Do you feel nervous in a yellow room? Does the color blue have a calming and serene effect on you? I cannot stress the affect color can have enough. Artists and interior designers have long understood how color can greatly affect moods, feelings, and emotions; so why shouldn’t we incorporate that into our rooms! It is a significant communication tool and can be utilized to signal action, alter mood, and cause physiological reactions. Specific colors also have been linked to your health such as increased blood pressure, increased metabolism, and eyestrain!
While perceptions of color are somewhat subjective, there are some color effects that have universal meaning. Colors in the red area of the color spectrum are known as warm colors and include red, orange and yellow. These warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility. Whereas, colors on the blue side of the spectrum are known as cool colors and include blue, purple and green. These colors are often pinpointed as calming, but can also bring to mind emotions of sadness or apathy.
Also, many ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Chinese, employed chromotherapy (the use of colors to heal). Chromotherapy is sometimes referred to as light therapy or colourology and is still used today as a holistic or alternative treatment.
In this treatment:
- Red was used to stimulate the body and mind and to increase circulation.
- Yellow was believed to rouse the nerves and purify the body.
- Orange was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy.
- Blue was used to remedy illnesses and alleviate pain.
- Indigo colors were thought to rectify skin problems.
As you can see, colors can have a great affect in our daily lives and overall health! So, when considering colors for the rooms in your house, keep in mind the different results of each shade. Perhaps, red could be used in your office or living room, blue in your bedroom, and so forth. And remember, have fun with it!
