Architectural surface finishes refer to the variety of colors, materials, coatings, textures, and
structures affecting floors, ceilings, walls, columns, beams, and other exposed surfaces of a
building (Speedpro, 2020). These finishes serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. For
instance, surface finishes can protect structural elements from decay, like powder coating steel,
which prevents corrosion and allows for aesthetic customization by choosing desired colors and
sheen (Bhadu et al., 2013). The chosen surface finish for an interior space can influence an
individual's well-being positively or negatively (Grigoriou 2019, p. 109). This chapter analyzes
the influence of color, materials, and textures on the emotional state of individuals with mild
depression.
A. Color: The phrase "I am feeling blue today" illustrates how color describes emotions (Sharma,
2022). The connection between color perception and emotions has a long history. Color is
defined as "the sensation created by light rays reflected by objects in our eyes" (Korkmaz 2016,
47). Colors are a fundamental component of our environment, and their effect on human
perception is indisputable. (Ćurčić et al. 2019, 868). Sir Isaac Newton developed the first color
diagram in 1666, demonstrating that a rainbow consists of red, orange, yellow, green, blue,
indigo, and violet, known as the visible spectrum (Fugure 3) (ibid., 868). The impact of colors on
mental and physical states falls under color psychology (Hope 2022). Warm colors (red, yellow,
orange, some shades of green) stimulate the nervous system, affecting heart rhythm, blood
pressure, and breathing, thus inspiring activity. However, these colors are not ideal for spaces
meant for relaxation, such as hotel rooms. Cool colors (green, blue, indigo, violet) reduce pulse,
blood pressure, and breathing speed, often used in "blue rooms" in hospitals for their calming
effect (Ćurčić et al. 2019, 871). Color perception is influenced by cultural, religious,
physiological, and psychological factors, and by hue, tone, and saturation. For example, dark
blue can be depressive, while light blue is calming. Geographical regions also affect color
preferences, with warmer colors favored in cooler regions and cooler colors in hotter regions
(ibid.). However, research has shown that natural and biophilic-inspired color schemes support
mental health (Casamassima 2020). Colors inspired by nature, such as wood, sand, earth, plants,
and sky, reduce stress and anxiety while encouraging positive emotions and creativity. These
schemes, typically involving beige, brown, green, and blue tones, replicate nature's facets in
interior spaces, extending their positive impact to materials and textures (ibid.).
