Hues to Choose

The colors we choose are an important decision, especially since we live with them every day. Choosing colors for our homes is not only important as a form of self-expression, but also because colors have a large influence upon our emotions. What colors are best for our homes?

red
Often used to express “stop,” the color red is actually very stimulating. It’s associated with assertiveness, strength and determination, but is also very passionate. Because red is friendly and welcoming, it is a good color to use for sitting rooms and hallways. Red also stimulates the appetite, so it is commonly used in dining rooms.

orange
Orange is a cheerful and energetic color. Its vibrancy makes it an ideal color for playrooms and entryways. Since it’s on the warm side of the color spectrum it can be used to enliven dark and gloomy rooms. Use orange in small doses because it is quite overwhelming when used in large areas.

yellow
So closely associated with sunshine, yellow is an optimistic and radiant color that is practically a light source in its own right. For this reason it is a good color in rooms that don’t get a lot of natural light. It fosters creativity and happiness so is often used in children’s rooms, kitchens, and other areas used for entertaining.

green
Because green is so commonly found in nature, it is often associated with growth and new life. Green is a very calming, stabilizing color that is most often used in bedrooms and bathrooms, but works well in any setting. It is a color allied with harmony and rejuvenation.

blue
Blue is one of the colors we see most often in the natural world. It is associated with spaciousness and expansiveness. Some shades are cool and distant while others are bright and fresh. Blue fosters intellectualism and depth while maintaining tranquility and serenity. Its association with water makes it a fitting color for bathrooms, while its restful nature prompts people to use it in bedrooms and living rooms.

purple
A color long associated with royalty, purple is a mysterious color with multiple aspects. Light purple hues can be sweet and refreshing, while dark shades can over saturate the senses. Purple is often associated with creativity and usually incites a strong emotional response in people.

black
Black can be a stifling and oppressive color, especially since it is often associated with mourning, but as an accent color, black is full of drama, sophistication, and refinement.

white
White is clean, simple, and peaceful. When added to other colors it has a softening effect, but when overdone it can create a very stark and sterile environment.
gray A cold color often associated with solitude, distance, and depression, gray can also be sophisticated, contemporary and intentional. It also signifies balance and helps to enhance other colors.

brown
A very natural color, brown can be warm and comforting. Its neutrality complements many other shades, which is why people often use taupes, beiges, and creams when decorating.

(back)