Each and every one of our lives would be incomplete with the absence of color. It is the first thing we see with the response of light, and color has been proven to have numerous emotional responses on humans. In the past, color has scared away its users because of its bold and dramatic effects it has on a home. But fear no more as we share with you how to successfully incorporate it within your home and which colors work better in certain areas than others.
Let’s begin with yellow, which is the first color the eye sees. Yellow is energetic as it signifies the sun, and it brings feelings of happiness, warmth and excitement into a home. Yellow is a welcoming color and is great when placed in entry ways and foyers. It is also a fantastic color for childrens rooms and family areas as it will enhance the mood and create a light and cheerful environment.
Following yellow on the color wheel is orange. Orange is a highly emotional color that provokes many human responses. It often creates feelings of excitement and enthusiasm due to its energetic qualities. As with yellow, the sun is often symbolized by the color orange, and it has the ability to dramatically lighten up a space with its warming qualities. Orange stimulates conversation and is best applied in dining and living areas. It has been proven to boosts creativity and also works well in a children’s play area. One rule of thumb is that you must use caution when experimenting with orange because it can be overwhelming in a space and create the opposite effect, causing tension and irritation. We suggest using orange in small doses on pillows, furniture and upholstery pieces.
The most vibrant and commanding color of all is red. Red demands attention from its viewers and has a passionate, yet daring impression on a room. When used in moderation, red can create a sensual atmosphere as it is the color associated with lust, so what better place to utilize than the bedroom. Apply red to a bed spread or piece of artwork, but we do suggest you avoid applying to walls as it can be distracting and unsettling. Red also reads nicely in dining areas and kitchens with its ability to cause people to lose track of time. A helpful tip when working with red is that as with orange, it is best executed in small amounts. Red may cause restlessness and distract emotions; therefore it is a better option for accents rather than walls and furniture.
A step down from red is the color pink. Pink is a fun and lively color, and often associated with love and femininity. We suggest you use pink in a powder room or little girl’s bedroom as it will lift the mood and soothe the senses. Because pink is a very dramatic color in all tones and shades, it works wonderful on everything from wall color to upholstery. Pink is perfect when desiring a pop of color in a room. It can be manipulated in to fabrics for furniture or even as bold patterns for wallpaper. It has been proven that pinks gentle and sweet qualities have positive effects on humans and environments and it will make a space feel beautiful and lovely.
A color which has recently become very popular in the design world is purple. It is a mysterious and magical color and because of its high intensity, it must be used sparingly in order to have the desired outcome. Try toning up or down the color for a variety of effects. A lighter shade of purple such as lavender or lilac gives a more subtle and delicate result, while the deeper shades such as plum and eggplant give a sexy and elegant feel to a space. Because purple boosts creativity, it works wonderfully in children’s rooms. It is also good for healing rooms and meditation spaces because of its symbolic nature associated with good health and spirituality.
The most calming and relaxing color of all is blue. It is an excellent color to integrate in to the bedroom because it may contribute to a better night’s sleep and it sets the mood for a more peaceful and calming environment. A light shade of blue or “baby blue” is great for nurseries and children’s rooms to soothe and relax the mood of the space. Blue is a wise color to use in a study room or work area as it enhances clearer thinking and boosts the attentiveness of its users. If you are part of a large family, try using blue on the walls or furniture upholstery in a living area to calm down a busy and chaotic environment.
Last but not least is the fresh and energetic color green. The very best way to bring green in to your home is through plants. It not only carries the color but also enhances the overall indoor air quality of your home. Green works best in kitchens and areas of the home associated with balance and health. It is the representative color of new beginnings so you newlyweds who are on the hunt for the perfect home, keep green an option for your color palette. Green is a restful color along with blue, and is a wise choice for nurseries for its positive reaction on newborns.
We hope you no longer fear the usage of color in your home. When used properly and effectively in a space, color has the ability to set a desired mood and contributes to the emotional state of your home. It is always a good idea to research the effects and responses of a certain color before applying it in to your home, as it will enhance the overall quality and well being of the space.
-K. Clark & The Home Decor Solution
