What Color Reduces Stress?
As well as reducing stress, this timeless color is cool and calm and works well in both classical and contemporary schemes. Blue runs the whole gamut of shades from delicate eau de Nil to the deepest, darkest, inky blues – they are easily the palette of choice for many, from amateur decorators to interior designers as they’re incredibly easy to live with and perfect for layering, believes Patrick O’Donnell of Farrow & Ball. ‘Blue also comes with positive attributes in color psychology, such as anxiety-relief, sympathy, warmth, encouragement, spirituality, loyalty, and thoughtfulness.’ Blue doesn't have to be boring. 'Working with shades of blue is endlessly interesting – and playing with tones and textures can change it from subtle and serene to a vibrant jewel box,' says Samantha Todhunter, found Samantha Todhunter Design.
What Color Causes Stress?
As anyone who has been through the process of searching for room colors will attest, it is also worth thinking about what colors cause anxiety, what color makes you angry, and what is the most stressful color, too. Red room ideas can be too harsh and aggressive for some people, and it is one of the worst colors to paint a room. Decorating with red could also be one of the reasons why your friends hate your house. Often used as a warning sign, a red color scheme reminds us of danger. Physically, red can induce chemical reactions in the body that are similar to danger-bearing stress responses, such as increased heart rate and higher body temperature.
What Does The Color Blue Symbolize?
Often described by color psychologists as a non-threatening color, the color blue symbolizes calmness, serenity, and tranquillity, making it a wonderful choice if you hope to reduce stress and anxiety in humans. 'One important thing to remember when choosing a stress-reducing color scheme is that there is no "one size fits all" rule,' says Karen Haller, color psychology specialist, teacher, and best-selling author of The Little Book of Color. 'Cultural differences, past experiences, and emotions can play a significant role in how people perceive color.' 'The color that reduces stress for you is entirely personal,' she says. 'It could be a color that conjures up a personal memory that has positive or pleasant feelings. This might not necessarily be blue. However, blue is believed to help with stress management because it can encourage a powerful sense of stillness.
1. Instil Serenity In The Bedroom With Calming Blues
Good bedroom color ideas stem from a desire to create a particular mood or feel – with stress-relieving color the route to its successful creation. Color can soothe, warm, or nurture, and in doing so bring better sleep, make you feel more relaxed, or promote wellbeing.
2. Look Up To The Ceiling
Ceiling ideas offer scope to expand your creativity and enhance your relaxation beyond your four walls. ‘The fifth wall is a great way of adding another layer of interest and making a space feel soothing, cocooning, and cozy. All too often they are an afterthought but we must make sure to consider their decorating – and emotive – potential,’ confides interior designer Nicola Harding.
3. Evoke Stillness With A Blue And White Color Combination
Inspired by the considered simplicity of Japanese style, this modern entryway evokes a zen-like calm. Combining blue and white with pale woods in this way offers a softer, more organic take on decorating with these two colors. This classic pairing has enduring appeal and will appeal schemes that are fresh and elegant.
4. Curate A Tranquil Guest Bedroom
Blue, whether pale or dark, makes for a calming backdrop for a guest or child's bedroom which can be instantly enlivened with reds, oranges, pinks and yellows. ‘Bold, impactful and elegant, this is known to be a very calming hue making it a great choice for a guest bedroom,' says Lucy Barlow, creative director, Barlow & Barlow. 'Adding accents of red or pink help soften and warm up the space.’
5. Take Blue To A Dining Space
Blue isn't usually the first option for dining rooms due to its cool nature and unappetizing appeal, but you can decorate with blue successfully in a dining space if you know how. Designer Laura Stephens chose this hue because she wanted a ‘lively’ blue – one that still had a calming influence – with depth and vibrancy for this dining space.