Imagine stepping into a brightly sunlit room painted yellow. Surely, it makes you feel a bit more cheerful. Or imagine a room with walls painted in serene shades of blue and green. It likely feels more calming and soothing. It may sound bizarre, but the colors around us can actually affect our moods. Psychology has shown that colors can evoke various emotions.
Sunshine in a Can: The Case for Yellow
Yellow has a positive connotation, such as sunshine, happiness and optimism. It is a luminous and vibrant color that can instill feelings of happiness or joy. For instance, you can paint a softer yellow in the kitchen. People feel happier in a yellow room, and there is science to back it up. You may feel more cheerful in the morning when you have a cup of coffee and prepare for the day ahead.
Use yellow judiciously, though. This is because a person who has more exposure to the bright yellow shade might feel like it is too much. Brighter yellow may sometimes seem overpowering or even cause anxiety to some.
Chill and Tranquility: The Calming Properties of Blue and Green
At the other end of the spectrum, blues and greens are frequently associated with calmness, peace and tranquility. Consider looking at the ocean or green forest. These nature scenes tend to have a relaxation-inducing effect. Having the bedroom painted a delicate blue or the study a gentle green could perhaps provide a more calming environment conducive to relaxation and lower stress levels. Blue is related to stability and trust, and green can represent growth and harmony. These cooler hues can be especially useful in rooms where calm, focus and contemplation are important.
The Comfort of Reds and Oranges: Warm and Cozy
Warm colors—reds and oranges—can create feelings of energy, excitement and even passion. Think of warm orange accents or a deep red wall in a living room or dining room. This is a cozy, stimulating environment. Red is often associated with energy and can even stimulate appetite while orange is considered bright and inviting. But like yellow, those bolder colors need to be used mindfully. A little goes a long way in large spaces, so you might want to use them as accent colors or in rooms where you want them to have the most impact.
The best paint colors for happiness are those that make you happy. While different colors have general associations, personal preferences and cultural background may play a role as well. The way that you will know what really works for you is to experiment with different hues and see how they might work in various spaces in your house. Also, don’t be afraid to seek the help of a professional because they can give you suggestions you may never have thought about.
For help with choosing paint colors to promote your happiness at your home in Milwaukee, WI, reach out to QGC Professional Painting.