In the world of interior design, the study of color is not merely an artistic or technical lesson; it is a gateway to a deeper understanding of the relationship between human beings and their surrounding environment. Color, with all its symbolism and psychological and visual effects, serves as the cornerstone for crafting a comprehensive visual experience that influences user behavior and their interaction with space.<br /><br />At Al-Mustaqbal University – College of Fine Arts – Department of Design, students recognize the importance of this subject from the early stages of their academic journey. Under the instruction of Assistant Lecturer Musa Diaa, the course emphasizes a profound understanding of color not just as an aesthetic element, but as an analytical and practical tool that affects every design decision.<br /><br />Through this course, students explore color theory, the color wheel, gradients, contrast, and harmony, gaining essential skills to create psychologically and visually balanced environments. For instance, using warm colors in a living room can evoke a sense of warmth and energy, while cool colors are ideal for spaces requiring calm and relaxation, such as bedrooms or medical clinics.<br /><br />Moreover, the study of color enhances students’ abstract thinking. Color is not treated in isolation but in relation to light, texture, space, and pattern. When designing a modern kitchen, students must consider how natural light interacts with chosen colors and how this affects the perception of spaciousness or confinement.<br /><br />Colors also influence our perception of materials. For example, color can make wood feel warmer or marble appear cooler and more elegant. This nuanced understanding can only be achieved through in-depth study of the psychological and visual impacts of color—an experience the color course at the Department of Design offers as a gateway to mastering the full spectrum of interior design.<br /><br />Color harmony also plays a key role in other subjects such as perspective drawing or architectural projection, where color is used to highlight depth, dimension, and focal points. In their graduation projects, students rely on their background in color studies to construct a cohesive project identity that conveys a message and connects with the intended user.<br /><br />Even in digital design courses or 3D modeling software, color remains a central element—not merely in selecting a beautiful palette, but in understanding how colors interact with materials, lighting techniques, and the final rendering process.<br /><br />Since interior design is essentially a dialogue between people and space, color is the language through which this dialogue is written. It is a language that needs no translation but requires deep understanding and artistic sensibility. The color course provides students with these capabilities—not just as a technical skill, but as a medium for discovering the meaning of beauty and harmony.<br /><br />In conclusion, the color course taught at Al-Mustaqbal University – College of Fine Arts – Department of Design by Assistant Lecturer Musa Diaa is not presented in isolation from other subjects. Rather, it serves as the bridge between theory and practice, between vision and emotion, between concept and space. The more students deepen their understanding of color, the more consciously impactful their designs become—enriching lives through thoughtful, artistic spaces.<br />This article contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education by emphasizing the importance of teaching color theory as a foundational component in interior design education. It encourages the development of critical thinking, creativity, and the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge—supporting a high-quality educational system grounded in both artistic and scientific understanding.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University the first university of Iraq .