Color by Mood: Choosing Artwork Colors For Your Space

April 19th, 2025

At Gallery MAR, we believe that the right artwork can transform a space, not just with its beauty, but by setting a mood that aligns with your personal style and the energy you want to create in your home.

One of the most powerful ways art affects a room is through its color. Color can evoke emotion, spark conversation, and even influence how a space feels.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the different color families in art, explaining how each can set a specific atmosphere—from serene to invigorating—and help guide you in choosing the perfect piece to suit your vision.

REDS

Left to Right: James Penfield, “Red Lenses,” acrylic, 12″ x 12″ | Jared & Nicole Davis, “Desert Vista – Gates of Lodore I,” glass, 21″ x 10″ x 4″ | Hunt Slonem, “Countess’ Message Complete,” oil, 40″ x 60″

Red is a bold, powerful color that commands attention. It symbolizes passion, energy, and warmth, often associated with love and excitement. When used in artwork, red can inject a room with an intense, invigorating energy, making it perfect for spaces meant for lively interaction or where you want to add a touch of drama. If you’re looking for a piece that energizes your living room or adds a striking focal point to an entryway, reds may be just what you need.

ORANGES

Left to Right: Nina Tichava, “Floral in Ochre with Mint,” mixed media, 20″ x 20″ | Laura Wait, “On the Plane of the Elliptic,” mixed media, 60″ x 48″ | America Martin, “Woman in the Sunlit Flowers,” mixed media, 24″ x 24″

Orange combines the warmth of red with the brightness of yellow, bringing a sense of optimism and vitality. It evokes feelings of enthusiasm and creativity, making it an ideal choice for art in spaces where you want to encourage inspiration—like a home office or studio. Whether you choose deep burnt oranges or lighter peach tones, this color family can create an inviting atmosphere that is both uplifting and comforting.

YELLOWS

Left to Right: America Martin, “The Saint of Books and Libraries,” mixed media, 72″ x 40″ | Hunt Slonem, “All Ears,” oil, 11″ x 11″ | Sandra Pratt, “Color of Summer,” oil, 8″ x 8″

Yellow is the color of sunshine, happiness, and hope. It’s known for promoting a cheerful, positive mood. Bright yellows can stimulate the mind, making it an excellent choice for areas where you want to encourage activity and conversation, such as kitchens or dining rooms. Softer shades of yellow can create a warm, welcoming environment, adding a sense of light and airiness to a space.

GREENS

Left to Right: Havoc Hendricks, “Dwelling,” mixed media, 12″ x 12″ | Michael Kessler, “Unfurled (3),” acrylic, 37″ x 57″ | Peter Roux, “A Breath in Pisgah,” oil, 60″ x 60″

Green represents nature, tranquility, and balance. Its association with the natural world brings a sense of calm and renewal, making it a perfect choice for creating serene environments. Darker greens can evoke sophistication, while lighter greens have a more relaxed, fresh feeling. A green-toned landscape or botanical art piece can turn your bedroom or living room into a peaceful retreat.

BLUES

Left to Right: Hunt Slonem, “Late Flight,” oil, 14″ x 11″ | Peter Roux, “Suspension,” oil, 60″ x 60″ | T.S. Harris, “Fresh Powder,” oil, 30″ x 30″ | Nina Tichava, “And the Sky of a Sky of a Tree Called Life,” mixed media, 60″ x 36″

Blue is often linked to calmness, trust, and wisdom. It’s known to have a soothing effect, which makes it an excellent choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, or any space meant for relaxation. Light blues are especially refreshing, while deep navy tones can create a sense of sophistication and introspection. No matter the shade, blue can help transform a room into a place of tranquility.

PURPLES

Left to Right: Michael Kessler, “Highfliers (2),” mixed media, 48″ x 30″ | Hunt Slonem, “Mary Jane,” oil, 16″ x 16″ | James Wolanin, “Purple Sunset,” acrylic painting, 36″ x 36″

Purple symbolizes luxury, creativity, and mystery. It’s a color often used to convey elegance and grandeur. Lighter lavenders bring a soft, whimsical feeling, while rich purples and violets add a touch of opulence and drama. This color family works beautifully in living rooms or home offices where you want to create a creative, inspiring atmosphere.

BROWNS

Left to Right: Fred Calleri, “Vintage Victorian Winter” (Cropped), oil, 15″ x 30″ | Kenneth Peloke, “Drifter,” oil, 54″ x 54″ | Pamela Murphy, “Flexible Flyer,” oil, 32″ x 26″

Brown represents stability, warmth, and comfort. It can add a sense of grounded, earthy calm to a room. Whether it’s the deep browns of wood or the softer hues of a desert landscape, brown tones in art bring a natural, cozy atmosphere. These tones work particularly well in spaces where you want a sense of comfort, like family rooms or libraries.

BLACK & WHITES

Left to Right: Matt Flint, “Some Things Should Be Simple,” mixed media, 40″ x 40″ | Havoc Hendricks, “I Am Beautiful, You Are Beautiful, Too,” mixed media, 60″ x 48″ | Shawna Moore, “Agate,” encaustic, 50″ x 40″

Black and white are classic and timeless, often symbolizing contrast, simplicity, and sophistication. Black can ground a space, adding depth and drama, while white is synonymous with purity, clarity, and freshness. Together, they can create striking, high-contrast art that adds an element of sophistication and modernity to your home.

At Gallery MAR, we understand that selecting the right artwork is more than just about choosing something beautiful—it’s about creating the right atmosphere for your space. Whether you’re looking for an energizing piece to spark conversation or a calming landscape to bring serenity, color plays a key role in setting the tone.

We invite you to explore our collection of fine art, where you can find the perfect piece to suit your unique style and bring your vision to life. Visit us today and let us help you discover artwork that will transform your home into a space filled with meaning, beauty, and the perfect atmosphere.