When choosing paint colours for the home, we usually just focus on how it looks and pick colours that we like. However it has been said that the colour of a room can affect your mood, so next time you go to re-paint your bedroom or a main living room, it may be worth taking the following advice into account.
Red – red tones are said to stimulate energy, conversation and liveliness, which is one reason they are popular in restaurants and cafes. Red can also raise blood pressure and make your heart beat faster, so it’s probably not a good choice for bedrooms. It can create a strong first impression if used in the entryway of the home.
Yellow – perfect for main living areas, yellow can invoke feelings of happiness, hope and optimism. Studies have shown that the brain releases more seratonin when looking at yellow, which in turn creates a positive atmosphere. Yellow is also an ideal choice for offices or studies as it can stir up our creativity. However, be wary with how much yellow you use – it has been shown that when used in large amounts, yellow can have the opposite effect of creating feelings of tension and anger.
Blue – an ideal choice for bedrooms, warmer tones of blue have been known to aid sleep and provoke feelings of calmness. Blue can lower your pulse rate, blood pressure and body temperature as well, helping you to relax. On the other hand, dark blues can create an atmosphere of sadness, so stick to lighter, warmer tones.
White – it may appear boring or dull, but white is ideal for smaller areas in which you want to create the illusion of more space. White will help a room feel open and airy, and can also give a modern feel to a room. It creates an atmosphere of peace, making it ideal for shared living spaces.
Black – do not get carried away with using too much black in the home. Used as an accent colour, it can create an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. Using too much, however, can invoke feelings of depression.
Purple – purple can stimulate the creative part of the brain, so it may not be ideal for the bedroom. Lighter purples such as lavender and lilac, however, can bring a restful quality to the bedroom without making it feel chilly.
Green – green has a calming effect, making it suitable for any area of the home. In main living areas, it can help encourage relaxation as well as togetherness and comfort. It is also believed to help with fertility, making it a great choice for the bedroom.
For more colour inspiration, speak to your local paint specialist.
