Mermaids of the Lake - A Lifestyle Publication for Women Creative Smart Fun Articles Liberty Lake WA

By Kriss Hook

Most of the time, we choose colors for decorating based on our personal taste and our sense of aesthetics. But, a number of color experts believe that colors have an effect on our emotions and that it would be wise of us to be conscious of that before settling on a definite choice.

Colors do affect us. And if you feel emotions for a certain color,
note them and remember them. You may even wish to consider them next
time you are planning to decorate. The decision is yours!

Red is a very powerful color, associated with a high level of energy and stimulation. It goes hand in hand with adjectives such as courageous, antidepressant, assertive, determined, friendly, warm, and
sensual. On the other hand, too much of some reds can make people feel irritable, impatient and even angry. Try to use somewhat subdued shades of red, or if you wish to use bright red, assess how much you can use to make it a profitable addition to your environment without getting overwhelmed.

People who like to wear red tend to be ambitious, impulsive, excitable, and energetic. They tend to be high achievers, courageous and extroverted, which can make them good leaders.

Because of its stimulating effect, red is well suited to rooms where movement and activity are high. If you are not sure how much impact it will have, try it as an intermediate or accent color first.

YELLOW ~ Cheerful, Bright, Warm, Embracing

Yellow can help you create such a pleasant environment in many ways. Yellow is bright, happy and stimulating. It is associated with intellect and the expression of thoughts. It improves memory and the
capacity for decision-making. Yellow also promotes the assimilation of new ideas and the capacity for understanding varying points of view. Moreover, it seems that yellow helps people become more organized and to adopt an optimistic attitude, something one can appreciate in any room.

People who like to wear yellow are interesting and stimulating. They thrive on being active and taking up challenges. They search for happiness.

Yellow is an excellent choice in decorating a room that is dedicated to intellectual pursuits. However, it is important to use it in connection with a color such as green or blue that brings a measure of security and calm to the décor. Used alone in large quantities, yellow can prove to be too stimulating for the nervous system.

Blue is a calming color, one that promotes physical and mental relaxation, inner security and confidence. Color therapy uses blue to stimulate healing, relieve pain and lower blood pressure.

People who wear light blue clothing are often creative, sensitive and imaginative. They need a peaceful environment. Those who tend to favor dark blue clothing are known to be intelligent, independent and very responsible. They look for tranquility and like to be surrounded by affection and tenderness.

Light blue promotes creativity. That is why it is recommended to decorate offices and studies. Ideally, it should be associated with orange or yellow, which stimulates the mind and raises one's
organizational capacity. Turquoise seems to facilitate communications between people who surround themselves in it. Dark blue is a welcome addition to the bedroom as it encourages deep and peaceful sleep with powerful sedative effects.

GREEN ~ Alive, Natural, Restful, Healing

Green stands as a symbol of life, growth and harmony. It brings us comfort, relaxation and wellness. When we think of green, we imagine many of nature's offerings such as forests, trees, grass, olives,
apples, lichen, jade and emerald. Green's strong link with nature seems to bring us closer to nature and to one another.

Those who dress in green tend to be careful, inclined to observe rather than act. They also display a humanitarian spirit, enjoy helping others and tend to notice details that others simply overlook.

In decoration, certain nuances of green, such as mint and aqua, are considered refreshing. Apple and lime green are more stimulating and create an atmosphere of joy and lightness, while darker shades such as bottle and olive green can add a touch of calm to a décor. Thanks to its inherent qualities, green, in one of its many nuances, suits any room and brings a welcome touch of nature into our lives.

VIOLET ~ Exotic, Regal, Creative, Sophisticated

Violet contributes to mental equilibrium. In addition, it is associated with a sense of the artistic, music, intuition and spirituality. It promotes sensitivity and compassion.

People who wear violet are described as very sensitive and charitable. Their sensitive nature could make them vulnerable; that is why they are often advised to wear magenta, which contains red, to improve
their self-confidence.

In home decorating, violet is sometimes used to create theatrical environments that reflect the creative personality of the residents. Artists often like to have a touch of violet in their studios. Violet also lends itself to rooms that are earmarked for prayer and meditation.

ORANGE ~ Energetic, Sunny, Optimistic, Nonconforming

Orange is a happy color. It frees emotions, promotes self-esteem and the capacity to forgive. This stimulating color fights depression and cultivates good humor. Lighter hues, such as peach and apricot, help restore nervous energy.

Those who often wear orange are active, competent and rather impatient. They are independent, motivated, competitive and well organized. They are also creative and practical people, full of energy
and often incapable to stay put.

Orange combines the stimulating attributes of red and yellow. It is a happy hue with a strong personality that pleases active, self-confident people within their home. Those who find orange too strong often find terracotta, peach or amber more acceptable as they retain some of the attributes of orange.

Kriss Hook - I just want to share with you my excitement about a new area of growth for my Exciting Windows! by Kriss Hook Window Fashion Business!

Recently, I completed advanced training as a Certified Color Specialist. As a Certified Window Fashions Designer, this new certification enables me to help clients select paint colors along with fabrics and products for window treatments and furnishings. I believe color is a huge challenge for many homeowners and I’ve gained an added professional “edge” by learning about the newest color trends and how color affects homeowner moods and happiness. This knowledge allows me to create the perfect “finishing touches” for my clients’ space while addressing critical window issues and needs such as light control, privacy, energy efficiency and security. You can also find me at excitingcolors.com/krisshook

Let's talk color and how it affects us