designing homes for wellness
COLOUR
Colour has biological and psychological effects on people. (Healthline). It can alter a person's state of mind, overall disposition and mood for good and bad. It can incite anger, evoke happiness and sadness or bring peace and calm. So colour becomes increasingly important as we manage our our physical and mental health, especially in the winter months when spending so much time at home. Credit: Design Seeds
ASPECTS OF COLOUR
Yellow
Yellow is the colour of sunshine and associated with joy, happiness and positivity. It promotes optimism, self awareness and reasoning. But beware, it should be used sparingly as studies have shown that people are more likely to lose concentration or their temper in an all-yellow interior.
Green
Green is the colour of nature. It's considered the most restful colour for the eye, and can bring a sense of calmness and security. Current research is encouraging showing some benefits in green's ability to decrease pain. (Healthline) But be mindful of the hue selected, as it can symbolize growth, harmony, and safety OR can be associated with greed, jealousy, and discord.
Pink
Pink represents compassion, nurturing, and love. Depending on the shade, it can create a feel-good atmosphere and can make a room playful, feminine, and warm.
White
White represents cleanliness, freshness and simplicity. It can brighten and create an illusion of increased space. In Feng shui, white is considered a powerful colour inspiring clarity and cleansing. Add texture or a bit of colour because too much white could leave a room feeling stark, cold and isolated.
Red
Red spikes energy levels and emotes feelings of danger, power, passion and determination, It also increases metabolism and appetite, but watch where you put it... it can negatively impact your circadian rhythm.
Orange
Orange is associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropics. It represents enthusiasm, happiness, and creativity,. Like red, it stimulates appetite and energy but don't overuse it as it can overstimulate you causing an inability to focus.
Blue
Blue is associated with trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, faith, and truth. It can affect alertness, attention and general mood. Blue slows down the metabolism and has a calming effect. And depending on the shade it can bring about feelings of fun or luxury.
Purple
Purple, in its darkest values, is dramatic, rich, and sophisticated. Lighter values of purple, such as lavender, can add a restful quality to a room.
*Cultural differences often play a role in how we perceive colour.