COLOUR PSYCHOLOGY IN LUXURY INTERIORS: HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT MOOD_
DESIGN GUIDE | October 2024
When designing luxury interiors, colour is more than just an aesthetic choice — it’s a powerful tool that can transform a space and influence the way we feel. At A.LONDON, we understand the subtle art of colour psychology and how it can be harnessed to create interiors that evoke emotion, define character, and enhance the overall atmosphere of your home.
In this post, we explore how different colours impact mood and how we, as expert interior designers, use them to craft bespoke spaces that feel as good as they look…
“The art of luxury interior design lies in creating spaces that resonate on an emotional level…”
Creating Tranquillity with Neutrals
Neutral palettes—soft creams, greys, and taupes—are often favoured in luxury interiors for their timeless appeal. But beyond their understated elegance, neutrals create a calming, serene environment, making them perfect for spaces dedicated to relaxation such as bedrooms and living rooms.
At A.LONDON, we elevate neutral schemes, as seen within our No.1 Belgravia project, through rich textures, layering materials such as linen, velvet, and marble to add depth and luxury without overwhelming the senses. These tones act as a versatile backdrop, allowing statement pieces of furniture or art to shine while promoting a sense of tranquillity.
The Bold Impact of Deep Blues and Greens
Blues and greens are historically associated with nature and calmness, but when used in deep, saturated tones, they take on a different character. Rich navy, emerald, or forest green bring a sense of sophisticated drama to a space, making them ideal for formal settings such as dining rooms, home libraries, office spaces or entrance halls.
Our design team often use these deep tones to anchor a room, balancing them with contrasting metallics—such as brass or gold fixtures, or deep wooden furniture pieces, for a refined, opulent touch. As seen in The Hanover penthouse office space, these colours work well to create a sense of calm authority, blending luxury with a grounded, earthy elegance.
Energising with Warm Tones
For spaces designed to energise and inspire—such as kitchens or creative studios — warm colours like soft yellows, rich terracottas, and muted golds are highly effective. These tones are known to stimulate activity and conversation, making them perfect for high-traffic areas.
When incorporating warm hues, we carefully balance them with neutral or cooler elements to avoid overstimulation, keeping the overall space cohesive. In our luxury kitchen featured in The Haydon penthouse for example, our designers used warm-toned cabinetry complemented by cool marble worktops, creating a dynamic yet harmonious aesthetic.
Evoking Intimacy with Dark Hues
Dark, moody hues—like charcoal, aubergine, or deep burgundy are key to creating intimate, cosy environments. These colours absorb light, making spaces feel more enclosed and personal, perfect for areas where you want to foster privacy or comfort, such as a home cinema or bedroom.
At A.LONDON, we understand that luxury isn’t just about boldness; it’s about subtlety and restraint. When using dark colours, we pay close attention to lighting and texture to ensure the room doesn’t feel oppressive. Layering dark walls with soft furnishings, ambient lighting, and reflective surfaces such as mirrored furniture or metallic accents helps achieve a rich, enveloping atmosphere without losing sophistication.
Revitalising with Pastels
In spaces where lightness and optimism are desired, pastels—blush pinks, soft mints, and pale lavenders—bring a sense of freshness and vitality. These colours are perfect for informal living areas, bathrooms, or even bedrooms which seek extra light within the space, such as our Principal Bedroom in our Show Home at The Bryanston, adding a playful yet chic element.
Pastels are often seen as whimsical, but when paired with luxurious finishes — such as plush bespoke headboards or refined artwork with brass fixtures — these colours take on a refined quality, offering a contemporary twist on classic luxury.
Balancing Colour with Texture and Light
While colour is fundamental, it’s just one element of a larger design picture. At A.LONDON, we emphasise the importance of balancing colour with texture and light. For example, a dark, moody room can feel rich rather than heavy when paired with the right lighting plan and tactile materials like cashmere throws, silk cushions, or high-gloss surfaces. Similarly, a neutral room can be elevated with textural contrasts—polished stone, matte walls, and soft furnishings—creating depth and interest.
Crafting the Perfect Mood with Colour
The art of luxury interior design lies in creating spaces that resonate on an emotional level, and colour is a powerful way to achieve this. Whether you’re looking to cultivate calm, inspire creativity, or envelop yourself in luxury, the A.LONDON team are here to guide you in selecting the perfect palette for your home. Through thoughtful application of colour psychology, texture, and light, we design interiors that not only reflect your style but also enhance your well-being.
Ready to transform your space with expert use of colour? Contact us today to start your bespoke design journey.
Contact the A.LONDON team today
You can find the A.LONDON team at our London Studio at Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3JH.