The Impact of Colour Psychology in Student Housing in London

London’s student housing market is competitive and expensive. Secure and comfortable living goes beyond just shelter. A well-designed space significantly impacts a student’s well-being and academic success. This is where colour psychology comes in – the study of how colours influence emotions and behaviour. By strategically using colours, student housing developers and designers can create vibrant and supportive spaces that foster productivity, relaxation and a sense of community.

The Psychology of Colour

Colour psychology explores the link between colours and emotions. In fact, colour directly stimulates the limbic system, a part of our brain responsible for emotions and memories.

According to Angela Wright, a leading authority on colour psychology (Spotlight Colour in Design, University of Leeds), colours profoundly affect our moods and behaviour. Warm colours like red and orange evoke excitement and energy, while cool colours like blue and green promote calmness and lower heart rate and blood pressure. Understanding these basic principles allows designers to craft spaces that elicit desired emotional responses.

The Impact of Colour on Students

A study by Serra et al. (2014) titled “Colour en el arte y el diseño: Teoría, tecnología y psicología del colour” (The Impact of Colour on Student Mood and Learning) explored the effects of colour on students’ mood and behaviour in a university setting. The research found that the colours used in common areas significantly impacted how students felt as they felt more excited and welcome in spaces decorated with warm and inviting colours.

Considering individual preferences and the function of a space is crucial. For example, a study by Khalique et al. (2015) found that students performed better on cognitive tasks in blue rooms compared to red ones. Incorporating calming blue or green tones in study areas can promote focus and concentration, while pops of yellow or orange can stimulate creativity (Khalique et al., 2015). Colour can also be vital in shaping a sense of community within shared accommodation.

A. Colours in Action

• Warm shades like red and orange help design a cosy and inviting atmosphere (ideal for social spaces)
• Cool tones like blue and green promote feelings of calmness and peace (perfect for bedrooms and study areas)
• Bright and bold shades stimulate activity or creativity (good choice for accent walls in common areas or creative nooks)
• Pastel tones are excellent for instilling the need for a sense of serenity and comfort (for bedrooms or relaxation areas)
• Neutral picks like black, white and grey act as anchors, grounding bolder colours and allowing them to stand out

B. Beyond Blue, Beige and Red

While classic colours (blue, beige and red) have applications, a wider colour palette can be carefully chosen to design stimulating and functional student housing.
Here are some additional options:

• Pale blues, yellows and lavenders help achieve a sense of spaciousness — ideal for smaller London flats. We at Ani M Interiors recommend utilising these colours as base palettes and adding pops of colour with furniture and artwork
• Taupe, sage green and terracotta promote grounding and stability, promoting relaxation in bedrooms and study areas
• We suggest accent walls or furniture in colours like orange, teal or purple, as they add a touch of personality and spark creativity in study nooks or common areas

Also Read: Luxury Show Home Tips to Attract Buyers

Colour Psychology Chart

This table should help you get a quick understanding of the key psychological associations and suggested uses for different colours in student housing:

Implementing Colour Psychology in London Student Housing

• Cultural Preferences: London’s student population is incredibly diverse. It is important to be mindful of potential cultural variations in colour associations. Here are some practical tips:
  • Consult with international students/student organisations and gather insights
  • Utilise neutral base palettes and opt for light greys, beiges or whites as the foundation
  • While respecting cultural associations, prioritise the overall impact of colour on mood and behaviour
• Spatial Constraints: Smaller living spaces in London often require creative solutions
  • Choose light colours like pale blues, yellows or even whites to create a sense of spaciousness
  • Strategically placed mirrors bounce light around the room, further enhancing the feeling of openness
  • Consider painting a single accent wall in a bolder colour to draw the eye upwards and create an illusion of a higher ceiling
• Budget Limitations: Creating a vibrant, supportive student living environment does not have to break the bank. Here are a few cost-effective tips:
  • Durable, high-quality paint reduces the need for frequent repainting, saving money in the long run
  • Removable wallpaper allows students to personalise their space with minimal commitment and damage to walls
  • Accent furniture and throw pillows are perfect additions of strategic pops of colour through furniture or soft furnishings

Benefits for Student Accommodation Property Developers

• Increased Occupancy Rates
• Reduced Tenant Turnover
• Enhanced Brand Reputation
• Improved Student Performance
• Potential Rent Premium

Recommendations

• Develop colour palettes with student well-being in mind and prioritise colours that promote relaxation, focus and social interaction
• Offer flexible personalisation options within a general colour scheme framework. You can do this by offering elements like removable wallpaper, accent furniture options or designated pinboard areas
• Embrace biophilic design principles through calming green tones and natural textures for a more relaxing environment
• Consider cultural sensitivity and be mindful of potential cultural interpretations of colours during the design process

Conclusion

Now that you have a foundational understanding of colour psychology, it is time to bring your vision to life! Paint, wallpaper, textiles, furniture and décor pieces can be used to design a vibrant and functional student space. The right colour palette is a powerful design tool to attract potential student residents.

For a more personalised approach that integrates colour psychology, clients can get in touch with us at Ani M Interiors, London’s leading experts in high-end residential design, including student accommodation. Design experts at Ani M Interiors take the time to understand how each client intends to use their space, incorporating thoughtful design elements that can enhance well-being.

Our focus on using natural materials and timeless design principles further contributes to creating a calming and functional living environment for students.

Schedule a free consultation with Ani M designers to explore a wide range of colour options and see showroom samples firsthand. We guide you through every step of the design process—from selecting the perfect colour scheme to choosing furniture, fabrics and finishing touches. We also look after all measurements and installation, ensuring the highest–quality products are tailored to your project specifications.