10 Delightful room colors that make you feel smarter

If colors influence your mood, why not surround yourself with fabulous shades that will bring out the best of your personality? We've rounded up room colors that make you feel smart to help bring out your intellect.

1

Purple

Purple room

Photo credit: Living room designed by Angie Hranowsky; photographed by Julia Lynn for Lonny

Global color authority Pantone named Radiant Orchid the "it" color for 2014, and soon you'll be seeing the purple-pink shade everywhere. Luckily, purple is known to stimulate imagination and can help promote creativity.

2

Blue

Blue office

Photo credit: Office designed by Mary McDonald; photographed by Melanie Acevedo; found on Pinterest

Blue hues have a calming effect. These relaxing water-inspired shades can help you find your zen, making it easier to increase your productivity and making these shades perfect for a home office. Blue is also known to help suppress appetites, so if you have a bad habit of snacking at your desk, this color might help you avoid unnecessary treats.

3

Green

Green home office

Photo credit: Woodland Road West office designed by Martha O'Hara Interiors; photographed by Troy Theis

The color green symbolizes growth, renewal, abundance and prosperity. Entrepreneurs looking to build their own success with a small home business might benefit from the positive properties of this optimistic color. Nature lovers will also love how green tends to bring the outside in.

4

Brown

Brown room

Photo credit: Kern Residence by Design Theory Interiors of California; photographed by Chris Little Photography

This approachable color is the go-to neutral for a reason. Brown has a wholesome quality that's both practical and comfortable. This neutral shade can play the role of a chameleon, depending on which accents it's paired with. Brass accents make it sophisticated, while greens bring out earthiness.

5

Black

Black room

Photo credit: Vallejo Highrise designed by Candace Cavanaugh and Design Line Construction

Dark and mysterious, this neutral can symbolize power. Black used to be thought of as unapproachable in large amounts for interior design since it can make people feel depressed, but unconventional uses of the color in a space can make it feel sexy and sophisticated.

6

Gold

Gold room

Photo credit: Heather Garrett Design on Houzz

Glitzy accents have been trending big this last year in interior design. This shimmering shade gives a space a luxe look and communicates a feeling of wealth and prestige. Gold is a more masculine metallic (vs. a more feminine silver) and can work well in shared spaces for both sexes.

7

Red

Red room

Photo credit: Jonathan Adler Interior Design

This sassy color can immediately elevate a room's energy and can revitalize you when you're feeling run down. It can also make you feel assertive. Use it in a parlor to stimulate post-dinner party conversations. This hot hue can also increase passion and might help you learn a trick or two in the bedroom.

8

Pink

Pink room

Photo credit: Room designed by Beth Keim, owner of Lucy and Company; photographed by Mekenzie France

Feminine and romantic, pink has a sweet quality about it that is reminiscent of pleasant childhood memories. Softer shades have a sense of innocence, while deeper, brighter hues can promote positive energy. Pink is also associated with nurturing. Pairing it with a neutral like taupe will keep it from being overly sweet.

9

Orange

Orange toddler room

Photo credit: Toddler room designed by Alvarez-Diaz & Villalon; photographed by Carlos Perez Lopez

The color orange is the happy love child of similar energetic hues, red and yellow. The warm shade promotes positivity, socializing and playfulness. Kids respond really well to orange, and it's a popular choice for playrooms and bedrooms. This stimulating shade also works well as an office accent color.

10

Yellow

Yellow room

Photo credit: Hancock Park residence designed by Christian May

Hey there, sunshine, did you know that yellow is known to energize and lighten up your mood? Not so mellow yellows can be a bit overwhelming and could even evoke a feeling of anxiety, so use this color sparingly to get the energizing benefits without getting overwhelmed.