It is a proven fact that the colour scheme and lighting of your home can have an impact on the way you act and feel. Depending on each person’s inner feelings, some colours can make us smile whilst other colours can make us frown. Have you ever thought why the walls of children wards in hospitals, classrooms of pre-school children and even the walls of hospital nurseries wards are always so colourful and bright?
It is because of the important psychological impact colour and light have on the human being. So let us explain the impact of colour and lighting on our well-being practical:
1. Light colours tend to open up a room – making it look and feel more spacious than it really is. It also opens up the airiness of a room. On the other side; darker colours make a room look smaller. For instance, look at the smallest room of a house – the ceiling is always painted white or a light colour – it gives the impression of openness.
2. For rooms that rely mostly on artificial lighting, for instance offices in buildings or basement rooms of a house, light to pale colours are recommended for the walls. The reason is that these colours spread the artificial light more evenly around the room.
3. Why are office buildings; especially Government institution buildings, mostly painted greyish or brownish? It is believed that these colour-schemes inspire efficiency!
4. Relaxing colour schemes are blue or green. That is why these colours are mostly used in hospital wards – it is believed to establish a sense of calmness and it enhances recuperation.
5. The sun is life and therefore sunlight plays a vital role in regulating our moods, hormone production and other body functions. Unfortunately, the average person spends more than 75% of daylight hours indoors. Therefore, full advantage must be taken of natural daylight; but protect yourself against the harmful elements of the sun!
6. Light coloured blinds or curtains can be used to reflect the sun and to keep your house cool in hot weather.
7. Before installing light fixtures make sure it will fit in with the purpose of the room – for instance the lighting needs of the kitchen will differ from that of the dining room. Fortunately energy-saving light bulbs have taken the world by storm and the correct type must also be chosen for each type of room of the house.
So, next time before you start re-painting your house or putting in new light fittings, also take into consideration the psychology of colour and light in our lives.
By Hendrik DB de Villiers
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