The Best Paint Colors for Each Room in the Home
The colors around us affect our mood, the way our bodies work and even the decisions we make. One study one found that both perceived action and the effectiveness of drugs was influenced by the color of the pills. A different study found that the color red enhances the force and speed of our reactions, a finding that could be of benefit for athletes.
Certain colors are associated with higher metabolism rates, increased blood pressure and eye strain. Others are associated with moods, such as feeling blue or being in a “black” mood. Given that color has been used to influence decisions and our health for millennia – from the Egyptians to the Chinese – how can we use our understanding of color to create a more harmonious home?
The Best Colors for Primary Rooms of the Home
The paint you use for your home creates ambience and should be used to produce a feeling in each room. To generate the right mood in each room of your home, follow our guide below.
The Kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. It’s where everyone gathers, prepares and shares meals. With this in mind, it’s the perfect room to use welcoming, warm colors. Yellows, oranges and reds work wonderfully in kitchen spaces as they are associated with warmth, sunshine and believed to increase appetite.
Living room colors should remain neutral so as not to compete with conversations or create a ‘noisy’ atmosphere. Neutral tones such as taupe, shades of grey and browns make it easier to place art and create a feeling of space that can be enhanced with accessories that won’t feel overwhelmed by brighter hues.
Bedrooms should be finished in calming neutral colors to create a space of calm that aids sleep. Whites, greys, and muted tones of green and blue all work well in bedrooms. Décor can be further enhanced with thoughtful placement of houseplants and keeping clutter to a minimum – leave the work papers on the table and keep your nightstand for a soft lamp, book, journal and alarm clock.
Bathrooms in white hues create a feeling of spaciousness and are great for lighting, reflecting the light better than other tones. White is also traditionally associated with purity and cleanliness in Western cultures, making it a natural choice for bathroom spaces.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with color either. If you’re unsure of a particular hue, try waking a space up with similarly colored accessories, appliances or with organic elements such as potted flowers and woven rugs in natural fabrics before opening the pain tin and splashing swathes of it across your walls. Accessories can easily be changed or stored in a cupboard if you decide the colors aren’t for you.
While different colors certainly have an effect on our mood and behavior, these perceptions are also strongly influenced by personal, cultural and situational dynamics. Personal taste and feelings towards color should also be considered when choosing the right colors for your home.
This article was contributed by Lisa Smalls – lisasmalls61@gmail.com.
