You could be forgiven for thinking that winter is already here in the UK, what with the cold
weather some parts of the country have been experiencing over the past few weeks. Frost, sleet,
hail and it’s not even winter yet (officially).
Even though we have got used to the darker days associated with the clocks going back in October
and come to expect the weather to deteriorate as December approaches, it doesn’t make this
time of year any easier.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as the winter blues, affects many people each year.
And while there’s nothing we can do about the weather or the darker days, there is something we
can do in our homes to help brighten our moods and that’s change our colour scheme.
[Recommended reading: Choosing Colours for Your Child’s Bedroom]
Certain colours can influence our moods and thoughts, which is why something as simple as some
new paint can make you feel more upbeat.
Here’s the lowdown on our mood-boosting colour choices:
Blue
Blue is a calming colour that helps make you feel centred, relaxed and chilled. It is even said to
lower blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate. This is why blue is often recommended
for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Yellow
Yellow is naturally linked to sunshine and that in itself communicates happiness. Yellow also makes
people feel energised and uplifted, making it a great choice for kitchens, dining rooms and
bathrooms. Yellow hallways are also considered to be welcoming.
Green
Green combines the calming effects of blue and the happy effects of yellow. As a result, it helps to
reduce anxiety and encourage composure. People often paint their home offices green as it’s also
associated with prosperity.
Orange
Orange evokes energy, enthusiasm and excitement. This makes it a great colour for home gyms or
places you want to exercise in, but not so good for areas in which you simply want to relax. Orange
is also thought to increase people’s appetites, so it might not be a good choice for your kitchen if
you’re trying to lose weight.
Red
Red is one of the most intense colours and gets your adrenaline pumping like no other. It has also
been found to help draw people together and stimulate conversation. Rooms that you use for
socialising are better in red than ones you use for relaxing. Red is also a very festive colour, making it a perfect choice with Christmas approaching.
Pink
Exposure to large amounts of the colour pink can be calming and help relieve stress. This phenomenon is known as the pink effect and explains why rooms painted pink have a calming
quality about them.
Purple
The rich, dramatic and sophisticated nature of purple makes it a colour that portrays a sense of
luxury. Deep purples, in particular, are associated with romance, mystery and creativity, while
lighter purples have the same influence as calming blues, without the cold edge.
[Recommended reading: Choosing A Colour Scheme For Your Bedroom]
