Color your world

Spring cleaning at your home can mean more than just a scrub-down and a day with the windows open. Consider a fresh coat of paint on the walls or some pops of color around the house.

Neutrals never go out of style and have always seemed like the “safe” option for interiors. No matter where you move, or what accent pieces you pick, that oatmeal sofa is going to complement it.

But recently, bold colors and prints have made their way into houses, and they’re planning to stay a while— thank you, Instagram and Pinterest. Even an entire room of a single color can make a loud statement.

Color has an effect on the mind, often without us even realizing it. Think about how you feel when you walk into a room or a building that’s all white—think hospitals or museums—very crisp, clean and sometimes cold and sterile.

The effect color has on us is also dependent on our culture. While Western civilization associates the color white with all things pristine (weddings, spring flowers), parts of China and Japan associate white with mourning and funerals.

If you’re thinking of adding some color to your home’s interior, the good thing is, even in small doses color can make a big difference. Consider color in your area rug, reading chair, or in a painting or vase of flowers.

With small pops of color, you might change your outlook on life, and improve your world—or at least your home life—for the better.

What’s your color?

Discover the perfect colors to complement your home’s mood

Pink: Represents romance, love and even friendship. It is the color of compassion, faithfulness and sensitivity.

Red: A stimulant that promotes courage. Dark red brings on passion and awakens the libido.

Orange: Reduces self-consciousness, expands thinking and expression

Yellow: Improves focus, raises intelligence and stimulates conversation

Green: Nature’s color, which relates to life’s wealth, and represents the color of all things fresh

Blue: Provides a sense of peace, releases tension and encourages tranquility. Dark blue tones promote efficiency, helping you cut through the clutter and focus.

Purple: Is spiritual and promotes a new perspective on all things emotional

White: Brings feelings of hope, goodness and purity. It also gives the allure of simplicity, light and coolness.

Black: In small amounts, black is seen as sophisticated and formal, but when overdone, it comes across as evil and reminds us of death.

Gray: Shows strength of character and displays authority. It is a color that represents stability and security.