Did you know that colour can influence your moods, creativity and even productivity? We explore how to harness its power in your home.
Colour psychology is the study of the effects of colour on our moods and mental state. Here’s how to colour your home for happiness and productivity.
The belief that colour can influence our mood has been around for thousands of years. Early Egyptian and Chinese cultures practiced chromotherapy – the use of colour to heal – and colour therapy is still used today. ‘Colour therapy involves harnessing the energy of colour rays to bring the body back into balance, restoring health and wellbeing,’ says Anne Roselt of Plascon, who holds a qualification in Colour Therapeutics for Interiors, which is all about using colour to create well-balanced spaces and happier homes.
Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr agrees, ‘Colour is influential in how a room feels, so it can easily affect our mood and behaviour’.
HOME IS WHERE THE COLOUR IS
Before committing to a shade for any particular room, it’s important to remember that people respond differently to colours, so try a few swatches to see how you and your family respond to them. One child might feel most comfortable in a blue room while another might prefer red. Your choices might differ from the experts’ opinions or predictions but that’s okay, as long as you are all comfortable in your home.
Our experts share their best colour choice for each room here. So keep in mind the function of the room and the mood you want to create, then have some fun making your home over.
A 1999 study in the US showed that workers in blue offices felt more calm and hopeful about their work. Blue is also thought to improve comprehension.
Decor tip: Pair it with energising orange or anxiety-reducing green accents to counteract blue’s relaxing properties.
A cheery, warm orange is perfect for creating a sociable space, says Wendy Rennie, Haymes Paint's colour and concept manager. She adds that its creative properties stimulate conversation.
‘There are colours within each colour family that work wonderfully in a kitchen,’ says Roselt. ‘Red makes us feel physically strong and drives us to action – perfect for a busy kitchen; yellow activates joy and creates a friendly, feel-good space.’
Decor tip: Kitchens are great spaces for accent colours. ‘For instance paint only on a counter, wall cupboard or the inside of cupboard doors. This way you can go for bold brights without overwhelming the room,’ advises Anne.
‘Green can help you feel relaxed and rebalanced,’ says Andrea. ‘This balancing hue will transform your room into a restful, relaxing sanctuary.’
Soft pink in a baby’s room has a nurturing, pacifying effect while baby blue creates a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere. Pale yellow makes for a warm, happy room.
Decor tip: Use bright colours only for toys or accessories. Bold colours are interesting to babies but can be overwhelming and cause over-stimulation – not something you want at baby’s bedtime.
‘White is bright and airy and is the colour of hygiene and cleanliness – a perfect choice for a bathroom,’ says Anne. ‘Or opt for pink, which is a soothing, uplifting colour that flatters all skin tones – just what you need when you look in the mirror first thing in the morning’.
By Estee Kershoff
A lick of paint and a few stylish accessories is the easiest way to update your bedroom. Medal Paints and Jet are giving 10 lucky Jet Club members hampers valued at 2 000.00 each to help you give your room a new look and feel!
To stand a chance of winning 10 litres of Medal Walls and Ceiling’s Acrylic PVA paint and a Jet gift voucher to the value of 1 500.00, SMS your name and the keyword “makeover” to 37826 by 19 March 2019. Ts & Cs apply.
haymespaint.com.au
plascon.com
dulux.co.za
HOW COLOUR AFFECTS YOUR MOODS
Reviewed by Jet Club
on
March 15, 2019
Rating:
Reviewed by Jet Club
on
March 15, 2019
Rating:
