Ahh, as the sun comes out and windows can be opened to the fresh air, we look for new inspiration and happiness from our indoor spaces. As the seasons roll on by, a splash of new colour or a new piece of furniture to suit the curtains that we purchased last week looks to be the order of the day. But wait..there is another way. If you are keen to reduce your footprint, spend less, practice simplicity and sustainability there are lots of other ways. It's time to get creative with what you have, re-purpose, repair, re-create, re-energise, re-trade.
Colour is everywhere around us. Wherever we look outside, Mother Nature puts on a bright display. Whether it be of flowers, greenery or a small quiet backyard there is always new and exciting colours to see.
With colours as the influencer on our mind and mood, just which colours work on the mind negatively and which colours work on the mind with a positive influence?
To get an insight on what certain colours do, here is a look at some of the basic colours that we see daily that create influence over us and our mood.
Here are the special “powers” of particular colours that have been studied recently by scientists in the US and have proven their “mood values”. Each colour below can be applied to not only on walls in a home or office, but to gardens or when wearing clothing, and anywhere else where colour is present:
Green:
Seeing the colour green has been linked to more creative thinking—so greens are good options for home offices, art studios, etc. Having a green garden for anyone artistic is a bonus.
Red:
People seeing others in front of red backgrounds generally find those other individuals are more attractive than when they see them silhouetted against other colours. So, wedding photos taken in a red rose garden is an example of where this may occur. Having a red surface or red clothing also gives us a burst of strength, so reds are good choices for home, gym, etc. Seeing red has been linked to impaired analytical reasoning.
Violet:
People link a grayish violet with sophistication, so it can be a good selection for places where you’re trying to make the “right” impression. For example, a person in a business suit of a dark grayish colour with violet undertones is often worn when a man or woman is out to impress or create an image of sophistication to those they work with.
Yellow:
Using yellow in a home can be problematic. Many people dislike the color, so if you have a lot of yellow rooms in your home or a yellow front door, you may be advised to repaint it to get the best price for your home should you sell. An exception: Many people use yellow in kitchens because warm colors stimulate our appetite. Also, a person that wears yellow clothes comes across as spontaneous or lighthearted and energetic to those around them.
Blue:
People are more likely to tell you that blue is their favorite color than any other shade. Seeing blue also brings thoughts of trustworthiness to mind; always a good thing. Mother Nature is generous to us on a sunny day when a blue sky is showing. If you feel down and out on a day where the blue sky is at its best, then there is certainly something that needs addressing within if you cannot feel at least a little appreciative of a perfect sunny day.
Black and White:
Black is not defined as a colour because it is the absence of light, and therefore absent of color. "The result of the absence or complete absorption of visible light." It is often used symbolically or figuratively to represent darkness. Black clothing in itself is worn a lot as it goes with most real colours.
White is not defined as a colour either because it is the sum of all possible colours.
White walls and ceilings are found in houses to provide a fresh clean feel. White also opens a small space up to make it look bigger. Symbollically white represents light.
Use colour wherever possible—don’t opt out and live in a beige world. Humans are more comfortable in spaces with colour than in those without. A beige world is under-stimulating—and that can be stressful.
In contrast to over-stimulation, under-stimulation occurs when there's not enough going on in our environments to keep our attention or keep us interested. In other words, situations that are boring can be anxiety provoking!
Stride purposefully in your environment and colour your world with splashes of colour wherever possible to lift the energy levels in your space.
Wishing you Love's Pure Light
May the Sparkle of Colour Uplift your Mind, Body and Spirit.
Robyn and Karla
Special Spaces:
Website:
Connect direct with Robyn:
Comments