If you're like us, you wander the paint aisles for ages, poring over the selection of paint swatches. And in the end, you go home with an armful of color choices (even though we probably aren't brave enough to go with Benjamin Moore's Chili Pepper, the color is just so pretty, so we'll just snag a swatch.) Then the hard part starts - narrowing down the picks to just a few colors to buy 8-oz samples of. But before you opt for six shades of Greenery for your living room, did you know that the color you choose directly affects your mood?
We'll go through each color and tell you what effect they'll have on your mood.
Red
Red is bright, bold, and definitely makes a statement. Perfect for dining rooms, as it stimulates the appetite, red and similarly warm hues are also great in living rooms and other entertaining spaces as the color naturally sparks conversation and connection.
Orange
Orange inspires excitement and energy, which is why it's recommended for communal spaces. Consider different shades of orange as well - pastel oranges are soft and inviting, dark oranges add depth and coziness.
Yellow
A cheerful and welcoming color, yellow is well suited for hallways and entryways, as well as the kitchen. Yellow should be used in moderation, however. In large quantities it can seem overwhelming - studies have even shown that people are more prone to anger in yellow rooms.
Green
As we mentioned in our post about how to get a better night's sleep, cool muted colors are best for your bedroom, and green definitely fits the bill. It's a calming shade that works well for concentration and stress relief, allowing it to work well in a home office or bathroom as well.
Blue
Blue is another cool color that is good for creating serenity in the bedroom. As a pastel, it has a calming effect that lowers heart rate and blood pressure. Avoid dark blues for bedrooms however, as they can sometimes incite feelings of sadness.
Purple
Purple is a mentally stimulating shade that encourages creativity, which is why we would refrain from using it in a bedroom. Rather, it works well as an accent color, creating an aura of sophistication and glamour.
Brown
While neutral shades of like tan and taupe are so popular in homes because they're versatile and easy to decorate with, brown also has an added benefit. The warm shade is cozy and genuine, offering comfort to the spaces it's used in.
White
White is the most common paint color in homes for its practicality - it pairs well with every hue. White gives a room a feeling of openness and cleanliness, which is why it can be used for any room in a home. Mix whites with colored decor to avoid feeling sterile.
Gray
Gray has recently seen a resurgence in popularity. A quiet and unassuming color, it gives off a sense of stability. When used excessively, it can feel drab and depressing, so don't put it in your bedroom! Because gray doesn't have a great personality of its own, it is a good companion shade that makes other colors stand out.
