People Who Paint Their Homes These Two Colors Tend to Be Happiest

Author image: Candace Davison, PureWow executive editor

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Published Oct 26, 2021

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You’ve heard that pale green is the “it” color of 2022, that a red kitchen can decrease your home’s value when you go to sell it and that anyone dreaming of a spa-like escape is painting their bathroom blue. But what about what will bring you joy? If Modsy’s 2021 Wellness report is any indication, it may be time to think beyond what’s trending—or what will boost your ROI—and venture into less conventional territory.

After surveying more than 1,500 people, the interior design service found that purple and yellow were among the least popular colors to paint a home, but those who took the plunge tended to feel happiest in their homes as a result. (And no, they didn’t necessarily pair those colors together, nor did the survey reveal a bias toward Lakers fans.)

So why is that, other than the fact that yellow has long been associated with feelings of positivity and happiness? A deeper dive into the data yields more insights: People who painted a room with either color also tended to feel safe in their homes (98 percent of those who chose violet and 87 who picked yellow) and in control of their space (71 and 68 percent, respectively). That suggests that it’s less about the color making them feel that way and more that they feel so confident and comfortable in their space that they feel free to let their walls reflect their boldest selves—even if it’s not the popular choice.

Masterbrand Cabinets

Yellow, in particular, is starting to remerge as a way to liven up people’s kitchens to the point that Masterbrand Cabinets has predicted it will be a popular color in the years to come. Rising interest in the shade “shows a shift in consumer mentality,” says Stephanie Pierce, director of design and trends. “After the recession, we took color out of kitchens. Everyone wanted white, neutral spaces and were concerned about another crash and resale value, so they wanted to play it safe.”

Times have changed, especially nearly two years into the pandemic. “People are more rooted in their homes and feel more confident putting their individuality on display,” she added.

Andrea Rugg/Getty Images

When it comes to incorporating yellow or purple in your home, Pierce recommends going a little less saturated than what you initially gravitate toward, especially if you’re thinking of making a bigger commitment, like installing new cabinetry. “The intensity [of a brighter shade] can be taxing,” she explains.

If you’re going yellow in a kitchen, opt for a shade with gray undertones, Pierce says, which can be a bit duskier and work with a variety of finishes. Similarly, in other rooms, Modsy’s vice president of design and style historian, Alessandra Wood, suggests going for a darker, “chalky” tone, like mustard.

Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty Images

As for purple, darker plums can create a warm, inviting vibe, while an eggplant shade with gray undertones can make a space feel more relaxed (without going to the tried-and-true greiges or blues).

The bottom line: Go with what makes you happy, especially if you’re not planning on selling your home in the next two or three years.

Candace Davison

VP of editorial, recipe developer, kitsch-lover

Candace Davison oversees PureWow's food and home content, as well as its franchises, like the PureWow100 review series and the Happy Kid Awards. She’s covered all things lifestyle...

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