COCOONING COLOURS

There may be a reason why shades of green and pink are currently trending for snugs and cosy corners: in the 1970s a shade of pink was thought to be able to tranquillise prisoners (a theory that has not stood up), while humans can distinguish more shades of green than any other colour. In truth, though, there is a dearth of evidence on the relationship between specific colours and our mood and behaviour, although Bernheimer says there is strong evidence that integration of colour along with texture and pattern has a positive psychological impact. The architectural theorist Nikos Salingaros goes as far as to say that spending time in drab, minimalist spaces lacking colour can make you experience similar symptoms to those accompanying a stroke, macular degeneration and visual agnosia. “Sensory deprivation feels uncomfortable,” he says. When choosing paint and fabric colours, Chudley believes that the most calming combinations are those that mimic nature. “Consider light and shade in the natural environment and apply these contrasts to your interior space.” Clark agrees: “Greys and blues add depth and a cocooning effect,” she says, while Giancarlo Valle suggests bathing the walls in colour rather than using accents.