We all know that dark rooms and rainy days feel different to bright rooms and sunny weather but do you ever wonder how much light and colour really influences your mood?

Research has shown that different colours can stimulate learning and increase your IQ.

Yellow, orange and red used in classrooms had exactly this effect whilst black and brown had the opposite.

Blue has always been associated with calm and relaxation and is often used by therapists as an antidote to stress. 

Although everybody responds differently to colour, the following is a guide to how some of them can effect how you are feeling:

VIOLET 

Connects.  Peaceful.  Meditative.  Helps balance the mind.

MAGENTA

Connects.  Energising.  Self-empowering.

BLUE 

Relaxes, Calms body and mind, Antidote to stress.

TURQUOISE

Relaxes.  Soothing.  Refreshing.  Eases Anxiety.

ORANGE

Stimulates.  Cheerful.  Mood Enhancing.  More relaxing.

RED

Stimulates.  Invigorating.  Activating.  More exhausting.

WHITE 

Stimulates.  Mood booster.  Mind enhancer.  Connector.

Light and how much time we spend in it can also effect how we are feeling.  A holiday in the sun will leave you with a natural high due to all the positive effects of pure sunlight.  Whereas the short winter days will make many of us feel a bit blue and run down.

It is good to try and spend some time in the daylight everyday as light will stimulate and boost your mental performance, your mood and even your immune system.

Colour and light can also be considered when decorating and furnishing our homes. 

Are you painting a space that you will be working in and therefore need colours to stimulate and energise?  Or are you decorating a room where you want to to wind down, feel soothed and relaxed?

The colours in this room create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

The vibrant colours and contrasts create an exciting and memorable decor.

As I become more obsessed with colours and light, I mentally note shades and tones in rooms when I like the way they make me feel.  This is a very individual emotion and I would encourage you to try it.  When it is time for your next interiors project, remember those colours and use them!

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At Natalie Canning – The Soft Furnishing Experts, we take great pride in designing and producing, the most beautiful and unique curtains and blinds.  I am always available in my Suffolk work room to discuss ideas and requirements.  All of our soft furnishings are hand made to the highest standards using traditional skills and craftsmanship.  Contact me directly on 01379 668170 or natalie@nataliecanning.co.uk.

(Pictures by Millefleur, DCPC, Hotel-r, HD Free foto)