As children, we were taught the difference between warm and cool colors, primary and secondary colors, and how complementary colors sit opposite on the color wheel while analogous colors are adjacent to each other. In the design world as in the realm of art, color theory is key: it explains the psychology behind why different colors evoke specific emotions and how additional factors like hue, saturation, and tone can affect our perception.

Natural Living by Design (Vendome, 2025), a new interior design book by Australian style authority Melissa Penfold, explores six key aspects of natural living: ease, flow, light, nature, timelessness, and awe. In the final section, which Penfold uses to illustrate that the best way to create awe in our interiors is to personalize them, the author emphasizes the power that color has on our state of mind. “Never forget the emotive power of color,” she writes. “Neutral shades can soothe our souls, cool colors like blue and green can aid mental focus, while yellow and red are more energizing and can stimulate the brain and boost creativity. Your color choices are a low-cost way of calibrating the mood of your rooms, from calm and serene for bedrooms and baths to uplifting and joyous for kitchens and living areas.”

As Penfold notes, red is a dynamic, powerful color that evokes passion, energy, and confidence; in the home, it can create a welcoming environment that stimulates conversation. Highlighted in Natural Living by Design, British interior designer Veere Grenney’s residence in Tangier features a red and white living room that exudes warmth. Moorish-inspired patterns in the side tables and wall tiles reflect the region’s culture, as does the Moroccan chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The room simultaneously offers a cozy spot to curl up with a book and a comfortable space for communion. Incorporate the feeling into your home with these nine finds.