Mood by Color: Floral Palettes for Mental Wellness
As we honor Mental Health Awareness, it’s the perfect time to recognize how simple, everyday experiences—like arranging flowers or lighting a favorite candle—can support emotional balance. Research from Rutgers University and the Society of American Florists shows that flowers trigger immediate happiness, improve long-term mood, and even strengthen our social connections. Simply put: blooms make us feel better—inside and out.
Our senses play a powerful role in shaping how we feel—and few things shift a mood quite like the subtle language of color, scent, and nature. Whether it’s a calming floral bouquet on your nightstand or the warm flicker of a candle filling your space with grounding aromas, small sensory rituals can have a meaningful impact on our mental well-being.
In this guide, we explore how flowers, paired with thoughtful color palettes, can help cultivate three powerful emotional states: relaxation, empowerment, and energy. Using insights from color theory and the psychology of scent, we’ll show you how to design your space—or your next self-care moment—with intention. From soothing whites to vibrant hues, let’s dive into the art of curating your mood through petals, palettes, and perfume.
Relax – Calm the Mind, Soothe the Senses
Color Palette
Soft pastels, creamy neutrals, pale greens, cool-toned accents
Color Theory
Cool tones like blue and green are known to reduce stress and lower heart rate. Soft pastel shades add a sense of serenity and are often linked with mindfulness.
Scent Notes
These calming scents are often used in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and promote rest:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Sandalwood
- Bergamot
Mood Tip
Place your bouquet near your bedside or bath, and light a candle during your evening wind-down ritual for a complete sensory reset.
Empower – Grounded, Strong, and In Control
Color Palette
Deep purple and plums, rich burgundy, warm yellow and rose tones
Color Theory
Deep purples and burgundy evoke strength, self-assurance, and power. Earthy tones provide grounding and emotional balance.
Scent Notes
These warming, earthy scents are known to create a cozy, confident atmosphere:
- Patchouli
- Amber
- Cedarwood
- Rose
- Clove
Mood Tip
Use this palette in your workspace or a reading nook where you want to feel focused and strong. Pair with a structured vase and a bold, clean candle vessel.
Energize – Uplift Your Spirit, Spark Joy
Color Palette
Citrus yellows, coral, peach, bright orange, and zesty greens
Color Theory
Warm, saturated colors like yellow and coral stimulate creativity and boost mood. Green adds clarity and brightness, while also symbolizing calm and balance.
Scent Notes
These invigorating scents awaken the senses and help clear mental fog.
- Citrus – Grapefruit/Lemon
- Mint
- Eucalyptus
- Lemongrass
Mood Tip
Ideal for kitchens, entryways, or creative corners—places where fresh energy fuels movement and inspiration.
Incorporating flowers into your self-care routine doesn’t need to be complicated. A bouquet on your desk, a few mindful moments arranging stems, or calming aromas can be small yet meaningful rituals. These simple acts invite pause, presence, and pleasure into the everyday. And if you’re wondering whether you deserve flowers today—the answer is always yes!