If you’re looking to create a certain atmosphere in your home or business, pay attention to the colors you use. Colors can greatly influence the way we feel when we walk into a room. Research shows that different colors actually impact brain activity and affect our pulse and blood flow. We also tend to have a stronger memory for colors than we do for words or objects, which makes color an important factor in styling a home or place of business.
Colors have several characteristics that impact how they affect mood. The purer a color is, the more saturated it is. A more muted version of a color contains less saturation. Bright colors with less saturation have a relaxing effect, whereas saturated colors that are less bright make a person feel energized. Some colors, such as blues and greens, are considered “cool” whereas other colors, namely reds and oranges, are called “warm.” Warm colors make us feel physically warmer and they also grab our attention, so they are good colors to use to highlight a specific area of a room. Cool colors make a space actually feel cooler and they are associated with the outside, making them a good choice for warm seasons and climates.
If you own a retail business, you can decorate with drapes and upholstered furniture in specific colors to influence consumer activity. Orange increases appetite, which makes it a great color to use in a restaurant, as well as inspires people to take action, such as making a purchase. Red works similarly to orange, but it also increases blood pressure, causing bursts of energy and excitement. In contrast, blue and green are calming colors, and they are excellent choices if you want a relaxing atmosphere in your home or want a tranquil ambiance in your place of business. Blue also increases productivity and focus, making it an excellent choice in an office.
At Howard’s Upholstery in Brooklyn, NY, we can create custom furniture, drapes, and bedding in any color you desire. No matter the effect you are trying to create, we will work with you to use colors strategically and stylistically so you leave with a product you love and that works perfectly in your space. Embrace many different colors in your life and you will be amazed at how they impact you!