A few years back, I did a campaign on how to use home improvement and our home surroundings to reduce the amount of stress (and depression) in our lives. There is SO much I could talk about, but I’d like to focus on just one aspect….Color! The colors we choose in the key areas of our home can help with motivation and sleep… and everything in between. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Theology, and in the study of BOTH, color plays a key role.
The colors that you would paint your house for sale are different than the colors that would paint your house for life… but there is a bit of crossover.
Color has long been used to create feelings of coziness or spaciousness. However, how people are affected by different color stimuli varies from person to person. So in the end, choose colors that speak to you!
According to the National Association of Realtors, this is how color affects a room:
White would be a great blank slate if you were selling a home. If you are not selling, white is still a great way to go. White invites light into the room. If you have a room that doesn’t get much sunlight, or a room that is really small, painting it white will help it look bigger. Plus, this gives you a blank canvas. You can add color in the furnishings to express yourself!
Yellow not only enhances your space, but it also enhances your brain. Yellow increases your focus, enhances your intelligence and mental agility. Put this in a room that you plan on having guests over to stimulate conversation, or a room you’d like to use as a place to clarify your thoughts. If you have a room to practice musical instruments, yellow will help the creativity and talent flow. Many people put this color in kitchens and it’s understandable. Some of us are MOST creative in the kitchen! If you don’t like the commitment of having this color on the walls, chose an oversized yellow accent rug in a family room.
Blue and Green, these colors can make a room look more spacious if done correctly. Green represents healing and money…use it in places to nourish the body like the kitchen or the bathroom. A dark blue will encourage clear thinking and removal of clutter. Choosing either of these colors on all walls of a room may be a bit overwhelming, so perhaps get a painting with these colors, or add accent pillows.
Light blue will give you a sense of peace. It promotes tranquility and calm – in relationships and in life. Consider painting the bedroom light blue, or adding accent pillows of light blue.
A mix of these colors, Aqua, will inspires trust and relaxation. This is a great color to introduce into a bedroom if you have trouble sleeping, dreaming or meditating. Use it in a room that you can escape to, even for just a few minutes a day!
Mix light blues with jewel tones of deep blue and green, and you will have a sanctuary that will inspire you to rise and shine, while allowing you to relax at the end of a long day!
Gray is similar to white in creating a blank slate, but keep in mind your home will look a bit cooler and more modern. If that’s the look you are going for, then mix shades of gray to create a modern look. If you want rooms to feel warmer and cozier, then you will need to add shades of other colors to break up the cool.
Deep jewel tones will soften a room, but will make the room feel secluded from the rest of the house. It’s a bold choice, and if you are going to play with these types of colors, I would suggest using a very small room (like a bathroom or study). If you are using a deep red, know that you will be inspiring passion so perhaps use this sparingly like a lampshade. If you use it to remind yourself to live life to its fullest potential, then go a bit bolder like a feature piece (couch) of a room, or some accent chairs.
If we want to get into some colors that aren’t mentioned here, there are a few more that can inspire you at home:
Pink, Purple and Orange
Pink: The color of love, tenderness, understanding and gentleness. Use it in a room that you’d like to unwind in…even if that’s a bathroom. You can add a touch of pink into another room by adding a pink lampshade, blanket or towels.
Light Purple: Enhances Spirituality
It will help you connect to a higher plane. Purple encourages a fresh perspective on emotional issues. By reminding you that we are all connected, it will deepen your sense of humanity. Use it in your home to enhance compassion and to experience friends as family. Try a light purple cashmere throw, journal or fresh boquet.
Orange: Expands your Thinking
This vibrant hue reduces self-consciousness and allows you to express yourself with confidence. Use it in your home when you want to feel younger. It is the color of laughter and celebration. Add an orange mouse pad to your office, an accent wall to your child’s room or just a bordered note card on a side table.
So the next time you decide to give your house a fresh coat of paint consider your hues and the mood and tone you want to set for not only your home but yourself!
Are you re-painting or decorating your home? What colors would you chose? Share with us in the comments below and remember we want to see your DIY’s on Instagram and Twitter so make sure you follow @paigehemmis & hashtag #DIYfengshui
If you missed the episode check it out by heading over to Home & Family!
XOXO,
Paige