Colour has always been important - from natural warnings in primitive times to mood enhancers in modern homes. Colour has always been associated with moods, danger and nature etc, for a long time red has meant danger, yellow and black meant stay away or caution. Colour has become a shorthand way of expressing yourself and how you feel. So in your house certain colours are better to use than others because of their psychological effects.
Red | Associated with: danger, passion, energy, warmth, adventure, optimism Best for: dining rooms as it promotes sociable and lively feelings, and stimulates the appetite Pitfalls: it can be overpowering and lead to headaches. Either vary the shade, paint one wall red, or use it for accessories only. Don't use red in a baby's room |
Blue | Associated with: calming and soothing; promotes intellectual thought; believed to keep hunger at bay; loyalty, serenity, authority, protection, contemplative, prevents nightmares Best for: bedrooms, bathrooms, studies Pitfalls: can look cold and unwelcoming. Make sure it doesn't look too chilly by choosing a blue with a warm undertone |
Black | Associated with: death, eccentricity, drama. It's a non-colour that absorbs colour and reflects nothing back Best for: using in moderation Pitfalls: depressing - think of all those angst-ridden teenage bedrooms. Use it to temper the sweetness of other sugary colours such as pink, but don't use it as a base colour |
source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/homes/design/colour_psychologyofcolour.shtml