The House Doctor, Ann Maurice, talks in-depth about the importance of colour in the home and how it can shape your family’s life – so choose wisely!

‘How can I make a real change in my home without spending a lot of time or money?’ This question comes up time and time again when working with clients, either as an interior designer or home stager.

Today, it seems that everyone wants the quick fix. In my opinion, the quickest and most cost-effective way to completely change the appearance of a room is with a couple of tins of paint.

‘It’s the choice and combination of colours that has the single biggest impact on the overall feeling of the room. Colour can affect the mood and wellbeing of those who spend consistent time in the rooms, as well as those just passing through. So, before you rush out to the DIY shop to buy the trendy shade for your walls that you saw in a magazine, I believe that it’s of utmost importance to understand the effect that your choice might have on both you and your family.’

Understand colour
‘Colour is a very interesting phenomenon to which some general principles apply. Simply put, warm colours such as red, orange and yellow tend to stimulate, energise and activate. Cool colours like blue and violet tend to relax, soothe and calm. Green, because it is a combination of yellow and blue, can belong to either category depending upon the actual tint. In general, darker tones make objects look smaller, lighter tones bigger. Colours are also affected by the type of light inside a room. For example, in north-facing rooms colours become cooler and incandescent artificial lighting gives everything a yellow-ish tinge.

‘According to colour psychology, everyone has both conscious and unconscious responses to colour. These responses are both inherited and learned. They can vary according to: your physical characteristics, social and cultural experiences, and emotional history. We tend to like colours that complement our physical appearance – our hair, skin tone and eye colour – and often choose these colours for our clothing and in the interiors of our houses. ‘Geographic and ethnic differences are also important. For example, the bright colours of the Mediterranean are quite different from the cool colours of Scandinavia.

This is reflected in the local clothing, interior design and art. Much more subtle and personal is the psychological influence of colour. For example, if, as a child, someone was punished by being confined to a particular room and that room was painted turquoise, then as an adult the colour turquoise might elicit an unpleasant response in this individual, often without them even knowing why.’

Colour responses explained…
‘Above and beyond individual colour preferences, the following are validated colour responses based on research by colour psychologists and are
useful guidelines for using colour in your home.
These responses are highly dependent on the shade used. Remember that by adding grey, white or black you can significantly alter the vibration of any colour.’

Red
Has a high degree of emotional impact and actually stimulates the pituitary gland, increasing the heartbeat and blood pressure. It is also an appetite stimulant, encourages activity and is associated with passion and sexuality. Red in a dining room will help diners work up an appetite, in a bedroom it can make you extremely restless, and in a study or exercise room it can stimulate activity. If you are feeling stuck or sluggish, paint a wall red somewhere in your life.

Orange
Is warm and stimulating, but much lighter and less intense than red. It generates a cheerful and friendly response. It is a happy, social colour and works well in any room where people gather casually, especially family rooms.

Yellow
Is a highly visible colour and therefore draws attention to itself. It evokes a welcoming response and is therefore good for entrances, especially in cold, grey climates. It stimulates the intellect, enlivens communication and is good for concentration and clarity of thought. It is also a good choice for a home office or any room where you study, write, or exchange information.

Green
Is in the middle of the warm and cool colours and can go either way depending on its composition. It is the dominant colour in nature and is considered relaxing, refreshing and restful to the eye. It symbolises balance, harmony and rejuvenation. It is a good colour for any room as it is restful and at the same time energising.

Blue
The colour of the sky and water is said to stimulate fantasy. It is cool, calming and tranquilising. Colour therapists use it to lower blood pressure and anxiety, relieve pain, and stimulate healing. Blue stimulates creativity, inspiration and inner peace. It is great in bedrooms and meditation rooms, but not good when used around food, so avoid it in kitchens or dining rooms.

Violet
Often considered to be the power colour. A little bit goes a long way. It can be regarded as regal and even pompous, at times. In its higher vibration it represents spiritual perspective and intuition. Lavender (violet mixed with white) is a good shade for convalescence and healing but can be seen as too feminine, so isn’t great for home staging.

White
White is thought to denote delicacy, refinement, sophistication and purity. White is good around precision work environments. Pure white can be harsh in bright climates and will grey in overcast weather. Off-whites are better suited to these conditions.

Black
Black is the power colour and can be intimidating and off-putting in large doses. It is responded to as dignified and sophisticated. It enhances any colour it is coordinated with as it visually recedes. It is best used in small amounts as an accent colour.

Brown
Denotes warmth. Because it is a colour found in nature, it is good for both work and living environments. It coordinates with most other colours in its various values, from chocolate to terracotta to beige. It has the sophistication of black – without the intensity.

Grey
Can lack assertiveness but suggests intelligence, guarded behaviour and a sense of discipline and restraint. Grey is best used in architecturally defined, contemporary interiors.

Clearly, colour has a big impact on moods so choose the ones that make you feel good and you can’t fail.