Did you know that the colours you choose for your home’s decor may influence your state of mind?
We often pick a design and a style for our rooms that suits our tastes or current fashions. Yet, it appears that we should equally consider colours and tones. We already know that colours are very powerful: they can cool down or warm up a room, or make it look bigger than it actually is. But their influence does not stop there: they can also impact our mood! Neuroscience has indeed demonstrated that the brain reacts to colours.
Pink: Chase Away Aggressivity
Pink, a colour frequently associated with women, makes any room soft and romantic, but what really distinguishes it is, without a doubt, its ability to calm the mind. The scientist Alexander Schauss has studied the effects of colours. He painted the cell walls of a correctional facility in Seattle pink. The result? A 15-minute exposure period was all that was needed to reduce inmates’ aggressivity levels, the effect lasting 30 minutes. He measured lower heart rates and blood pressure. Of course, not all pinks are soothing (neon and darker tones are less effective!).
Blue: Very Refreshing
The cool colour par excellence, blue is very popular in the West. Freshness, innocence, wisdom and relaxation, it can inspire many moods depending on the furnishings and accessories that are used along with it. In the bedroom, blue will encourage rest; in the office, it will inspire professionalism. Be mindful, though, that with too much blue, rooms may feel cold and austere. When this happens, we can integrate colours and textures that add warmth like a wool throw, textured pillows or a comforting carpet. Balance is restored!
Yellow: A Dose of Happiness
Not too many people are willing to paint a room’s four walls in yellow. And yet, this sunny colour is very trendy. It is in fact the most positive of hues: we feel happier and smile more in its presence. It should be used sparingly in the bedroom so as not to impede sleep (yellow is stimulating!) or in combination with a calming colour like blue. But don’t be shy in the family room: it brightens grey days and makes rooms look bigger!
Green: All Natural!
Unless it is in a garish tone, green is always pleasant because it reminds us of nature. It is welcome it the living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom! In the dining room, it awakens the appetite. But it is at its best when used in the playroom as it stimulates the fives senses and increases creativity. Despite being invigorating, green is never aggressive. On the contrary! In design, it is said to be a reassuring colour and may even be useful in calming the nervous system.
Violet: Encourage Closeness
Symbol of dreams, violet is usually linked to the feminine; however, men would benefit from adding it to their decor as this colour is said to have the ability, among others, to aid concentration. Violet can be soft, but also dark. In the latter case, know that it should be used parsimoniously so as to not make the room oppressive. A single accent wall is enough (or with accessories or as colour blocks on the wall). Funny thing: a recent study revealed that couples whose bedrooms are decorated with violet have more sex. Red is ranked second as the most sexually enticing colour.
Red: Anger?
Red often carries negative connotations. In school, our teachers corrected our papers with a red pen; we talk with our banker about our accounts that are in the red; horror films are dripping with this bloody colour. It is true that red can be a bit exciting: it may even increase our heart rate. Yet this characteristic is not necessarily a fault. In decor, this colour makes a bedroom feel more sensual as well as making a boy’s room or the garage more energetic.
White: Sleek, But Empty
We all like our rooms to feel airy and be free of clutter. This is why many people opt for white walls. Not a bad idea as long as the decor includes accessories, furnishings or accent walls that bring in colour. Indeed, on its own, white is cold and empty. It may even have a depressing effect over time. A room dominated by white can, conversely, be appropriate when it must be impeccably clean, like a medical office, or a massage therapist or beautician’s room.
Unfortunately, RE/MAX doesn’t know of any colour that will magically make your property sell faster, but we do know of many brokers who excel at this task!