What is colourology?
Colourology is a form of colour psychology that uses the colours to influence mood, physical functions and wellbeing. It’s also known as chromotherapy, which is ‘… a method of treatment that uses the visible spectrum (colors) of electromagnetic radiation to cure diseases.’
Colour has been used for centuries as a healing tool and to affect how you feel, so it absolutely makes sense to incorporate colourology into your home decor.
Using art prints is one of the quickest way to incorporate colour into your home and will save you the hassle and the headache of having to paint your walls. Make your home decor mood boosting and remedial using one or more of the following popular colours.
Red
Very much considered the realm of the physical, red has the ability to quicken pulses and stimulate responses. Red alerts us to danger and perceived threats, whilst arousing our flight or fight reactions.
‘More recently, researchers discovered that the color red causes people to react with greater speed and force, something that might prove useful during athletic activities.’
You can clearly see why, despite inciting passion, red might be best kept well away from the bedroom. Unless you want to stay up all night!
But there’s no reason why you couldn’t incorporate red in your living room, kitchen, home gym or rumpus room. Why not start with some red abstract art before diving in? It will elevate your mood and improve your spirit.
Orange
Orange has an unparalleled warmth when it comes to home decor. It immediately transports you to the season of autumn and spices up a chilly winter.
It’s hard not to think of warm fires and pumpkins when it comes to orange. But did you know, it’s also purported that orange helps the lungs and increases energy levels.
In Ancient Hindu philosophies, orange is the colour of creativity, sexuality and reproduction, so you can see why it would make a great addition to a bedroom, dining or living area.
Yellow
As a somewhat emotional colour, yellow is an enticer of optimism, confidence and self esteem.
Yellow reminds us of the sun and its power. In Ancient Egypt, people used the sun and its light for a variety of healing purposes and even worshipped it as a deity. Legend has it that yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.
It is reported to be an incredibly stimulating colour but sadly not always in the best way. Apparently there’s a ‘…possible relationship between violent street crime and sodium yellow street lighting.’
On the plus side, when it comes to home decor, yellow is actually a terrific colour to choose. It can brighten up the gloomiest of spaces and inject a bit of happy into your home. But a word of warning – a little bit of yellow goes a long way! To avoid feeling like you live inside a giant banana, try adding just a few accents with summer art, cushions and other soft furnishings.
Green
This shade will have your friends and family green with envy!
In yogic, Buddhist and Hindu philosophies, green is the colour of the heart chakra; the centre of unconditional love and compassion. This chakra is also purported to be the bridge between the spiritual and physical world.
Incorporating green into your home decor encourages you to unleash your spiritual side and attract more heart bound things. Combined with the nurturing and calming effect of this colour makes green ideal for any relaxation or meditation space.
Green is also known for making us feel much more revived and rejuvenated as our brains easily connect the colour with nature and the outdoors.
‘Green is thought to relieve stress and help heal. Those who have a green work environment experience fewer stomachaches’
Blue
Often connected to communication, blue can also enhance intellect and inspires concentration and thought.
Blue is synonymous with calming and soothing and having a blue bedroom has actually been proven to increase sleep.
‘… in Glasgow, where blue light street lamps were installed in several neighborhoods, the crime rate had decreased significantly after several months.’
Blue is such a versatile colour that it can travel from the bedroom to the kitchen and make for an all round harmonious home.
So if you’re in need of a quick mood boost, don’t despair. No matter which mood you’re aiming to evoke or remedy, update your home decor with colourful art prints to match.
