PAINT COLOR

BY STACY CUMMINGS

best to avoid blacks, browns, and grays that give off negative energy which can be depressing and make it harder to relax — leading to restless nights and poor sleep quality.

Colors that encourage sleep are blues, yellows, greens, silver, oranges, and soft pinks. Those colors give off a sense of tranquility and calmness, making it easier for our minds and bodies to relax, helping you get a good night’s rest.

For the Home Off ice

Since early 2020, many people have started working from home, either full or part time. The sudden change resulted in workers creating makeshift offices in their homes — and now having a home office space is much more com- mon than ever before. Avoiding drab, boring office colors while maintaining a level of crisp professionalism can be a struggle.

Blues and greens promote a sense of relaxation, and can also work well in an office setting. Blue represents trust, logic, communication, and efficiency, and is a great color to use in settings that require a lot of focus and mental strain. Greens give off a sense of harmony, nature, and restoration, and are easiest on the eyes for those who work long hours.

Shades of red, yellow, purple, orange, and gray work well in an office setting as well, but professionals warn that these colors should be used sparingly. While some hints of red can bring an added level of excitement and energy to a workspace, too much can cause over-stimulation and aggravation. Yellow tends to be labeled as a “happy” color, but the overuse can lead to feelings of anxiety. And while different shades of gray can make for a professional looking environment, too much of the same shade can cause your office to feel unmotivating. These colors are best used as accents or borders. Research reveals that the very worst color for your office walls is actually white. White tends to give off a sterile or clinical feeling, as if being in a medical office. This tends to hinder productivity and give off a cold and isolating feeling.

Matching the Vibe

Whether you’re trying to stimulate your family’s appetite with a red wall in the dining room or chill out with a cool blue while relaxing in the tub, here are a few things to consider when it comes to color.

RED: A bold and passion-filled choice, red feels energetic and can help stimulate appetites (perfect for eating spaces) and lift your spirits (think living room).

PINK: Soft and feminine or fun and lively, pink can be calming and tranquil in a nursery or inspire creativity in an office.

ORANGE: Shades of tangerine and orange are stimulating colors that can make you feel invigorated and optimistic. Try it in an exercise space or your kids’ playroom.

YELLOW: A sunny, welcoming hue can feel cheerful and help improve your mood. Welcome guests with a sunshiny entryway or get your day started in a happy, yellow bathroom.

GREEN: Get in harmony with nature with a tranquil, balancing shade of green in the kitchen. Green is also associated with prosperity and health. A restful hue is perfect for bedrooms or a cozy living room.

BLUE: Enjoy the peaceful vibes of a cool blue that promotes clear thinking and a sense of calm. Blue is a soothing choice for bedrooms, meditative spaces, and bathrooms.

PURPLE: Depending on the shade, violets and purples can be stimulating or tranquil. Purple often represents strength and wisdom. A pop of dramatic purple can be fun in a living room.

Ultimately, if you love a color or find a certain shade inspiring, go with it. Your personal taste and preference matters most when choosing the perfect color for your home.