, stability, and wisdom. It evokes feelings of security and stability. Light brown represents honesty and stability, while dark brown is considered mature, predictable, and dull.
Due to its earthy tones, brown connects us to the earth and inspires warmth and comfort. It keeps us grounded. In design, brown is seen as a rich and classic color. When combined with other colors, it can provide a sophisticated and elegant look, while also creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
Gray
Gray is often seen as an unresponsive color. It is neutral, impartial, and can sometimes feel indecisive. Gray is both still and emotionless, but it’s also strong and steady, promoting a sense of coolness and self-restraint. It adds sophistication and balance, making it a versatile choice for both modern and classic styles. Gray is a great neutral that can work in any room, providing a calming and grounding effect.
The simplicity of gray allows individuals to focus inward, promoting self-awareness and mental well-being. Pairing gray with brighter accent colors can create a balanced and stylish look. Note that there are cooler and warmer grays, so make sure to match the tones to create a harmonious interior look.
Black
Black is highly versatile: it can be seen as elegant, mysterious, or even depressing. It is associated with power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and mystery, while also being considered a very formal, elegant, and prestigious color.
In Feng Shui, black has a way of harmonizing your home, office, and other environments. It can have a grounding effect when used sparingly. In interior design, an all-black room can be overwhelming and gloomy. However, if you pair black with the right amount of contrast and adequate lighting, it can create a great atmosphere.

Modern Coastal Interior Colors in Sarasota: Beyond White Cabinets And Blue Pillows
The typical coastal style in Sarasota often involves lots of white finishes with pops of colors in shades of blue, teal, or pink. You’ll see plenty of wicker, sisal, and rattan in furniture, along with ocean-inspired patterns like waves and shells. It’s a classic look that captures the essence of beach living here in Sarasota.
As Sarasota grows and more people from larger cities move in, the design preferences are evolving. Modern coastal style embraces a broader palette and a more eclectic mix of materials and textures. Here’s how you can elevate your coastal design:
Natural Elements
Incorporate white-washed materials in driftwood, rattan, and jute to add texture and warmth. These natural elements can create a cozy, grounded feeling that connects your home to the beautiful Sarasota landscape. Think of driftwood coffee tables, cabinets with natural rattan cane details, and jute rugs.
Soft Pastels
Using shades of coral, seafoam green, and sandy beige to create a serene and sophisticated palette. These colors are subtle yet evoke the old Florida vibe, perfect for creating a tranquil home. Imagine a seafoam green sofa or coral throw pillows adding a soft touch of color.
Layered Textures
Combine different textures like woven baskets, linen curtains, and ceramic vases to add depth and interest. Layering textures can make your home feel more dynamic and inviting. Think of a linen throw on a rattan chair or a collection of ceramic vases on a wooden shelf.
Subtle Nautical Touches
Integrating nautical elements in a subtle way, such as rope details can enhance the coastal feel without being too literal. A rope-wrapped lamp or a framed vintage nautical chart can add a sophisticated coastal touch.
Indoor-Outdoor Flow
Design spaces that blend indoor comfort with outdoor beauty using large windows, glass doors, and outdoor living areas. This creates a seamless transition between the inside and outside, making the most of Sarasota’s gorgeous weather. Even during the hot seasons, you can still have a view of the water, your backyard landscaping, or your pool to maintain a sense of nature and escape.

Professional Guidance and Resources
Paint Samples
Before committing to a paint color, try out paint samples on your walls. Retail stores like Home Depot will mix the paint colors you want in sampling sizes for purchase. If you already know which colors you’re considering, you can order peel-and-stick paint samples from Samplize.
These Samplize samples feature two coats of real paint from top brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, Farrow & Ball, and PPG, providing a time-saving and zero-mess solution. With overnight shipping in the US and next-day delivery to Canada, Samplize makes it easy to make quicker decisions. (When you purchase through our Samplize links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.)
By incorporating the basic color psychology and best use for room functions, you can move beyond the typical coastal style and create a modern yet sophisticated beach retreat that reflects Sarasota’s coastal vibe. Embracing the right interior paint colors can transform your home into a sanctuary that enhances your mood and well-being.
If you enjoy this content, please subscribe for more design tips and home décor inspirations. We’d also love to hear from you! Share your interior color choices and experiences in the comments below. If you have any questions or need further advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. Sometimes, choosing the right colors can be overwhelming. Professional color consultation services can help you make the best choices for your home. At Angela Chang Design Studio, we offer personalized consultations to help you create a cohesive and beautiful color scheme.
Reach out today to book your color consultation and make your home a beautiful sanctuary that reflects your personality and lifestyle.
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