Interiors
Revamp your home with hues that make you happy
Colour is emotional – peaceful pastels and sexy reds, creative greens and happy yellows – so it’s very important to consider the meaning of colour and how it affects your emotions if you want to create a home that’s right for you. We all enjoy colours in different ways, but there are some fundamental rules that identify how particular hues affect our mood.
In rooms where you want to relax, look for colours that promote a feeling of tranquillity and peacefulness. Then in spaces where you need to be productive, opt for a more energising shade, such as the warm colours shown here.
How pink makes you feel
Gentler shades encourage calmness and love, while stronger tones such as hot pink go hand-in-hand with feelings of joy and creativity.
How to use PINK
Pink has been a constant decorative favourite through the decades – think the pastel pinks of the ’50s or the vibrant hues of the ’80s. Earthy pinks of Morocco and shades inspired by the rose-tinted city of Marrakesh are recommended for living rooms and bedrooms – nude and pale pinks with warm undertones make you feel nurtured and safe. Meanwhile, brighter pinks are flamboyant and expressive, ideal for creating impact. This makes hot pink particularly well suited to creative spaces such as workshops or anywhere in need of an energy injection.
How to use ORANGE
Orange can be challenging. This striking hue is probably best used as an accent, unless you are super-brave and want to embrace the joy of the ’70s! Subtler shades, such as terracotta or rust, translate well into interiors, offering earthier versions of the pure hue that are adaptable and easy to live with. Thiss colour is warm and happy. y.
How orange makes you feel
Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. To the human eye, orange is a hot colour and gives the sensation of heat. It’s not aggressive, but it strengthens your emotions, encouraging a general feeling of joy, wellbeing and cheerfulness. Orange is said to increase the flow of oxygen to the brain and stimulate mental activity. It’s seen as a healthy colour and also stimulates the appetite, while also being the colour of autumn.
How to use YELLOW
Mustard yellow is an earthy hue that’s sophisticated and a wonderful way to inject an uplifting spirit into your home. If you have a dark bedroom, mustard yellow, honey or sepiatoned shades create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere, and look wonderful with slick black accessories. If you prefer lemon yellow, be careful, as this cool tone can feel unwelcoming in a southfacing room. Cool hues need lots of sunlight and work best in north-facing rooms. Like red, yellow is perfect for home accessories. A yellow chair or piece of art has the ability to bring energy to a room without overwhelming it.
How to use RED
Tread carefully with this bold shade. Too much red can cause irritation, agitation and anger – it’s definitely not the right choice for a bedroom. Traditionally, red has often been used for dining rooms, as it energises and invigorates a space, inspiring lively conversation and fun. It’s also a fantastic tic colour for creative spaces es and rooms. If you love red, ed, perhaps a better decorating ng decision is to use it as an accent, creating impact through bold and beautiful pops of strong colour.
How yellow makes you feel
Yellow is a bright, creative hue that can lift your spirits and is believed to promote clear thinking and quick decision making. Yellow is associated with feelings of joy, optimism, happiness and warmth.
How red makes you feel
The primary colour red is emotionally intense. It naturally enhances the metabolic rate and has been shown to increase the pulse and raise blood pressure. It’s used in traffic systems and danger signs, on Valentine cards and on lips. Red is particularly interesting, as it has completely opposing associations – love and war. A high-impact, energising colour, it can arouse strong feelings of excitement and passion.