As we learned in our previous post, color has a psychological effect on us that is directly related to the value and intensity of the hue. Colors on the cool side of the spectrum include blue, green and violet. Cool colors are often considered calming and soothing, and encourage a more passive reaction in the brain than warm colors. These powerful colors can make us feel relaxed and subdued, as well as sad or indifferent. In design, cool colors are somewhat recessive and can make a space feel more open and larger than it is.
THE COOL COLORS
BLUE lowers blood pressure and slows respiration and heart rate. It is considered calming, relaxing, and serene, and is often recommended for bedrooms and bathrooms. Light blues indicate health and stability, and dark blues suggest knowledge and integrity. The dark tones can also evoke feelings of sadness, so refrain from them as your main color. To encourage relaxation in the rooms where people gather such as the family room, living room, or kitchen, consider a subtle shade such as periwinkle or a bright blue such as cerulean or turquoise. Be careful when choosing blues, however: a light blue that looks pretty on the paint chip can come across as unpleasantly chilly on the walls and furnishings, especially in a room that receives little warmth from natural light. If you choose a light blue as the main color in a room, balance it with a warm hue in the furnishings and fabrics, such as its opposite on the color wheel, orange.
GREEN is considered the most restful color for the eye. It is invigorating and fresh, and tends to feel peaceful when used as a main color for decorating. Combining the refreshing quality of blue and the cheerfulness of yellow, green is suited to almost any room in the house. Imagine how a pretty sage green in the kitchen will cool things down; in the family room or living room, the same color encourages unwinding with enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness. In a bedroom, green is relaxing and pleasant (and also believed to aid in fertility!). Also symbolizing wealth, it would be great for your home office. Green is believed to relieve stress and encourage relaxation. It is considered stable, prosperous and harmonious.
VIOLET in its darkest values (eggplant, for example) is rich, luxurious, dramatic, and sophisticated. It is also associated with creativity, so it might be perfect for a kid’s room or craft room. It can be moody, so violet might suit certain spaces better as an accent or secondary color, giving your color scheme just the right amount of depth. Lighter versions of purple, such as lavender and lilac, suggest nostalgia and romance. They can bring the same restful quality to bedrooms as blue does, without the risk of feeling chilly.
Remember, choosing a color scheme is all about balance. Whether you lean toward the warm side of the color wheel, or prefer the cool colors, explore the possibilities of color with a scheme that suits your life, décor and home.
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