Cool colors promote a restorative sidewalk experience: A study on effects of color and pattern design of ground murals on mood states and perceived restorativeness using 2D street view images

Ground murals have been increasingly applied as a tactical urban design strategy to improve place quality. However, limited research has explored how ground mural design may impact mental health. This study applied a 3 × 2 × 2 mixed design to explore how design features of sidewalk ground murals, specifically color (warm, cool, or achromatic) and pattern (rectilinear or curvilinear), influence mood states and perceived restorativeness of stressed or non-stressed individuals. Students ( n = 112) were assigned into two groups, one with stress induction and the other without. They were asked to view images showing six design conditions and the uncolored condition. For each condition, mood states, including pleasure level, energetic arousal, and relaxation, were assessed using statements, along with perceived restorativeness as measured by the Perceived Restorativeness Scale—short version. The results reveal that presence of sidewalk murals improved mood states, including hedonic tone and energetic arousal, and perceived restorativeness compared to the uncolored sidewalk. Cool colors had the strongest effects in promoting a restorative experience, particularly for stressed subgroup. Warm colors significantly reduced relaxation across all participants and were perceived as less restorative for stressed individuals. Achromatic colors reduced energetic arousal and were perceived as the least restorative across all participants. Pattern features did not contribute to mood enhancement, but curvilinear patterns were perceived as more restorative than rectilinear patterns. This study provides empirical evidence to support urban public space design aiming to benefit mental health through ground murals with a more systematic color and pattern use.