Have you ever been blue? How about green with envy? Seeing red? Most people associate certain colors with certain moods or emotions. This is cultural for many as the same colors can have different meanings for different people. For some, green may mean envy or jealousy, while for others it can symbolize luck. Blue may be a symbol of sadness, but certain hues can symbolize tranquility or nature. The colors you choose to wear or to love can say a great deal about your personality and overall style, but did you know this also applied to your home?
Choosing a house color can be a big decision. Should you go with the latest trend or choose a classic color that truly represents your unique style? What if your home, the outside and inside could help you create a space that create serenity, creativity, or productivity? Would you choose a color based on how you wanted to feel? You can choose colors to help with all of these things, starting with the outside of your home.
There have been numerous studies on the psychology of color. Some colors elicit responses in people that can affect overall mood, emotion, and other aspects of activity. Using this idea for your benefit can allow you to choose a color for your house or rooms that leave you feeling refreshed, excited, calm, or whatever else you hope to feel. So whether you are painting your whole house or a single room, keep the following ideas in mind.
Warm tones such as reds, yellows, oranges, and earth tones like beige tend to stimulate conversation. These colors are inviting in subtle hues are welcoming to others. These are great for outdoors, living rooms, and foyers as people will want to hang around and enjoy the company of others. Be warned though, red is typically an appetite stimulant so bright hues in the red family may turn your house into a one stop diner for many. If you hope your home will remain calm and subdued, perhaps a cooler color such as blue, green, or even lavender would send the right message. Green is also said to be the color of concentration if a home office is in the works. If purity and cleanliness are the message you want to send, white is the ideal choice.
In addition to the actual house color, most of which are pretty basic and neutral, the color of your front door can say much about who you are as a person. Choosing a bright orange door, even on a white home can be inviting and help people understand you are fun-loving and like to talk. Red is the ‘look at me’ color for those wanting to stand out. White is the perfect choice for those who are clean, neat, and organized, or may hope to be one day. Green symbolizes your traditional values and a focus on home and community, but black offers a timeless look that may signal consistency and being conservative. Brighter colors such as blue (go-with the flow), yellow (leader), and purple (free-spirit) may also be options. Whatever you choose let it be part of who you are. After all, your house is often how others first get an impression of who you are and you want it to be accurate.