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Color Theory
Choosing the right colors for your home is as much a matter of psychology as
it is a matter of personal taste. Color has a impact on our mood, our energy
level, and even our appetite. Many years of research have shown that certain
colors elicit specific human responses. To assist in your selection of
color, we'll provide you with a brief description of "warm" colors and
"cool" colors, and the human responses they bring about.
Warm Colors
Reds, yellows, and oranges are considered "warm" colors due to their
association with images of heat, such as fire and sunshine. As a result they
tend to have a warming feel on our psyche.
Reds
Red creates excitement, and raises a persons blood pressure and heart rate.
Red produces feelings of intimacy, passion and sexuality. It also has a
stimulating effect on appetite. Red is often used in restaurants and is an
excellent choice for dining rooms and other eating areas.
Yellows
Yellow is an attention getter and draws the eye like no other color. In
poorly lit foyers and hallways, yellow shows the way with its ability to
absorb and distribute light. Subtle yellows in bedrooms, family rooms, and
living rooms could be used to lift one's mood. However, bright yellow can be
much too strong and may actually cause anxiety in young children and the
elderly.
Oranges
Orange warms a room but in a less dramatic way than red. The mood and
attitude of orange is friendly, welcoming and seductive. Orange works well
in living rooms and family rooms and is also a good choice for children's
bedrooms.
Cool Colors
Blues, greens, violets/purples are considered cool colors because of their
references to ocean vistas and vast landscapes. These colors elicit feelings
of peace, tranquility and relaxation.
Blues
The soothing color of blue is an ideal choice for bedrooms. However, that
same blue that relaxes us to sleep also suppresses our appetites. Use blue
in the bedroom, but try and keep it out of the dining room and other eating
areas.
Greens
As the dominant color in nature, we are at home with green anywhere in the
house. Light greens work well in baths and living rooms; mid-range greens
are a great accent for kitchens and dining rooms. The calming effect of
green makes it popular in hospitals, schools and work environments.
Violets
Despite the favorable response violet elicits in children, many adults
dislike purples, and favor rosier shades of violet. Children's bedrooms and
play areas may be good places to experiment with this color family.
Color is just one of a number of factors that plays a psychological effect
on your environment. Lighting, layout, furnishing, adornments, etc., all
play a major role in how we feel in our homes. So pay close attention to
your environment and take note how you feel in certain settings. With some
keen observation, some careful planning, and your new understanding of
color, your home can be the ultimate living space.
With Davidson...
"Our heart
is where your home is" |
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