Colour your home (and your mind)

Feeling demotivated at work? Believe it or not it could be to do with colour of your bedroom walls, writes Eve Dugdale

If your house is a mess, you feel down in the dumps. Simple.

But who'd have thought the colour your home is painted or the ornaments you have on your coffee table could affect your positivity levels and general wellbeing?

Fair enough, the gawdy chipped emulsion plastered across the walls of your minuscule studio by the previous tenants is bound to have you feeling a little perplexed, but even the neatest paint job could have you feeling up tight, if it's the wrong colour that is.

Rima Dardenne, founder of the furniture store Irony Home, says the colour our walls are painted can do everything from making us feel loved and easing us out of depression to, at the other extreme, intensifying feelings of anger.

Rima told 7DAYS that it's about much more than whether we like the shade and that it's not really surprising colour affects our mental wellbeing to such an extent.

"Colour is simply light of varying wavelengths and, as such, is a form of energy which, used in the right way, can have a profound and healing effect on all creation," she explains.

"Colour therapy is the use of colour as a holistic, non-invasive and powerful therapeutic process which dates back thousands of years."

Rima, who conducts colour therapy workshops in her store in Dubai Mall, says in a busy city like Dubai, homes are an important sanctuary away from the day-to-day bustle of life. That's why she says it's important we make our living space as relaxing as possible.

"Through colour we receive all the energies we need to maintain a healthy body, mind, and soul which effects everything from our mood at home to how we perform at work.

"Our mental health, behaviour, and general efficiency in life depend on a great extent on normal colour balance.

"When something goes wrong, or is out of balance, we can strengthen our energy levels through the use of colour," she adds.

"Using the right colours in homes can therefore contribute to the positive development of your family members and yourself." And Rima says it doesn't have to break the bank to make sure you're getting the most out of your home. If you can't afford to give your place a makeover, a simple lick of paint on one wall or a couple of coloured throws over the sofa will do the trick.

Although many interior designers go wild for bold colours, Rima says they should be avoided as they are likely to inject feelings of anger or discontent in the home.

"Bold colours are recommended for neither large homes nor smaller apartments. Strong colours such as red and orange should be avoided especially, as they make people feel more aggressive or easily agitated.

"Shades of green are a good choice because of their calming influence.

"If you can't paint, add colour through bedding, window coverings or artwork."

Rima Shares her tips on what different colours represent and how we can help change the mood in our homes...

Red is connected with vitality and ambition and can have a positive influence. However, it can also aggravate anger so be very careful.

Pink gives a gentle and nurturing feeling. It reduces irritation making one feel loved and protected.

Orange brings cheer and makes one feel lively. It eases feelings of low self esteem or unwillingness to forgive.

Green is an earthy colour that resembles nature and helps us to connect with others and the natural world. But lime green and olive green can have harmful effects on physical and emotional health since the colours are associated with envy and possessiveness.

Yellow is an inspiring colour, symbolic of bright, happy days. But beware of dull yellow as the shade is associated with fear.

Blue is a soothing and peaceful colour making one feel calm and relaxed. Light and soft blue make you feel sheltered from the bustle and activity of the day. Blue-green shades reminds us of the cool ocean. It is therefore refreshing, cooling, and calming.

Magenta helps people out of depression and anger and gives a sense of freedom. It's very uplifting.
 
Indigo is a strong colour which stimulates people mentally, giving inspiration and making people feel more confident. Violet and purple are colours of change and freedom.

The colour silver represents the moon. It relates to the perceptive aspect of the mind and can help you make sense of situations.

The colour of soil - brown, brings a sense of steadiness and resolve.

Like yellow, gold is associated with the light, and therefore related to control, knowledge and understanding.