Colors have a proven psychological effect on our moods. And the colors we choose for our homes have a proven influence on our overall quality of life. Using color psychology, we can create a home that relaxes, energizes and focuses us where and when we need it most. It just takes knowing which colors to use in which room — and which colors to avoid.
BEDROOMS
For the bedroom, it’s best to choose peaceful, relaxing colors that will help you get a good night’s sleep.
BEST: BLUE AND GREEN
The color blue evokes a sense of calm. In fact, all shades of blue are said to bring down a person’s blood pressure, respiration rate and anxiety levels. And light greens are said to make people feel serene, comforted and refreshed. Interestingly, the color green is also said to stimulate fertility.
WORST: DARK PURPLE, ORANGE AND YELLOW
Dark purple is said to stimulate vivid dreams and nightmares. This is especially true for deep, dark mauve and eggplant shades. If purple is your color of choice, consider a soft lavender. This will bring the bedroom a sense of calm, the same way blue does. Bold orange is said to make people feel excited or energized — making it a better match for an exercise room than the bedroom. And yellows can make people feel hungry, which is undesirable in the one room dedicated to sleep.
KITCHEN
The kitchen is a place for happiness and community. Choose a color that will inspire you to cook for and spend quality time with loved ones.
BEST: YELLOW, EARTH TONES, WHITE
Yellow kitchens tend to make people feel happy, optimistic and inspired. What’s more, yellow is said to activate the metabolism and make people feel hungry. Rich browns emulate the color of the earth, which can be associated with the fresh food we eat. And crisp whites will help give your kitchen a clean, airy feel.
WORST: BRIGHT ORANGE AND RED
Experts warn: Stay away from bright orange and red if you’re watching your weight. These colors are said to stimulate appetite.
BATHROOMS
Your bathroom is a place for self-care and self-love. Go with colors that make you feel relaxed, refreshed and confident.
BEST: LIGHT GREEN, LIGHT BLUE AND BLUSH
The calming effect of light green and blue make them great choices for the bedroom as well as the bathroom. And blush pinks are not only flattering to all skins tones, but they are also said to make people feel warmer after stepping out of the tub.
WORST: NEON, DARK PURPLES, BLUES AND REDS
Neon colors, such as hot pink and lime green, are too bold for the bathroom; they won’t stand the test of time. And dark purples, blues and reds are considered oppressive colors. They will make a small bathroom feel even smaller.
OFFICE
The office is meant to make you feel productive and undistracted. Here, you want to choose colors that put you in the zone.
BEST: GRAY AND GREEN
Gray tones are detached and steady, which may help you feel less distracted and more organized. And green is considered to be a color of concentration, as well as one of the best colors to look at over a long period of time. As a bonus, green represent tranquility — something you want to feel when your work becomes frustrating.
WORST: RED
Red is said to be physically stimulating and anger-enhancing. For most of us, that’s the opposite of how we want to feel when we’re trying to get some work done.
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