Colours for the home

In the newest e-issue of the Huffington Post (4-28-13) Carolyn Gregoire writes that "Colour can be a wonderful tool for making your home less stressful and more calming- and it can have a significant impact on your mood and well-being."  I couldn't agree more.  As a fine artist, designer, builder i so often come across people's homes where they have NOT painted anything within their home, interiors are original to when they may have moved in (?) and no sign of creativity or daring exists (maybe people are scared of colour? Yea i suspect that).

The Huffington article reported that a University of Minnesota study "found that red environments increase stress response (and i've also heard initiate appetite- hence the checkered red and white table clothes in eateries), while green and white environments do not."  "The most calming colours are usually in the blue family, but muted dusty shades of other colours can also be soothing according to Jackie Jordan, Sherwin Williams Director of Marketing."

     Soft blues (SW 6771 Bathe Blue seen left) slow down heart rate and lower blood pressure.  The most stress reducing tones are soft watery tones.  They're soothing and calming in a home.

Pale grays (SW 7058 Magnetic Gray) that are light especially when paired with white or blue elements in a space can create a very relaxing environment.  Gray is a perfect choice and can be layered with any colour to create a serene environment.   Seen below right....

 Beiges (SW 6106 Kilim Beige) are on the warmer end of the colour spectrum and beiges tend also to be calming.  Anything in the neutral category tends to be calming and when you start getting into warmer colours like yellows and oranges they tend to generate more energy.
Seen directly below...







Dusty pinks that are pale give a relaxing feel.  A HOT pink room isn't going to be calming but if you do something on the lighter end of the spectrum and on the grey side that can also be warming.

Lavenders (SW 6828 Rhapsody Lilac) and muted shades of violets and purples that are in the gray spectrum can again be calming.

                                                   

                                                   

Pale greens or pale yellow greens are the most stress-reducing in the green family, which bring to mind scenes of nature.  Apparently in order to be calming they have to be soft and less saturated.

Dont be afraid to use colour, and use to reduce stress and make your home inviting.  You can always punch things up with an original painting on a wall, pillows, rugs, or various other objects to give your space pop.