In short, yes you definitely could give your mental health a boost with a soothing colour scheme. It’s all about choosing the right colours and shade that not only promote the atmosphere you are looking for, but appeal to you also.
The Impact of Our Environment on Our Mental Health
We have looked at the various ways in which our environment can have an affect on our mental health in articles such as 5 Reasons Why You May Feel Sad At Home. One of the ways in which you can positively change this is to adjust your colour scheme, whether that is through decorating or adding accents.
The home, office, school, outside spaces, wherever we are it all has an impact. It’s something we might not even be aware of, such as lighting and décor. It might even be an issue you are aware of, like clutter or being disorganised.
The effects can cause us to have lack of concentration, low mood, be unmotivated or to lose our interest in doing things.
Soothing Colour Schemes and Their Effects
Colour Theory has been around for centuries, Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of arranging pretty much anything has used it. It is used in business, medicine and retail, to name but a few. Have you ever wondered by hospitals and GP surgeries tend to be that cool minty green? Or why children’s centres and nurseries are brightly coloured? It is all to do with our psychology.
Here is a little rundown on a few colours…
Green
A calming colour that is most notably use in hospitals and doctors surgeries. It is thought to help us heal, think clearer and create stronger connections with people.
Red
Red is associated with fortune in many Asian countries, but is also known to help improve appetite.
Pink
Another calming colour, pink soothes and encourages positivity, giving us a better outlook amidst feelings of stress and anxiety.
Blue
Associated with honesty, it brings with it feelings of safety and security. This can boost our sense of comfort.
Yellow
Improving concentration and focus, yellow helps us forge new ways forward with a more positive mindset.
Orange
Lifts the mood with it’s sunny disposition and increases the feelings of positivity.
Purple
Is a colour that will aid in boosting creativity, as well as improving skills that help you solve problems and overcome challenges.
Think Pink
You may have spotted Essex House Dolly, Nicola on The Wonderment previously. Cleaning and organising aficionado, Nicola loves all things pink and gives us a few tips on getting that all important calming and positive atmosphere in the office!
Your office has to be an environment that helps you to feel relaxed and calm in order to be able to mentally keep focused to do your job. I personally am a massive lover of pink but in the shade of blush. I find it a very calming colour as well as very pretty and feminine. The best shade I feel to have as a great accent colour for any room in your home.
Choosing this tone for your office gives a soft touch and combined with grey, creates a modern effect. It gives a warm and friendly vibe enhancing a space full of light, creative possibility.
Nicola’s Top Tips
My first tip when using this colour is to first assess the room as to whether you want just a feature wall or all the walls painted pink. This is why I choose this hue of pink as magenta is too harsh a tone and all the walls painted in this would give you a migraine and not the calm feel.
Secondly, choose what furniture you need and opt for either white or grey in a wood finish. Metal does not fit this colour and would confuse the theme of the room. Also look at lighting and this stage and window dressings. I would opt for a blind for an office window as curtains to me are for the cosy look, not a working environment.
My third and final tip is I to accessorise the office with pink décor to add that finishing touch. Examples of this would be: organiser set, stationary, plastic trays for paperwork, tape dispenser, stapler, mouse for computer, wrist cushions, chair, wireless keyboard, even your actual desk, wall art and your all important coffee mug!
What colours help your mental health feel better? Do you use specific calming colours around your home, or just ones that appeal to you? Let us know on TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Facebook and Twitter as we’d love to know!
