“Happiness is connected to energy, and without one, we don’t have the other. In the same way as with a warm and alive color, a happy mood vibrates with energy.” Debbie Travis
Can green relax your mood? Does yellow make you happy? Painting a room is a quick and inexpensive option to change the look and feel in a dramatic way. It’s important to remember that color can have a profound effect on how we feel mentally as well as physically. So, the next time you need to pick a paint color, definitely go with one you like, but also consider how it may effect you and your family personally. Read through the colors below and see how they can improve both your lifestyle and the overall style of your home.
Red is the most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are popular targets for thieves. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention.
Pink, the most romantic color, is more tranquilizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy.
Blue is the color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.
Green is currently the most popular decorating color, green symbolizes nature. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, refreshing color. People waiting to appear on TV sit in “green rooms” to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients. Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility. Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. However, seamstresses often refuse to use green thread on the eve of a fashion show for fear it will bring bad luck.
Yellow, a cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter. While it is considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism.
Purple is the color of royalty. Purple connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial.
Brown is solid and reliable brown. Brown is the color of earth and is abundant in nature. Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood or leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men are more apt to say brown is one of their favorite colors.
Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless. Black also implies submission. Priests wear black to signify submission to God. Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men. Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil. Villains, such as Dracula, often wear black.
White is the color brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White reflects light and is considered a summer color. White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything. However, white shows dirt and is therefore more difficult to keep clean than other colors. Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility.
While blue is one of the most popular colors it is one of the least appetizing. Blue food is rare in nature. Food researchers say that when humans searched for food, they learned to avoid toxic or spoiled objects, which were often blue, black, or purple. When food dyed blue is served to study subjects, they lose appetite.
Green, brown, and red are the most popular food colors. Red is often used in restaurant decorating schemes because it is an appetite stimulant.
Written by David Johnson, Color Psychology: Do different colors affect your mood?
How have you noticed the colors of your home effecting you? What’s your hue?
Can green relax your mood? Does yellow make you happy? Painting a room is a quick and inexpensive option to change the look and feel in a dramatic way. It’s important to remember that color can have a profound effect on how we feel mentally as well as physically.




{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Julie 02.29.08 at 7:14 am
A wonderful post today! First, I love that little room in the first picture! It makes me want to curl up with a good book and hide behind the curtain, but alas, my house doesn’t have a little room like that one!
Second, I enjoyed reading the information about the colors. Pink is definitely my favorite color, although my husband probably wouldn’t allow me to paint any of the walls in our house that color! :) I didn’t know that about painting opposing team locker rooms pink! Funny!
Melissa Lewis 02.29.08 at 4:23 pm
Julie, thanks for the comment. I know, that nook is calling my name as well.
I had no idea about the pink locker room theory either, it’s pretty hilarious though!
artist in NC 03.01.08 at 7:45 am
Once again a great post! My favorite color has always been brown. Crazy isn’t it for an artist? I do love other colors, turqouise being a favorite, but brown is my #1!!!!!
this is glamorous 03.01.08 at 9:12 am
It was so interesting to read that bit about pink and sports teams and the loss of energy. Who would have thought?
Claudia 03.01.08 at 8:52 pm
Thanks for the food for thought. I agree that paint is like a giant eraser. you can change your colors with the season or your mood, or your men!
Melissa Lewis 03.02.08 at 1:51 pm
artist, how funny that you say that about your favorite colors. At the current moment, I am in middle of re-painting my dining room brown and accenting with turquoise. I actually used two of our heirloom frames in turquoise in brown as the inspiration for the room. Who know’s how long that will last though, I tend to want to re-do a room at least once a year.
artist in NC 03.03.08 at 5:19 am
Melissa, how can I see the frames you used? Also, the redo bug is just part of being creative. Go with it and have fun! Please post pictures when you are done.
Melissa Lewis 03.03.08 at 7:44 pm
artist, thanks for the interest. If you go to our Off The Wall store, you can see the two frames I am talking about. The item numbers are 3009 and 3010. I’ll be sure to post some pictures of the DR when I am done.
melissa @ the inspired room 03.05.08 at 9:40 pm
Interesting post! And I loved that little nook with the bookcase. I’m a cozy kind of girl so I am drawn to those things!