Colour is everywhere we look. From burnt orange sunsets and bright blue skies, to crisp green meadows and browning autumn leaves. But, while some colours are a product of nature, others, like packaging, are carefully chosen for the way they make us feel. The same goes for the products we use in our home. After all, is it any coincidence that when Pantone announces Ultra Violet as its Colour of The Year, suddenly inky blue purple is everywhere?
Colour is something we don't often stop and think about, but the truth is different colours impact the way we feel. In fact, to this day, several countries still use colour as therapy, believing that:
- Yellow purifies the body
- Red improves circulation
- Orange increases energy levels
- Blue soothes pain
Colour not only impacts mood, it also influences our decisions too. So, if you want to feel happy, upbeat and optimistic at home, the fact is, choosing colours that bring about these emotions is key. With this in mind, in this guide to using colour at home, we'll look at how to select shades that create the mood you want yourself, and others, to feel in your home.
Red
Red is a gutsy colour. So, it's no surprise that it brings about intense feelings. It can make a space feel warm, loving and comforting, but it can also be dramatic and exciting too. So, it's a great to use in a master bedroom, especially as the effects are amplified in low light such as lamp and candlelight.
Even if you only use red as an accent colour its influence is still strong. So, you might feel more comfortable sticking to accessories and soft furnishings that create a more harmonious balance in your home.
Blue
Product featured: The Downton sofa/sofa bed
The term "feeling blue" is often associated with sadness. But, how many of us really feel sad on a hot sunny day when the sky is a cloudless bright blue? Typically preferred by men, blue is commonly seen as a sign of serenity and calm, which is why it can bring about similar feelings of relaxation.
Additionally, blue is also great for decorating an office space or study in your home as the colour is known to boost productivity. Although, you might want to think twice before investing in blue plates, as apparently food looks least appetising when served on something blue.
White
In general, white makes most people feel safe, clean and fresh - though few of us will choose white as our favourite colour. In fact, in a poll of adults white only came 15th which is interesting when you consider how liberally most of us apply it in our home.
Green
Product featured: The Lover sofa
Green is most closely associated with nature. So, for many it's a calming and tranquil shade that can actually help you to unwind at home. And, it's especially great during winter when there's a lack of natural green around. Fill living spaces with foliage, and introduce accessories with green leaf prints.
Another benefit of green is that it reduces stress. So, if you have a job that makes your blood boil, coming home to a green-rich environment is a great detox. Decorating a kid's room in green promotes a healthy and calm feeling - ideal for little ones who are getting used to spending nights alone in their own bed.
Yellow
They call it mellow yellow, and so it is. Yellow brings about uplifting feelings of warmth, happiness and energy. Plus, it even increases metabolism. So, if you're looking for a colour to give your mood (and your gut) a positive boost, yellow is our top pick.
Use yellow to full effect in living spaces where everyone can benefit from its feel good properties. Alternatively, decorate your home's main entrance, or front door, in yellow. So, guests can feel instantly happy as soon as they enter. This time of year, a nice bunch of Daffodils is an ideal way to introduce a yellow accent in living rooms.
Brown
Product featured: The Elmley sofa/sofa bed
In small doses brown can promote feelings of stability, security and safety. For us, brown is best kept to a minimum in living spaces, and work well as an accent against brighter, happier, colours. If you have a brown sofa, for example, make sure you select furniture, wall colours and accessories in lighter tones and shades to balance it out.
Grey
Product featured: The Foxham sofa/sofa bed
Grey is the perfect neutral shade for a home. Darker hues conjure up precious metals. While lighter greys are dynamic and dignified. Best of all? It works with any other colour. So, you can't go wrong using it for walls and carpets or in bigger items of furniture.
Grey also takes on the properties of whatever you match it with. So, yellow makes grey feel vibrant and cheery. While blue makes grey serene and calm. Plus, grey is ideal for using in multiple rooms around your home as it comes in so many different shades.
So, there you have it, a little insight into how some of the colours we decorate with at home can actually make us feel. And, if you're about to order new furniture, bear in mind the different ways these colours can influence your mood.
Plus, don't forget, our sofas, sofa beds, beds and accessories come in over 130 different fabrics or leathers. To find out more visit our website. Or, if you have any questions, contact our Customer Service team on 020 8939 3800 or via our contact-us form.
Kind regards,
The Willow & Hall team