How Wall Art Colour Affects Your Mood — Psychology of Colour | Olive et Oriel

Blues — Calm, Focus, Clarity

Blue is the most universally liked colour, and it earns that status. Blue tones in artwork promote calm, clarity, and focused thinking. They lower perceived heart rate and create a sense of spaciousness — which is why blue-toned art works brilliantly in bedrooms, bathrooms, and home offices.

In Australian homes — where open-plan living and coastal aesthetics dominate — blue wall art connects interior spaces to the ocean and sky that are such a fundamental part of the culture. A soft aqua abstract or a coastal photograph with vast blue sky does more than just look considered: it anchors you in a sense of place.

Best rooms for blue art: bedroom, home office, bathroom, meditation room.

Explore our coastal wall art and abstract wall art in blue tones. Our blue wall art collection curates the best blue-toned prints across all styles.

Yellows & Oranges — Energy, Optimism, Appetite

Warm yellows and oranges are activating colours. They stimulate the mind, boost energy, and — importantly for kitchens and dining rooms — are thought to stimulate appetite. Yellow art brings sunshine into rooms that don't get much natural light. It's the colour of optimism and cheerfulness, making it ideal for spaces where you want a mood lift: a home entryway, a kitchen, a playroom, or a space you use first thing in the morning.

Orange sits between red's passion and yellow's brightness — it's energising without being aggressive. Warm abstract art in ochre, terracotta, and amber tones are among our most popular choices for Australian dining rooms.

Best rooms for yellow/orange art: kitchen, dining room, entryway, playroom.

Browse warm-toned abstract art and our botanical prints in warm tones.

Greens — Balance, Nature, Restoration

Green is the colour of nature and is uniquely restorative. It sits at the centre of the visible spectrum, meaning our eyes don't have to adjust to see it — green is literally the easiest colour on the human eye. For Australians, green art — particularly botanical prints featuring native flora like banksias, eucalyptus, and waratahs — resonates deeply with our landscape and cultural connection to the bush.

Best rooms for green art: living room, bedroom, study, kitchen.

Explore our botanical prints and native Australian art for the best green-toned options.

Reds — Passion, Energy, Drama

Red is the most emotionally intense colour. It raises heart rate, increases energy, and commands attention — which is exactly why it must be used with care in art. The key with red art is intentionality. A single red abstract as a statement piece in an otherwise neutral room can be striking. Avoid red art in bedrooms (too stimulating for sleep) and home offices (too distracting for sustained focus).

Best rooms for red art: dining room (as a statement), living room (as an accent), entryway.

Neutrals — Versatility, Sophistication, Longevity

Neutrals — cream, warm white, beige, taupe, soft grey, charcoal — are the great secret weapon of interior design. Neutral art goes with everything, withstands changing trends, and creates a sense of sophisticated calm that doesn't date.

For Australians decorating open-plan homes where living, dining, and kitchen spaces flow together, neutral art is often the wisest investment. Neutral doesn't mean boring — our most-loved neutral pieces include dramatic charcoal abstracts, detailed botanical prints in cream and parchment, and moody black-and-white photography.

Browse our neutral wall art, black and white prints, and neutral abstract art.

How to Choose Art Colour by Room Function

A quick room-by-room guide to colour mood:

• Bedroom: Blues, soft greens, warm neutrals. Avoid stimulating reds and bright yellows.
• Living room: Warm tones for sociable spaces; cool tones for calm retreats.
• Kitchen/Dining: Warm tones (yellow, orange, terracotta) to stimulate appetite and conversation.
• Home office: Blues and greens for focus. Avoid overstimulating warm brights during work hours.
• Bathroom: Blues, greens, and whites for a spa-like calm. Coastal art is perfect here.
• Hallway: Statement colour is fine — it's a transitional space. Try something bolder here than you'd risk in a living room.

Our curated print sets take the guesswork out — each set is designed to work together across a room. Or contact our team at help@oliveetoriel.com for personalised advice.

Shop by Colour Mood

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