The right mood for the right room

As the famous Pablo Picasso always said “Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.” Every colour signifies and says something different to everyone. We never realise what a strong association we have with colours particularly in our subconscious minds.

Colour therapy
Colour therapy, which is also called chromo therapy, is an alternative treatment that involves therapeutic uses of colour. As a healing practice, the concept of this therapy is centuries old. A trained therapist applies light and colour in the form of tools, visualisation, or verbal suggestion to balance energy in the areas of our bodies that are lacking vibrancy — be it physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental.

Understanding the colour spectrum
Red: It is the most dynamic and passionate colour and symbolises passion and courage. Those who select red are determined, impulsive and strive for success. Red gives warmth and can be used in the entrance hall — symbolic of a warm welcome to the guests. It also stimulates appetite and conversation, making it a favoured colour for dining rooms. Red creates the right atmosphere for restaurants and theatres, but should be avoided for offices.

Yellow: This colour is the most widely used tint in the world. Yellow exudes warmth, inspiration and vitality, and is the happiest of all colours. It is also associated with wealth, being the colour of gold. In rooms to the north that lack a strong source of natural light, walls can be painted yellow to give the rooms a bright look. Yellow is an ideal colour for classrooms because we learn most effectively in yellow rooms.

Green: Green’s soothing quality characterises the intense power of nature. The colour of hope and fertility, green is proven to generate a therapeutic effect and stimulates meditation. That makes green suitable in rooms for well being and rest and its harmonising effect makes it a choice for living rooms too. Most ideally, green should be used in libraries and studies because it increases concentration.

Blue: Blue brings comfort and serenity to our lives and is associated with royalty in some European countries. It’s suitable for rooms to the south and in baths because it is associated with water. It is also a preferred colour for bedrooms, because it is known to induce sleep by calming the mind. To reduce stress in offices and treatment rooms, walls may be painted blue.

Orange: Orange is the colour of knowledge. It reflects a good-natured social environment and is also symbolic of loyalty and generosity. In bright tones, orange is jovial, cheerful and playful. Known to revitalise the mind and body, it is a good colour for living rooms and dining rooms.

Purple: A colour of great individual style, Purple is associated with royalty and luxury. It indicates sensuality and passion. It is also a colour of self-confidence and ego and represents spiritual aspiration. This lavish colour creates an unusual essence to the room it adorns, making it a good option for bedrooms.

Brown: This sensuous and tactile colour is one of the favourites of nature. It is easy on the eyes and symbolises contentment and physical comfort. Brown represents the importance of heart and home and is best for the walls of the living room to lend a mysterious and sensual allure.

Black and white: Scientifically speaking, black and white are not colours, but they make for interesting options in home décor. White is associated with purity and elegance. Black on the other hand is associated with negativity and power. That doesn’t stop it from topping the charts of the fashion conscious as an absolute essential. Knick-knacks of this colour may be used to add contrast to a room which has light coloured walls.

The writer is director — decorative, Jotun India Pvt Ltd