Sources: AEC-Daily-Wilsonart | Mental Health America
Surface design and color impact people in one way or another. Why do some surroundings induce a sense of calm, happiness, or inspiration while others offer nothing but distraction, discomfort, chaos, doom and gloom? If you’re waking up feeling blue every morning, take a look at your bedroom walls — the shade of your paint might be bringing you down!
• Bright, warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) stimulate energy and happiness. Happy, bright colors can increase your mental activity and leave you feeling rejuvenated and energized. Bright, warm colors are best in rooms for entertaining like dining rooms or kitchens.
• Cool, subdued colors (blues, greens, purples) are soothing and calming. Exposure to dark, somber colors can help bring your energy levels down. Cool colors work best in relaxing spaces like bedrooms or even bathrooms.
Color theory has existed in some form or another since the time of the ancient Egyptians. It may also have roots in Eastern healing practices like balancing chakras, where each chakra (pools of energy inside the body) is associated with a different color. Exposure to blue and green light is known to make it difficult to fall asleep since those colors are more present in daylight. (If you’ve ever worn blue light - blocking glasses, you’ve participated in a form of
color theory). Red or amber light has been shown to increase (and possibly stimulate) melatonin
production and aid sleep. Through exposure to bright, cheery colors during dark winter months, a person may feel more warmth and comfort in their home. This combats the low-
energy, depressing mood some people feel during winter, when the days are shorter and exposure to natural colors like blues, greens, and yellows is limited. Some studies suggest these brighter colors can actually elevate your dopamine levels.
Interested in how your own home affects your state of mind?
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