How Color Affects Mood:
Before you automatically reach for your favorite color, think about how you want to feel in a room versus how you want it to look. Do you want to feel awake and energized? In an office maybe, but how about in the bedroom? You may find that your least favorite color, in fact, sets the perfect mood.When choosing color, most of us go straight to the paint, but consider your furniture first. Paint choices are unlimited, but you’ll be more restricted with furniture and accent colors. Furniture also is longer lasting, while it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to swap out your paint color.
Colors behave in three basic ways: active, passive, and neutral. Red, for example, is an active color (it is said to raise the heart rate); blues and greens are passive; neutrals include shades of grey and white.
Lighter colors are expansive and airy. They can make a room seem bigger and brighter. Darker colors are more intimate and sophisticated.
Zero in on three colors for one room. Any more and your space will begin to look cluttered and confusing.
That said don’t be afraid to mix colors. Choose two complementary colors such as blue and yellow to make both colors pop.
When choosing a paint color, place your swatches against a neutral background—not against the wall color they will replace. An old board painted white makes an easy backdrop for swatches.
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. If you love a bold color, but fear it will overtake the room, start with a single wall. Paint one wall a dynamic pink, for example, and the other three a neutral cream or tan.
Color Breakdown:
REDKnown for: high energy, collaboration, conversation—as well as tension and anger (use red wisely!)
Works best in: Kitchens, living and dining rooms, and offices
Avoid it in: Bedrooms, bathrooms, and any room in which you want to feel calm
Fun fact: Studies show that the color red increases heart rate, blood pressure, and adrenaline levels.
ORANGE
Known for: action and excitement
Works best in: exercise rooms, artist studios, or offices
Avoid it in: bedrooms, bathrooms, and libraries—rooms in which you want to relax
Fun fact: Orange is the only color on the spectrum named for an object—the orange fruit, of course.
YELLOW
Known for: joy, happiness, playfulness, and creativity
Works best in: kitchens, dining rooms, bathrooms—wherever you want to feel cheerful and uplifted
Avoid it in: Yellow can be used in nearly every room, but don’t go overboard. Studies have shown that people tend to lose their tempers and babies cry more in yellow rooms. It is best used as an accent color.
Fun fact: In the Hindu belief system, yellow represents the solar plexus chakra.
Known for: health, tranquility, and restfulness
Works best in: Green is a safe bet for any room. It has also been said to promote fertility, making it a natural choice for the bedroom.
Avoid it in: There’s no reason to shy away from green. It has a calming effect as the main color in a room or as an accent.
Fun fact: In the 15th century, brides often wore green because of its connection with fertility.
BLUE
Known for: serenity and calm
Works best in: bedrooms and bathrooms in particular, but nearly anywhere in the house
Avoid it in: Blue works in most rooms, but be careful about what shade of blue you choose—some can be chilly and bring the mood down. Warmer blues include: periwinkle, cerulean, or turquoise.
Fun fact: Blue became symbolic of the male gender around the twentieth century.
PURPLE
Known for: luxury, sophistication, and passion
Works best in: bedrooms, living and dining rooms, and work spaces (it is also associated with creativity)
Avoid it in: Purple works in nearly every room. Lighter purples such as lavender produce the same calming effect as blue; darker purples such as eggplant signify wealth and royalty.
Fun fact: The word “purple” comes from the Greek porphura, a species of jellyfish that yielded a dye called Tyrian Purple.
NEUTRALS
Not quite ready to commit to a color? A neutral room can put you at ease.
Work with various shades of white, black, grey, and brown.
Add pops of color where you feel comfortable in easy-to-replace items such as accent pillows or knick-knacks.
Use black sparingly—it adds weight to the room and works best as an accent color.
If you stay neutral on color, consider objects with interesting shapes: an oddly shaped lamp, for example, or a beautiful piece of wall art.
Varying texture also adds a layer of interest to a neutral room. Pair beige velvet chairs with a rustic table, for example.
Now that you know more about the mood each color represents, you're ready to choose the right tones for your space. If you're in need of some design inspiration, stop by Slumberland Furniture at the Lake to check out our room and furniture arrangements. We can also help you find the perfect pieces for your unique space! We look forward to helping you find the right furniture at the Lake of the Ozarks.
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