Color Psychology in Interior Design: 12 Color Choosing Tips

Color is more than decoration in interior design. Grounded in color psychology, it shapes how people think, feel and behave within a space, defining mood, perception and atmosphere. Through thoughtful use, designers transform interiors into environments that engage both the senses and the soul.

This article explores how color psychology guides interior design. It shows how color shapes atmosphere and function, explains key harmony principles, and offers practical insights for choosing palettes that enhance wellbeing, productivity and visual balance.

The Role of Color in Interior Design

Every color communicates an idea or emotion. Designers use this language to shape interiors that evoke comfort, energy or tranquility. The role of color in interior design extends far beyond aesthetics and includes the following dimensions:

• Emotional Expression: Colors evoke specific moods and emotional responses, influencing whether a space feels calm, energetic, intimate or open.

• Spatial Perception: The use of color alters how we perceive size, proportion and depth. Light tones expand a room visually, while dark hues create intimacy and focus.

• Behavioral Influence: Color can influence how people move, interact and even how long they choose to stay in a space, though the effect depends on cultural and environmental context. Warm colors encourage activity and socialization, while cool tones promote calm and reflection.

• Functional Zoning: Designers use color to separate or connect areas. Cool hues define quiet zones like offices or bedrooms, while warm tones highlight communal or creative spaces.

• Psychological Comfort: Harmonious color palettes are perceived as more restful and can enhance feelings of safety and balance, contributing to psychological comfort.

• Cultural and Symbolic Meaning: Different hues carry distinct cultural associations that shape perception and identity within a space.

• Brand and Identity Communication: In commercial or hospitality design, color reinforces brand values and emotional connections with users.

• Lighting Interaction: The perception of color shifts with natural and artificial light, affecting mood and spatial atmosphere throughout the day.

• Material Integration: Color complements textures and materials, creating depth, unity and tactile harmony in interior composition.

• Wayfinding and Orientation: Strategic color use guides movement and improves spatial clarity, especially in public or large-scale environments.

Color is not merely decorative. It is a design language that defines emotion, function and identity within every interior environment.

Building on this idea, color theory explains how hues interact and shape perception, offering designers a framework for creating balance and emotional harmony.

Understanding Color Theory and Harmony

Color theory explains how hues interact and influence human perception within a space. In interior design and architecture, it serves as a visual framework that guides decisions about balance, proportion and emotional atmosphere. The color wheel organizes these relationships and helps designers anticipate how different hues behave together under light, texture and spatial context.

Complementary Colors

Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel and create strong contrast, such as blue and orange or red and green. In interiors, this contrast adds energy and draws attention to key features.

A deep blue wall combined with burnt orange accents, for example, achieves both balance and vibrancy. In architecture, complementary contrasts can emphasize structural rhythm or highlight elements like doorways, arches or vertical columns.

Analogous Colors

Analogous colors appear side by side on the color wheel, such as blue, blue-green and green. They form natural harmony inspired by transitions found in nature. This scheme is often used to evoke calmness and continuity, making it suitable for wellness areas, bedrooms or spaces for reflection.

In architectural design, analogous palettes create smooth visual flow and strengthen the relationship between materials such as stone, wood and glass.

Monochromatic Schemes

Monochromatic schemes use different shades, tones and tints of a single hue. This approach creates visual unity and subtle rhythm. In interior design, it conveys sophistication and serenity, especially when combined with layers of texture and carefully planned lighting.

A palette of soft grays or sandy beiges can highlight form and surface detail while maintaining balance and calm.

Triadic Palettes

Triadic palettes combine three hues evenly spaced on the color wheel, such as red, yellow and blue. They produce a bold yet harmonious composition that encourages creativity and visual interest. In contemporary interiors, triadic color schemes are often used in social or collaborative environments where movement and engagement are desired.

In architecture, this balance can be expressed through materials like metal, fabric and wood, each reflecting a different hue in varying intensities.

Understanding how colors interact helps designers shape the mood and depth of a space. True harmony comes from proportion and purpose, not preference. Thoughtful color use bridges aesthetics and psychology, turning spaces into environments that feel both balanced and emotionally engaging.

When color theory is applied thoughtfully, it connects aesthetics with psychology and transforms architectural spaces into environments that feel both coherent and emotionally engaging.

Psychological Meanings of Colors in Interiors

Each hue carries distinct psychological and cultural associations that influence how people feel, think and behave in a space. When used with intention, color becomes a powerful design tool that supports function, emotion and overall wellbeing.

Red evokes passion, vitality and energy. It tends to encourage activity, conversation and appetite, making it suitable for dynamic environments such as restaurants, gyms or social spaces. These effects stem from perceptual and cultural associations rather than consistent biological responses. However, strong red tones can become overwhelming or stressful if used excessively in restful environments like bedrooms.

Deep muted reds such as terracotta or wine can soften the effect while maintaining warmth and character.

Orange radiates enthusiasm and creativity. It is commonly associated with enthusiasm and social warmth, which can make communal areas feel more engaging. The effect is largely psychological and context-sensitive rather than physiological.

Soft peach or clay tones add liveliness without overstimulation, while bright orange can be used as an accent to encourage movement and collaboration.

Yellow symbolizes optimism, clarity and light. It enhances brightness in spaces that lack natural daylight and stimulates the mind. In kitchens, dining rooms or studios, yellow creates an inviting and cheerful atmosphere.

Pale buttery shades bring comfort, while golden tones convey sophistication. However, overly intense yellow may feel visually overwhelming if used in excess, potentially leading to restlessness or discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Green represents balance, growth and connection with nature. It is often associated with reduced stress and mental fatigue, making it suitable for living rooms, offices and wellness spaces. Studies in environmental psychology support this perception, though responses vary across individuals.

Earthy olive or sage tones promote calmness and stability, while vibrant greens bring freshness and life to indoor environments. In biophilic design, green connects indoor space with the restorative power of nature.

Blue encourages serenity, trust and concentration. Cool blues are perceived as calming and can support relaxation and focus, which makes them ideal for bedrooms, libraries or study areas. While some studies associate blue light or color with reduced physiological arousal, results are context-dependent.

Light blue expands visual space, while deeper navy or indigo tones evoke focus and sophistication. In offices, blue supports clarity and long-term productivity when balanced with warmer materials.

Purple carries associations of luxury, imagination and spirituality. Historically linked to nobility, it adds depth and drama when used thoughtfully. Soft lavender tones evoke calm and introspection, perfect for meditation rooms or private lounges. Rich purples can be paired with metallic accents to create artistic or elegant interiors.

White conveys purity, simplicity and clarity. It creates spaciousness and enhances light reflection, making it a favorite in modern and minimalist interiors. However, too much white can feel sterile or impersonal, so designers often layer textures, fabrics and natural elements to bring warmth and dimension.

Gray embodies neutrality, sophistication and composure. It is a stabilizing color that balances vivid palettes and creates timeless elegance. In modern architecture, gray is often used to unify different materials such as concrete, metal and stone. Yet, excessive gray without warm lighting or accent tones may lead to a cold and distant atmosphere.

Brown and beige represent stability, comfort and security. They ground bright tones and create connection with nature. Wooden textures, earthy browns and soft beige walls bring coziness and authenticity to interiors. These hues work especially well in family spaces, cafés or homes where warmth and intimacy are priorities.

Black expresses strength, depth and sophistication. It defines form and creates contrast, giving structure and focus to design compositions. In moderation, black adds luxury and modernity, but overuse can make a room feel smaller or heavy. Matte finishes and balanced lighting help integrate black gracefully into interiors.

Pink conveys softness, sensitivity and affection. Light pink tones add calm and empathy, while stronger hues like coral bring energy and youthfulness. In hospitality or wellness spaces, pink enhances approachability and comfort. Paired with neutral tones, it brings freshness without appearing overly delicate.

Turquoise and teal combine the clarity of blue with the renewal of green. They evoke freshness, balance and creativity, making them ideal for wellness centers, bathrooms and coastal-inspired interiors. These hues adapt beautifully to natural light and create an atmosphere of peaceful optimism.

Gold and brass tones communicate luxury, celebration and warmth. When used sparingly, they elevate interiors by adding light reflection and elegance. In architecture, golden undertones in fixtures or finishes bring a sense of heritage and richness.

Silver conveys clarity, precision and innovation. It suits contemporary interiors that emphasize light and modern technology. Combined with cooler tones, silver can enhance spaciousness and visual calm.

The Interaction of Lighting, Texture, and Color Perception

Lighting and texture profoundly influence how colors are perceived in interior design and architecture. Even the most carefully chosen palette can change dramatically under different lighting conditions or material finishes. Designers must therefore treat light and texture not as secondary elements but as integral components of the color experience.

The Role of Light in Color Perception

Natural and artificial light determine the temperature, intensity and clarity of color. Morning daylight tends to be cool and crisp, enhancing blues and greens, while afternoon light introduces warmth that brings out yellows, reds and earthy tones. North-facing rooms usually receive cooler, more diffused light, which can make colors appear muted, whereas south-facing spaces emphasize warmth and saturation.

Artificial lighting also reshapes perception. Warm light sources such as incandescent or LED lights with low color temperature create an inviting, intimate atmosphere that complements neutral or cool palettes. Cooler lighting, often used in offices and retail, sharpens detail and enhances clarity but can also make warm tones appear dull or harsh. Designers often evaluate the Color Rendering Index (CRI) of lighting systems to ensure hues remain true to their intended appearance.

Light and Spatial Emotion

Light influences not only visibility but also emotional comfort. Soft, diffused lighting supports relaxation and calm, while directional or accent lighting emphasizes form, rhythm and focus. By controlling brightness and shadow, designers can manipulate depth and mood. For example, dimmed warm light in a restaurant promotes intimacy, while bright uniform lighting in a workspace encourages alertness and productivity.

The Impact of Texture on Color

Texture determines how light interacts with surfaces and how color is visually and emotionally received. Smooth and glossy finishes reflect more light, intensifying saturation and making colors appear cleaner and brighter. Matte or rough textures diffuse light, softening color and adding depth. In architectural surfaces, stone, brick and wood absorb and scatter light differently, creating subtle shifts in hue and atmosphere.

In interior applications, texture adds a tactile layer that complements color psychology. A cool gray wall paired with soft textiles like wool or velvet feels warmer and more welcoming, while a glossy white surface can feel sterile unless balanced with natural materials. Textural contrast also prevents monotony in monochromatic schemes and supports visual balance in high-saturation environments.

The Dynamic Relationship Between Light, Texture, and Material

Color perception is never static. It changes throughout the day as sunlight moves and artificial lights shift. Materials such as glass, fabric, paint and metal each reflect or absorb light differently, altering the intensity and emotional tone of color. Architectural designers often study these interactions using material samples under varying light conditions to anticipate how a space will feel at different times.

Designing with Sensory Awareness

A well-balanced interior combines light, texture and color to support both function and emotion. Soft natural light paired with textured surfaces fosters calm and authenticity.

Reflective finishes enhance vibrancy in social areas, while diffused lighting and tactile materials encourage comfort in private or restful spaces. Understanding how these sensory layers interact allows designers to craft environments that respond gracefully to both physical and psychological needs.

How to Choose the Right Color for Different Interior Spaces?

Color selection begins with understanding the purpose, function and emotional goal of each interior space. A designer’s choices are guided by color psychology, neuroscience and architectural composition, ensuring that visual harmony supports human wellbeing and spatial experience.

Living Room

A living room is a social and emotional core of the home. Colors must support connection, comfort and visual balance.

• Warm neutrals such as beige, taupe or greige promote relaxation and encourage conversation by creating psychological warmth and approachability.

• Soft greens and muted blues lower stress hormones and regulate the nervous system, making the environment restorative.

• Terracotta, ochre or mustard accents add a grounding, sunlit quality that enhances warmth and positivity. These colors are often perceived as uplifting and comforting, although specific biochemical effects such as serotonin activation are not conclusively established.

• Design insight: Combine these tones with diffused natural light and tactile materials like linen or wood to maintain softness and depth.

Bedroom

Bedrooms serve as restorative environments where color influences sleep quality and emotional regulation.

• Cool hues like soft blue, sage green or lilac are often perceived as calming and may support relaxation by reducing visual stimulation.

  
  

• Muted grays or sand tones establish visual quiet and spatial serenity, ideal for promoting restfulness.

  
  

• Avoid highly saturated reds or oranges, as they can increase alertness and visual stimulation, making relaxation more difficult. While certain studies associate these colors with elevated arousal levels, the physiological response varies across individuals and contexts.

• Design insight: Use low-reflective paints and layered fabrics to minimize glare and visual fatigue.

Kitchen and Dining Area

These spaces thrive on warmth, energy and stimulation of appetite and social engagement.

• Warm hues such as golden yellow, coral and soft terracotta are associated with warmth and sociability, often perceived as energizing and uplifting.

  
  

• Neutral backgrounds like white or light gray maintain brightness and hygiene perception.

  
  

• Natural materials such as wood and ceramic moderate warmth, adding tactile comfort.

  
  

• Design insight: South or east-facing light amplifies warm tones, creating a brighter and more dynamic atmosphere.

Bathroom

Bathrooms combine functionality with emotional retreat. Color must evoke cleanliness and relaxation.

• Cool aqua, seafoam and pale turquoise promote freshness and psychological clarity.

  
  

• White and light neutrals reinforce cleanliness while enhancing perceived space.

  
  

• Green or stone-inspired details connect the space to natural calm and lower mental tension.

  
  

• Architectural perspective: Matte finishes and diffused lighting minimize harsh reflections, maintaining a spa-like atmosphere.

Office or Study

Focus and mental clarity dominate this zone. The brain’s cognitive and emotional systems respond strongly to controlled color environments.

• Blue and green hues enhance concentration, cognitive endurance and decision-making accuracy.

  
  

• Neutrals with warm undertones reduce visual fatigue and maintain long-term comfort.

  
  

• Accent details in yellow or orange are associated with increased alertness and creative engagement. While some studies suggest that warm hues can activate brain regions linked to attention and motivation, the effect is contextual rather than universal.

  
  

• Architectural consideration: Combine cool backgrounds with directional lighting to emphasize clarity and structure.

Commercial and Hospitality Interiors

Public and semi-public environments use color strategically to shape brand identity and user behavior.

• Warm palettes in cafés and restaurants increase appetite and social energy through higher arousal levels.

• Cooler palettes in clinics, spas or offices evoke trust, professionalism and calm.

• Contrasting schemes highlight circulation paths and functional zones, improving spatial orientation.

• Architectural approach: Combine brand colors with neutral frameworks to maintain both emotional identity and visual comfort.

Educational Spaces

Color directly affects learning performance and attention span.

• Soft blues and greens enhance focus and memory retention.

• Warm accents like coral or sunshine yellow increase engagement and emotional warmth without distraction.

• Overly saturated hues can overload sensory processing, particularly in children, leading to fatigue.

• Design insight: Use color to differentiate zones for reading, creativity and collaboration.

Healthcare and Wellness Spaces

Here color supports healing and emotional recovery by engaging the nervous system and limbic brain.

• Green and blue palettes are commonly associated with calmness and reduced stress perception. Some studies suggest these hues may support relaxation and lower tension, though evidence for direct physiological effects remains limited and context-dependent.

• Muted pinks, lavenders and neutrals are associated with safety and trust, helping to create a calm and supportive emotional atmosphere.

• Natural tones strengthen biophilic connections that improve emotional resilience.

• Architectural principle: Combine soft color transitions with indirect lighting to promote a sense of continuity and care.

Retail Environments

In retail design, color influences decision-making and perception of value.

• Bright, high-contrast hues attract attention and increase impulsive buying behavior.

• Cool and neutral tones create a sense of luxury, quality and brand reliability.

• Color zoning helps guide circulation and highlight product categories.

• Design insight: Reflective materials amplify color effects and shape the sensory journey within the store.

Hospitality and Leisure Spaces

Hotels, lounges and spas rely on color to define atmosphere and guest experience.

• Soft, desaturated palettes convey sophistication and timelessness.

  
  

• Deep jewel tones like emerald or sapphire add drama and richness in evening environments.

  
  

• Warm lighting paired with earthy hues encourages intimacy and comfort.

  
  

• Architectural consideration: Layered materials such as velvet, brass and stone enhance both texture and color depth.

  
  

Public and Cultural Buildings

In museums, libraries or galleries, color supports orientation, neutrality and focus on content.

• Neutral backdrops like off-white, sand or gray highlight artwork or exhibits without distraction.

  
  

• Subtle accent colors mark transitions or emphasize circulation paths.

  
  

• Architectural perspective: Controlled lighting ensures color consistency and prevents visual fatigue.

The Importance of Thoughtful Color Selection

Color selection shapes the emotional architecture of a space, linking visual beauty with human experience. Its impact unfolds across several key dimensions:

• Psychological and Emotional Influence

  Color affects how people think, feel and behave within a space. Warm hues like red or orange evoke energy and sociability, while cool tones such as blue or green promote calmness and focus. The right palette supports emotional stability and comfort, helping users feel safe, inspired or relaxed.

  
  

• Physiological Response

  Studies in neuroscience show that color can influence how people feel and respond to their surroundings. Cool tones are generally linked to calmness and focus, while warm hues are associated with energy and engagement. Thoughtful balance between these tones supports both relaxation and activity without overstimulation.

  
  

  While color can modulate perception and emotion, current evidence suggests that its direct effects on hormones or brain chemistry remain limited and highly context-dependent.

  
  

• Interaction with Light and Material

  The same color behaves differently under changing light conditions or when applied to various materials. Natural daylight, artificial illumination and surface textures all alter perception. Designers must evaluate these shifts to maintain harmony and consistency across time and setting.

  
  

• Functional and Spatial Definition

  Color defines architectural boundaries and enhances spatial orientation. Contrasting tones can emphasize circulation routes, focal areas or functional zones, while soft transitions visually connect open-plan layouts. In this sense, color becomes a tool for spatial organization and clarity.

  
  

• Support for Wellbeing and Recovery

  Thoughtful color use contributes to mental and physical restoration. Spaces designed with balanced palettes can reduce cognitive load and visual fatigue. Hospitals, offices and homes alike benefit from colors that align with human circadian rhythms and emotional needs.

  
  

• Aesthetic and Cultural Meaning

  Beyond science, color carries symbolic and cultural value. Designers must consider local traditions, lifestyle and user expectations to ensure that colors resonate authentically within their social and environmental context.

  
  

• Integration of Art and Science

  Successful design combines creative intuition with evidence-based knowledge. By aligning color with light, texture, proportion and psychology, designers transform interiors from static structures into living environments that support emotional harmony and purposeful function.

12 Tips for Effective Color Selection

Color selection can seem complex, yet understanding a few core design principles helps create spaces that are visually balanced and emotionally attuned. The following guidelines combine aesthetic strategy, environmental awareness and human psychology.

1. Start with natural light

Observe how natural light interacts with the room throughout the day. Morning light often emphasizes cool tones, while afternoon light warms up surfaces. Choose hues that remain comfortable and consistent under both conditions. In north-facing rooms, consider warmer palettes to counteract cool daylight. In south-facing rooms, use neutrals or soft tones to prevent glare.

2. Study artificial lighting

Different light sources alter color perception. Warm bulbs enrich reds, yellows and neutrals, while cool LEDs highlight blues and greens. Evaluate your chosen palette under the lighting that will be used daily, paying attention to both brightness and the color rendering index (CRI) for accurate hue reproduction.

3. Test before applying

Paint small samples on various walls and observe them at different times of day. Surrounding colors, reflections and shadows can all influence perception. Viewing samples vertically, rather than on horizontal boards, gives a more accurate sense of how color will look in the final setting.

4. Balance saturation

Intense hues create energy but can lead to visual fatigue if overused. Combine bold colors with neutrals or desaturated tones to create balance. This contrast helps the eye rest and enhances depth within the design. In minimal interiors, one saturated color used as an accent can define character without overwhelming the space.

5. Use texture strategically

Texture affects how color behaves. Glossy finishes make hues appear brighter and sharper, while matte or rough textures diffuse light and soften color intensity. Incorporating materials such as wood, linen, stone or metal adds visual and tactile richness, allowing color to blend naturally with architectural surfaces.

6. Define hierarchy with the 60-30-10 principle

Distribute color proportionally within a space. Approximately 60 percent for dominant background tones such as walls or flooring, 30 percent for secondary elements like furniture, and 10 percent for accents or decor. This balance creates order, rhythm and visual harmony without monotony.

7. Consider emotional goals

Every color communicates a feeling. Before choosing a palette, identify what emotion the space should evoke such as calm, focus, energy or warmth. Align hue and intensity with the intended psychological atmosphere. For example, cool muted tones encourage reflection, while warmer hues enhance social interaction.

8. Integrate architectural context

The form, scale and function of the space should influence color choice. High ceilings and open plans can support deeper or darker shades, while compact rooms benefit from lighter, reflective colors that expand perception. Always allow architecture and color to support one another.

9. Coordinate with material and furniture finishes

Colors rarely exist in isolation. Examine how they interact with wood stains, metal frames, fabrics and flooring materials. Harmonizing undertones across surfaces prevents visual conflict and strengthens unity within the composition.

10. Observe cultural and environmental context

Color meanings vary by culture and climate. Warm earthy tones may feel grounding in colder regions but heavy in hot, sunny environments. Understanding regional preferences and natural surroundings ensures that interiors feel authentic and responsive to their context.

11. Use contrast intentionally

Contrast creates focus and rhythm. Pairing light and dark, warm and cool, or matte and gloss finishes brings dimension to a space. However, maintain a clear visual anchor so that contrast enhances, rather than disrupts, harmony.

12. Reevaluate under lived conditions

Color perception changes when furniture, decor and lighting are introduced. Always reassess the palette after installation to confirm it maintains the intended mood and proportion.

Key Takeaways

• Color psychology provides a framework for understanding how color influences perception, emotion and behavior within interior environments.

  
  

• Warm and cool hues are associated with differing psychological and contextual effects on mood, attention and comfort.

  
  

• Harmony and proportion shape how occupants interpret spatial balance and visual ease.

  
  

• Color selection should align with each space’s functional purpose and intended emotional tone.

• Lighting and surface texture significantly alter how colors are perceived, modifying spatial mood throughout the day.

• Thoughtful and context-aware color use contributes to perceived wellbeing, focus and aesthetic coherence.

• Effective interior design integrates artistic intuition with evidence-based understanding of perception and environmental psychology.

  
  

In conclusion, color in interior design is both art and science. It communicates emotion, defines function, and enhances the human relationship with architecture. When designers apply color theory with psychological insight, they create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also emotionally resonant and enduringly comfortable.

FAQ: Understanding Color Psychology in Interior Design

How does our body’s rhythm affect how we see color?

Colors do not change our biological clock directly but the light around us does. Morning light makes cool tones look fresher and brighter while evening light gives warmth and softness. Designing with lighting that follows daily rhythm helps interiors feel more natural and balanced.

Does color mean the same thing in every culture?

Not exactly. Some reactions are quite universal such as red attracting attention or blue feeling calm but meanings vary by culture. In some traditions white represents purity while in others it symbolizes mourning. Designers always consider cultural context when applying color psychology.

Why does surface reflectance (LRV) matter in color design?

Light Reflectance Value shows how much light a color reflects. Light shades make rooms feel larger and brighter while darker colors absorb light and add depth. Balancing both creates visual comfort and a natural sense of harmony.

Do LED lights or screens change how colors look?

Yes. LED bulbs and screens produce light that is different from natural daylight so colors can look cooler or warmer than expected. Testing paint and materials under the same light that will be used in the space helps achieve the intended effect.

Can color really affect mood or focus?

Yes but gently and in context. Cool blues and greens often help people feel calm and focused while warm shades such as yellow or coral can create energy and connection. Personal preference and lighting also influence how color feels in a room.

Why do experts say color psychology is not an exact science?

Because people experience color differently. Lighting material texture cultural meaning and personal emotion all change perception. Color psychology gives useful direction for design but it cannot predict one single response for everyone.

Why is color contrast important for accessibility?

Strong contrast improves visibility and navigation especially for people with low vision. Clear differences between light and dark surfaces make spaces safer and easier to use while keeping them visually balanced.

How does light temperature affect how we feel in a room?

Warm light with yellow tones creates a cozy and relaxing feeling ideal for homes and restaurants. Cooler light with bluish tones feels clearer and more energizing suitable for offices or hospitals. Adjusting lighting temperature during the day supports comfort and focus.

Do age and eyesight change how we see color?

Yes. As we get older our eyes filter light differently especially blue tones. Warm colors often appear clearer and stronger contrast becomes more comfortable. That is why interiors for older adults usually use softer warm tones and defined visual contrast.

How do designers test if a color will feel right?

Designers usually try color samples mock ups or digital previews under real lighting. They also gather feedback from users to understand how people feel in the space. Seeing color together with texture light and furniture gives the most accurate impression.