Calming colors in interior design schemes

admin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:24:20 +0000

Over 2,500 years ago Pythagoras applied color therapeutically for certain disorders. It was discovered that certain colors would relax people and that others would energize them. Later, Sir Issac Newton developed the first color wheel which organized colors according to their natural progression from sunlight. The colors closest to sunlight having the most energy and those farthest having less.

In the 19th century, the principals of modern color therapy were extensively tried tested and published. Doctors concluded that red and those colors closest to it are stimulating to humans and that blue and colors in it’s range are calming.

Therefore, we typically classify green,turquoise, blue, indigo,purple and violet as calming colors or cool colors as they are farthest from the colors of the sun. White can also be calming and when mixed with any other colors, it will make those colors more calming. We see this in pastels which are often used in babies rooms.

Pink is often used in the bedroom for it’s calming ability. Also, athletic teams often delight in putting their opponents in a pink locker room as it is a loving and calming color. Many experiments have been done with the color pink proving it reduces anger with it’s calming ability.

According to the principals of color therapy, all colors have physical and metaphysical properties. Green is effective for soothing your nerves and lending a sense of peace and harmony. Hospitals often use green in waiting rooms as well as patient rooms. Turquoise symbolizes hope, serenity, creativity and uplifting. And blue calms emotions, induces sleep and symbolizes purification. Often, these colors will be used in bedrooms and baths. Concentrating on indigo is thought to aid in meditation and violet implies spirituality.

Neutral colors can be either calming or energizing depending on the extent of their use and the colors they are paired with. Many bedrooms and living rooms pair blue or green with tan or beige to make a warm, calming atmosphere. Black often represents power and is typically considered an energy color as it absorbs all other colors. However, if used as an accent and paired with calming colors it can also be used in areas of relaxation.

These are just guidelines. For your own personal sanctuary, experiment with colors to see how they make you feel. The interior design of your home should be based on your own individual taste and the colors that relax you.

Metaphysical Beliefs » Home & Garden

Calming colors in interior design schemes

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