Color Test

I recently came across a study that describes various colors and they way they make you feel. I think it is pretty right on!! It is really interesting to think about the colors in your home. Why did you select them and how do they really make you feel. I challenge you to sit in a room with a color on the walls and really focus on how you feel while you are in that room. Check it out and let me know what you think!!!

• Red-
  increases energy and enthusiasm
  generates excitement
  instills confidence
  associated with energizing organs, blood circulation, and the senses of hearing, smell, taste, vision and touch
  recommended as an accent since it’s intense
  might hurt a person’s ability to settle down or concentrate for extended periods
  an occasional bold stroke of it can encourage attention to detail
  
• Orange-
  cheerful, bold, daring, spontaneous
  creates a sense of adventure
  encourages confidence and independence
  takes creativity and enthusiasm to new levels
  stimulates the lungs, respiration, and digestion
  reputed to increase milk production in new mothers and boost the appetite
  may elevate IQ as much as twelve points
  
• Yellow-
  the most visible color
  sparks optimism, enlightenment, energy, creativity
  stimulates mental activity and memory
  said to encourage expression and communication
  believed to heighten mentality and strengthen muscles
  can assist in concentration, memorization, visualization skills, speaking, and writing
  some research showed babies cried more in yellow rooms
  other studies also found that couples argue most in yellow kitchens
  
• Green-
  said to be the most refreshing color and the easiest on the eyes
  brings peace, rest, hope, comfort, balance, and harmony
  creates a sense of safety and security
  good for preemies or infants with gastroesophageal reflux syndrome
  strengthens and preserves eyesight
  alleviates depression, nervousness, and anxiety
  
• Blue-
  perceived as a constant in our lives since it’s the color of the ocean and the sky
  soothing, calming, tranquil, peaceful
  may encourage individuals to be trustworthy, committed and dependable
  is used to help babies with respiratory distress syndrome
  decreases heart rate
  
• Purple-
  a rich uplifting color
  provides a sense of calmness
  promotes inner strength
  inspires creativity and artistic talents
  is associated with respect and spirituality
  may calm a colicky baby and foster peaceful sleep
  provides a soothing effect on the ears, eyes, and nervous system
  
• Pink-
  sweet, calming, innocent
  pink symbolizes youthfulness and softness
  it’s often associated with kindness
  said to heal sadness
  allows individuals to get in touch with their feelings
  
• Brown-
  deep connection to the earth
  has natural and organic components
  is believed to afford a sense of stability and wholeness
  a very grounding color
  provides a feeling of order, reliability, and protection
  
• Black-
  a submissive color
  makes a room appear smaller for a cozy, stabilizing feeling
  promotes a sense of bring grounded
  strengthens the ability to focus and gain a sense of self
  
• White-
  a pure and joyous color
  symbolizes cleanliness and new beginnings
  aids in clear thinking and encourages clarity
  generates a sense of balance and harmony
  is associated with speedy healing
  a common color to treat depression
  
  

Color of The Year?????

I woke up early today with this amazing feeling, ready to start my day in a new year and a new decade! I have had a week and a half off with my sweet husband and I am rejuvenated and motivated to get back to work!

I usually begin my work day checking and answering e-mails and checking in on my favorite blogs. I was a little shocked to find 4 of my fav blogs showcasing a color that I am usually completely turned off by. A color that I find a bit offensive when used in large doses. A color that I put in the "never use in a million years" category. The color MUSTARD YELLOW!!!!! I know, I am being a bit over dramatic, but I really just don't like this color, USUALLY. (I have some serious issues with it actually. My living room and dining room were painted this color when we moved in our house. Almost a deal breaker for me!!)

You can imagine my surprise when I kind of felt a spark when I saw this color used in small tasteful ways. As a designer, I know it is my job to step out of the box and explore color, but this one has always been hard for me. But now, I find myself enjoying this color (a little bit).

I guess I should try and branch out a little bit with color this year, make it one of my goals. But do you think mustard yellow will be the "IN" color this year??? Anyone have any predictions for what the "in" color of the year will be??? I'd love to know your thoughts!!!

**This post is not meant to offend any of you who love mustard yellow. I am just giving my opinion. I am in no way telling you that using this color is bad or wrong, I personally just don't like it. **

Paint, Paint and More Paint!!!

I am happy and relieved to announce that we finally painted the entire first level of our home…in one weekend! No more gross peachy yellow in the family room and kitchen, no more horrid yellow in the formal living room, no more army green in the entry and hallway. My home is now soft, serene and tranquil. All the rooms flow together nicely and feel warm and inviting. What a difference a fresh coat of paint can make. Painting always seems like such an overwhelming task. Honestly, it’s not the most fun I have ever had on a weekend, but it was good to spend time with my husband and good to make our home have a little bit more our style.

Paint is an easy and somewhat inexpensive way to spruce up a space. But it can be a real pain and a challenge picking out the right color. Here are some helpful tips on picking out paint colors for your home.

-Look for color repetition already in your home.
-Open your closet and note the tones you wear most.
-Women, look at the hues in your make up.
-Go to the paint store and see what color families attract you.
-Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers that you like. What colors are you holding?
-Think about your favorite memories, experiences, and vacations-the times you felt most happy -and peaceful. What colors surrounded you? Look through photos albums to trigger memories.
-Flip through magazines and catalogs or check out websites to see what spaces are most appealing to you.
-Pay close attention to how you feel when you walk into different spaces.

When picking out my paint color, I used a few of these techniques. I looked at my closet…lots of browns and earthy tones so I knew that would be a good direction for me. I also looked to my favorite vacation spots, which are mostly beaches. All the colors I chose have a bit of a beach feel to them. I also paid close attention to pictures in magazines and what colors I was drawn to.

Picking paint is difficult, even for the trained eye. Trust your instincts. You know what colors you like and what colors will actually work in your home. As I have said in previous posts, just because a color is “trendy” does not mean it will work in your home with your stuff!! Be true to who you are, but be true to who your house is to.

I hope your next painting project is as gratifying as mine was! It was well worth the work!