Colour
Psychology
SAVE vs. splurge
with Jacklynn Little
Designer Michelle Cook
decodes the secret meanings
of colour.
Red
can be powerful, bold
and stimulating. It heightens
senses and is perfect for a
high-energy dining room or
entry. When paired with white,
blue or black, it makes a crisp
statement. It’s great for a room
you don’t spend too much
time in. Other than red accents,
it’s not ideal for a child’s room
where it can evoke irritability. A
muddied red, like crimson, can
feel sophisticated and intimate.
Pair it with soft grey or blue for
a rich warm feeling in a den or
powder room and romance in
the bedroom.
Blue
is a regal colour with
a history of affluence and
strength. It has a calming effect
with the ability to reduce
blood pressure and heart
rate, therefore, perfect in a
bedroom, living room, kitchen
or bathroom. Deeper shades
can create drama and although
not a neutral, most colours pair
beautifully with it as an accent.
To offset the cool feeling of
lighter blues, add soft textures
and textiles.
Green
is the great refresher,
living happily in nature.
It’s restful for the senses,
comforting, calm and pleasing
to be surrounded by for long
periods of time. It promotes
concentration and allows
unwinding, so an ideal colour
for a home office, bedroom,
den, workout room or kitchen.
Blues, yellows and whites are
beautiful complements to most
shades of green. Plant greenery
adds life and texture to any
space.
Purple
has long been
associated with luxury and
drama. It promotes creativity
and although historically linked
with
114 wealth, it’s also a great
$3,180.00
$1,079.00
choice in modern décor as a
vibrant complement to an all
white backdrop or equally
as restful in deeper shades.
Jewel tone shades are stunning
in soft fabrics, such as velvet
and divine in a bedroom, den
or living room. Blue, green,
white, yellow or red are great
accent choices. Lighter hues
like lavender or lilac are more
feminine, feeling restful and
sophisticated.
Orange
inspires activity and
enthusiasm. It increases energy
and is believed to help heal
lungs. Although great for a
workout room, or a room that
faces north, use sparingly or
balance its intensity with white.
It’s a fun, bold choice, always in
style as an accent colour and a
happy infusion of liveliness. It’s
equally wonderful in a kitchen,
stimulating appetite and not
likely to feel overwhelming.
Warm shades of orange are
found everywhere in nature
and pair well with neutrals,
earth tones and shades of blue.
VS.
West Elm,
www.westelm.ca
by Michelle Cook
Made in Canada
$555.00
$199.00
VS.
$499.00
$1,175.00
Pottery Barn,
www.potterybarn.com
ELTE, www.Elte.com
$999.00
$119.00
VS.
Yellow is a happy and
uplifting, yet one of the hardest
colours to get right, based
on the variables of lighting.
On a large scale it can evoke
anger and frustration, even
making babies cry more often.
The bright sunshine shades
are best used as accents or
in a room with minimal wall
space and pair well with
white, black, green and blue.
Slightly toned down shades
of yellow can feel energizing,
stimulating conversation and
feel welcoming. It’s a beautiful
choice for a kitchen, dining
room, bathroom or entry. - Text
Brentwood Classics,
www.brentwoodclassics.com
West Elm, www.westelm.ca
Matouk, www.matouk.com
VS.
$68.00
$225.00
Graham & Brown,
www.grahambrown.com
Farrow & Ball
www.farrow-ball.com